Republic of Ireland round-up: Rovers retain bright start

Shamrock Rovers FC maintained their unbeaten start to the Irish Premier Division campaign with a 2-1 win against leaders Cork City FC at Richmond Park on Sunday.

Heffernan blunder
John O'Flynn put the visitors in front on 20 minutes but Stephen Grant's equaliser on the hour set up a barnstorming finish. Cork's new signing Robbie Heffernan had the misfortune of handing Rovers victory with an own goal three minutes from time.

Byrne double
After five games, the only other undefeated side are Shelbourne FC, who climbed to the top of the table with a 2-2 draw against Saint Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park. Jason Byrne put Shelbourne ahead inside just 31 seconds - but goals from Tony Bird and Paul Osam had turned the game on its head by the hour. The home side created numerous chances in the closing stages and equalised five minutes from time when Byrne found the net with a close-range volley.

Morrison volley
Elsewhere, Bohemian FC returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory against Waterford United FC, Ukrainian Andrei Pereplyotkin put visiting Bohemians ahead on two minutes but Kevin Waters levelled soon after. However, Stephen Kenny's side edged ahead again ten minutes from time through Dave Morrison's volley and Glenn Crowe sealed all three points with a late lob.

Delany at the death
A last-minute goal from substitute Derek Delany earned Drogheda United FC a 2-2 draw with Longford Town FC at United Park and Derry City FC picked up their first victory of the season with a 1-0 win against University College Dublin FC, who have lost each of their opening five fixtures.