Cork City manager John Caulfield is hopeful the absence of Darren Dennehy and Garry Buckley from Sunday’s trip to face Limerick will prove an opportunity for other squad members.

With Dundalk six points clear at the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, it’s hard to believe that, back in March, Stephen Kenny’s team lost their opening game in the campaign 4-1 to neighbours Drogheda United.

Airtricity First Division: Nine-man Finn Harps inflicted a fifth straight First Division defeat upon Shamrock Rovers B yesterday with a 1-0 win at Tallaght Stadium.

There’s always been a rich and rewarding rivalry between Cork City and Derry City, but tonight’s SSE Airtricity Premier League clash at Turner’s Cross offers up an extra level of intrigue as, in what will be Peter Hutton’s first game in charge, the Candystripes will hope to show signs that there is life — and a better one — after Roddy Collins.

It isn’t quite a top of the table clash – since joint leaders St Pat’s are not in action until they travel to Sligo tomorrow – but Oriel Park is the venue for a big SSE Airtricity League game this evening, as third hosts first with the meeting of Dundalk and Cork City.

The first time out for reigning champions will always attract attention but there’s a lot more to the appearance of St Patrick’s Athletic at Turner’s Cross tonight to guarantee the fixture’s billing as the stand-out opening game of the 2014 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season.