CORK City boss Pat Dolan praised winger Liam Kearney after his crucial winner over Drogheda on Monday night kept Cork City in the eircom League title hunt with just two games to go. The Leesiders trail Shels by three points and Dolan exclaimed, “Liam’s a little genius. I told him I was going to need a big goal from him – and I got it. There was blood, sweat and tears out there. I really am proud of my players. They showed character.” . . .

SHAMROCK Rovers goalkeeping coach Pat Dunne is recovering in the Mater Hospital after suffering a heart attack on the pitch before Friday night’s derby defeat to Bohemians at Tolka Park . . .

IRELAND goalkeeper Shay Given became a dad for the first time when wife Jane gave birth to Shayne Niall on Sunday night.