Bohemians remain in control on top of the League of Ireland Premier Division after two first half strikes saw off the challenge of Bray Wanderers at Dalymount Park.
Killian Brennan struck first for the defending champions in the 42nd minute, before Jason Byrne found the net moments before half time.
Cork City kept up the chase and remain three points adrift thanks to Billy Dennehy’s emphatic finish from the Fahrudin Kuduzovic’s low cross in the 16th minute against Galway United.
Cork’s win means Derry City are back to third after Darren Mansaram was on target for Dundalk at the Brandywell to give Sean Connor’s side three valuable away points.
The win lifts Dundalk to seventh on 10 points.
Near neighbours Drogheda, however, remain bottom on three points after failing to find the net against Sligo Rovers.
The draw came about despite the visitors having played with 10-man for half the game, after Danny Ventre was sent off, and nine men for the remaining seven minutes after Owen Morrison was dismissed.
