Despite drawing 0-0 with Wexford at Turner's Cross, Cork City secured their place back in the top flight of Irish football as they claimed the SSE Airtricity First Division title following Galway United’s defeat to Athlone Town.
Colin Healy, who was serving the second of his three-game touchline ban, made just the one change from his side that was beaten 2-1 by Galway United in their last outing three weeks ago as Jimmy Corcoran replaced the injured David Harrington in goal.
Due to what the club described as "late arrival and crowd congestion" the game started ten minutes later than planned.
It wasn’t until the 10th minute that City created their first meaningful chance in front of a raucous crowd of 6,035 as Barry Coffey saw his lopping header by Alex Moody before the number 10 then drilled an effort just wide of the target.
But the Rebel Army knew Wexford were going to be a tough opponent given that they only won their two away meetings at Ferrycarrig Park 1-0 while their last encounter here ended 1-1 back in May.
Wexford boss Ian Ryan also made just the one alteration from his side that began their game last Friday with Jack Doherty coming in for Thomas Considine, who dropped to the substitute’s bench.
And they almost took the lead in the 16th minute but Doherty’s shot from distance deflected just over the target.
But in truth, the game was dominated by City but they came up against an inspired Alex Moody who made three incredible saves to deny Cian Murphy and captain Cian Coleman twice from close-range midway through the first half.
He then denied Murphy and Keating when they fired towards the goal from a tight angle either side of the half time break although he would finally be beaten with 69 minutes on the clock.
But then he was relieved to see officials award a free out after Barry Coffey appeared to have poked the ball across the line when Ruairí Keating’s initial header came back off the bar.
The frustration didn’t last long amongst the home faithful though as news of Galway’s 2-1 defeat to Athlone meant that if City didn’t conceded then they would be champions. They duly held on to secure their return to the Premier Division.
While Cork celebrated there was disappointment at Deacy Park where things had started so brightly for the Tribesmen.
Stephen Walsh gave Galway the lead after just two minutes but they couldn't build on that early goal and Adam Lennon levelled 16 minutes later before a goal from Thomas Oluwa with ten minutes to go, ensured that Galway will have to go through the play-off route if they're to be promoted.
Waterford, who also have promotion aspirations, cemented their grip of second place with a convincing 3-0 victory over Treaty United. First-half goals from Junior Quitirna and Raul Uche set Waterford on their way before Phoenix Patterson's second-half strike made sure of the win.
Longford meanwhile have left it too late for a final push towards the Premier Division but they still came out of the right side of a six-goal clash with bottom side Cobh Ramblers as they won 4-2 away from home.
Cork City: Jimmy Corcoran; Cian Coleman, Ally Gilchrist, Jonas Hakkinen; Cian Bargary, Matt Healy, Barry Coffey, Aaron Bolger, Darragh Crowley; Cian Murphy, Ruairí Keating, Cian Murphy.
Wexford: Alex Moody; Eoin Farrell, Joe Manley, Paul Cleary, Adam Wells (Len O’Sullivan 84); Luka Lovic, Conor Crowley, Harry Groome; Jack Doherty (Conor Barry 84), Aaron Dobbs, Conor Davis (Thomas Considine 70).
Referee: Paul Norton.
