Ruairi Keating scored an emotional hat-trick on Friday night, just under two months on from the tragic passing of his father.
Ciaran Keating, the brother of Boyzone singer Ronan, died in a collision involving two vehicles, while on his way to watch his son play for Cork City in an away game at Sligo Rovers.
Poignantly, against the same opposition on Friday night, Keating scored all of the Rebels' goals in a 3-0 victory in what was a crucial game in the battle to avoid relegation.
After scoring the first from the penalty spot, the 28-year-old dropped to his knees and gestured towards the sky, while his celebration for his second goal also brought emotional scenes to Turner's Cross.
On 74 minutes, Keating scored his third goal, before taking off his jersey donned with the family name and holding it up towards the crowd. He then fell to his knees again while being congratulated by his teammates.
A hat-trick and a hero's reception from the Shed after the game.
Incredible tonight, Ruairí Keating 💚#CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/LNZEzoTXsN— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) September 1, 2023
Ruairi Keating remembers his father while scoring hat-trick
"It was very emotional hat-trick for him, bearing in mind the tragic news he got was up in Sligo a few weeks back," said Cork City Head Coach Liam Buckley after the game.
"I'm delighted for him. We were only speaking the other day about forwards getting chances, he's got three or four chances tonight and bagged a hat-trick. A great hat-trick and I'm delighted for him."
Friday night's appearance was just the fourth for Keating since the passing of Ciaran, and he had already scored twice since his return to the side.
He now has 11 goals in the League of Ireland Premier Division the season, and if Cork are to stay up at the first time of asking, Keating's goals will have a lot to do with it.
This was some strike from Drogheda United's Kyle Robinson last night 😳pic.twitter.com/ACujACx3kn
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 2, 2023
League of Ireland results
Buckley's side still occupy the relegation play-off spot but are now just three points behind Sligo, with Drogheda United a further five ahead.
Drogs also won 3-0 last night, with Kyle Robinson's sensational 45-yard strike against UCD being shared widely after the game.
Further up the table, Shamrock Rovers extended their lead at the top of the table with another 3-0 victory, this one against Bohemians, while Derry City climbed to second with a 3-1 win at Dundalk.
There were dramatic scenes at Tolka Park, as two late Shelbourne goals sealed a 2-1 win over St. Patrick's Athletic, and Head Coach Damien Duff certainly enjoyed the feeling, if the below clip is anything to go by.
Shelbourne were down a goal after 80 minutes to St Pat's tonight.
They won 2-1.
It would be an understatement to say Damien Duff enjoyed that result.pic.twitter.com/MlSXvOjwxe— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 1, 2023
