IT was a Cork-ing night in the Championship as Alan Browne, Seanie Maguire, Conor Hourihane and John Egan were on top form.

Mahon’s Alan Browne and ex-Cork City striker Seanie Maguire struck for Preston in a 2-1 win over Bristol City, which brought their side to within one point of sixth and a play-off spot. Maguire hit three goals off the bench in four days.

Daryl Horgan wasn't involved for Preston but Galway's Greg Cunningham started at left back.

Bandon native Hourihane pulled the strings again in midfield for Villa in a 3-0 defeat of Sunderland. They’re in third spot, four points behind Cardiff City in the race from automatic promotion. Leaders Wolves, who take on Leeds on Wednesday night, are three points above Cardiff.

Hourihane, who switched to Villa from Barnsley midway through last season, has excelled all campaign. He has hit nine goals, including a belter in a derby against Birmingham last month.

Bishopstown’s John Egan captained 10th-placed Brentford to a 2-0 win over Burton.

When Martin O'Neill announces his squad for Ireland's friendly against Turkey we can expect the Cork crew to feature heavily. David Meyler is certain to be included despite falling out of favour with Hull City.

Meyler, who captained Ireland during the World Cup qualifying campaign, has only featured four times since Hull appointed Nigel Adkins as manager and with his contract up at the end of the season will depart the club in the summer, ending a stint that goes back to 2012. Hull are currently only three points above the relegation zone.