If Cork and Shels were playing in the Premier Division this season they would have finished above UCD, Drogheda and Galway. With Bohs, Dundalk and Bray certainties to be weaker next season, both Cork and Shels should be finishing mid-table at worst next season even if they stick with the same squads as this season. If Cork can pull in 3k punters per game next season they should have the budgetary capacity to push for a top 4 and a possible European spot. I'm sure Shels will strengthen their squad too and if they continue the momentum from their cup run they should fancy themselves for a top 6 spot.
The majority of Shels' squad already have PD experience when the league was stronger and have done respectably at that level. Philly Hughes hasn't had the opportunity to play at PD level since he had half a season with an awful Dublin City side in 2004. He is in the form of his career and scoring 27 in all comps and in 4 cup games against PD opposition this season he has scored 3 goals. Those facts don't suggest to me that he will struggle to score goals in the PD unless Shels let go their best players and fail to strengthen.