Shamrock Rovers clinch sixth title in seven seasons as Dundalk beat them 3-1 at Oriel Park

Rovers secure the title before the final night

Shamrock Rovers had already won the Premier Division title on home soil before the last round, so the trip to Oriel Park was a celebration they could enjoy whatever the result. Dundalk ended the party with a 3-1 win, their first home win in just over five months, since a 2-1 victory over Derry City on 29 May. It was the champions' sixth title in seven seasons and their 23rd overall. It was also the first time in their current period of dominance that the trophy was collected away from home. Around 750 Rovers supporters travelled up the M1 and let off fireworks early on.

Dundalk turn the game after the break

Rob Cornwall put Rovers ahead with an own goal on 23 minutes from Dylan Watts' corner, and the visitors led 1-0 at half-time. After a triple change the champions lost their way, and Daryl Horgan's 57th-minute strike, his 12th league goal of the campaign, drew Dundalk level. Cian Dillon, the former Rovers player, headed the hosts in front on 65 minutes. He added a second on 68 minutes after Ronan Teahan dispossessed Gary O'Neill inside the penalty area. The win ended Dundalk's seven-match winless run, and they finish the season sixth, completing a home double over Rovers.

Rovers' points tally and goals conceded

Rovers finished on 68 points, fewer than their totals of 78 in 2021, 79 in 2022 and 72 in 2023. Their 38 goals conceded are the highest in five seasons. Dundalk, in their first campaign back in the top flight, end the year in sixth place.

202178

202279

202372

202668

2021

78 points

2022

79 points

2023

72 points

2026

68 points

Data from the article text

Second place, Europe and the chasing pack

Bohemians came from behind to beat St Patrick's Athletic in the Dublin derby at Richmond Park and secure second place, five points ahead of Pat's and three behind the champions. Sean McHale gave Pat's an early lead with a header on eight minutes, but Jordan Flores equalised for Bohs on 36 minutes. Cian Byrne put Bohs ahead before half-time, and Connor Parsons added another on 56 minutes. Kian Leavy pulled a goal back for Pat's on the hour. Second place is worth a minimum of €525,000, rather than €325,000, along with a bye into the second round of the UEFA Conference League next summer. Chris Forrester's rumoured departure from St Pat's is one of the summer's open questions.

Drogheda and Sligo close their seasons

Drogheda United beat Galway United comfortably at Sullivan & Lambe Park. Brandon Kavanagh opened the scoring on 32 minutes, and Mark Doyle lobbed the debutant Galway goalkeeper eight minutes after the restart. Ryan Brennan, the club captain, came on in the 70th minute and bid farewell to the home crowd. Drogheda will now face either Bray Wanderers or UCD in a promotion/relegation play-off final. Sligo Rovers, already relegated, led Derry City 2-0 at half-time at the Showgrounds. Kaiyne Woolery was sent off early in the second half, and the 17-year-old Terence Doherty then scored twice in four minutes to earn Derry City a point. Sligo finish their top-flight spell with a run of 18 league games without a win.