Shamrock Rovers lift trophy after seeing off Derry City

Fittingly Shamrock Rovers brought the curtain down on their home campaign with a deserved victory over their nearest rivals Derry City.

Player of the match Rory Gaffney scored the all important goal just before the break and the Hoops showed their experience and quality in the second half to see out the win and also secure goalkeeper Alan Mannus' his 98th clean sheet of his career.

For the Candystripes they had a few half chances, but despite having most of the possession, they never really tested Mannus and suffered their first domestic loss in 19 games.

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Derry players did a guard of honour to show their respect to the newly crowned champions as they entered the pitch to a great reception, at a packed Tallaght Stadium.

Both sides were just like two boxers feeling each other out in the opening quarter and it was the visitors who went close on 29 minutes as Sean Hoare's terrible back pass from the half-way line only found Jamie McGonigle, but the striker's 20 yard strike was tipped around the post by Mannus.

Meanwhile at the other end Dan Cleary's right wing cross found fellow centre-back Lee Grace at the back post, but his powerful header into the ground was saved at the second attempt by City keeper Brian Maher.

Shamrock Rovers lead Derry City 1-0 at half-time through Rory Gaffney's goal Watch the second half live on @RTE2 & @RTEplayer #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/x5lB9TgZqR

The deadlock was broken on 38 minutes as Andy Lyons' got away from Ronan Boyce, before seeing his left wing cross find Gaffney at the near post, his initial close range effort was blocked by Shane McEleney, but the striker turned home the rebound from close range.

Soon after Maher had to make a smart save to deny Rovers a second goal, this