Dundalk beat Shamrock Rovers 3-1 to end Irish champions' season

Shamrock Rovers secured their sixth league title in seven seasons on a Friday night that ended with a 3-1 defeat at Dundalk. The Tallaght club claimed the silverware with a game to spare, a first in their current streak of dominance, as they played the final match of the season away from home.

Dundalk recorded their first home victory in more than five months, breaking a run of just one win in their last 14 matches. The result completed a home double over Rovers for the Louth club, which finished the season in sixth place. Dundalk had already secured its status for the following season, having won the First Division last year.

Shamrock Rovers led 1-0 until the 57th minute thanks to an own goal by Rob Cornwall in the 23rd minute. Cornwall headed the ball into his own net from a corner kick by Dylan Watts. Dundalk equalized when Daryl Horgan scored his 12th league goal of the season from a pass by Keith Buckley.

Cian Dillon gave the home side the lead in the 65th minute with a close-range header. Four minutes later, Dillon added a second goal after Gary O'Neill was fouled inside the penalty area by Ronan Teahan. O'Neill, who was returning from testicular cancer, had made only his second appearance of the season.

Dundalk goalkeeper Peter Cherrie, 43, played 33 minutes before leaving the pitch. The Scottish keeper began his career in 2002 and had three spells at the club. His replacement was James Minogue.

Shamrock Rovers captain Roberto Lopes finished the year with the league trophy, following his participation in the World Cup earlier in the summer. The club now holds more consecutive titles than Dundalk, which won five in six seasons in the previous decade.

In other results, Drogheda United needed help to avoid a relegation playoff. The team won 3-2 at home against Shelbourne, with Tom Lonergan scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute. Drogheda had previously defeated Galway United 2-0.