Shamrock Rovers retain Irish title

Shamrock Rovers FC retained the Irish Premier Division title with a game to spare after a dramatic 2-1 victory at University College Dublin AFC on Tuesday.

The Hoops went into the derby needing a win to pip Sligo Rovers FC to the championship, and achieved it in the fourth minute of added time as substitute Dean Kelly turned in a shot from Stephen O'Donnell to spark frenzied celebrations.

Reduced to ten men following Craig Sives' red card in the 47th minute, Rovers took the lead through Ken Oman's header (68). Robert Benson flicked in an equaliser within two minutes but UCD also had a man sent off as Darren Meenan felled Conor McCormack with ten minutes to play.

The real drama was to come, though, as Kelly scored a last-gasp winner to secure Rovers' 17th title. Manager Michael O'Neill said: "It's a marvellous achievement and the players deserve immense credit. They have been superb all season and they deserve this."

Having become the first Irish team to reach the UEFA Europa League group stage this season, Rovers will be looking to do likewise in the UEFA Champions League next summer as they return to qualifying. First, though, they will aim to sign off in style by concluding their campaign with a home victory against Galway United FC on Friday.

Meanwhile, Shelbourne FC were also celebrating tonight after securing promotion back to the top flight. Irish champions 13 times, the Dublin club spent five years in the second tier.