A second half own-goal from Garry Buckley condemned Galway United to a rare defeat on Monday night at Eamonn Deacy Park against Shamrock Rovers.
The Tribesmen were unbeaten at home since April prior to their narrow loss against the Hoops.
But Buckley’s calamitous own-goal ended that impressive run.
Striker Marc McNulty handed Rovers a first half lead when he swiped the ball home following a corner-kick.
Galway, however, responded and were level on the half hour mark when Galway United skipper Conor McCormack slotted home a penalty on his 120th appearance for the club.
But with time running out, Buckley turned the ball into his own net when attempting to clear the ball under pressure from Johnny Kenny.
Rovers are now just eight points behind leaders Shelbourne in the race for the league title, while Galway are sixth as their hopes of qualifying for Europe next season took a major hit.
Galway United:Brendan Clarke; Killian Brouder, Garry Buckley, Greg Cunningham, Jeannot Esua (Colm Horgan 12), Patrick Hickey; Vincent Borden (David Hurley 72), Jimmy Keohane, Conor McCormack (Conor O'Keeffe 72); Edward McCarthy (Robert Slevin 90), Stephen Walsh.
Subs not used:Jack Brady, Regan Donelon, Francely Lomboto, Karl O’Sullivan.
Booked:Greg Cunningham (17), Conor McCormack (45), John Caulfield (85).
Shamrock Rovers:Léon-Maurice Pöhls; Seán Hoare (Trevor Clarke 76), Joshua Honohan (Lee Grace 81), Pico; Daniel Cleary, Neil Farrugia, Gary O'Neill (Darragh Burns 81), Dylan Watts; Jack Byrne, Marc McNulty (Daniel Mandroiu 65), Richard Towell (Johnny Kenny 65).
Subs not used:Lee Steacy, Seán Kavanagh, Darragh Nugent, Markus Poom.
