RTÉ Sport contributor

New Republic of Ireland cap Adam Brennan lit up Tallaght Stadium with a sparkling display and assists late in the first half for Aaron Greene and John McGovern.

The former UCD winger took control of proceedings three minutes from the break as he went on a mazy run and chipped in for hometown man Greene to nod home expertly.

And he wound his way past Jimmy Keohane in injury time before teeing up Newry native McGovern for a well taken finish.

It was the spark the game needed having been devoid of goalmouth action for the majority of the first period.

And substitute Michael Noonan - on for Greene - made sure of the result two minutes from the end as he nodded home from close range.

Haitian striker Frantz Pierrot pulled a goal back for John Caulfield's side in injury time but the gulf in class between the champions and Galway was clear to see.

Kilnamanagh man Greene pulled a shot wide midway through the first half following good work from Jake Mulraney, while Galway’s Conor McCormack’s shot was blocked by Lee Grace.

The fleet of foot Brennan beat Keohane on the left and clipped the ball over for McGovern but the striker’s header back into the box was cleared by Killian Brouder.

Brennan again teed up the former Dungannon Swifts man but this time the goalbound effort was hacked off the line by Italian defender Gianfranco Facchineri.

The visitors could not hold out for the entire half, however, as Brennan showed wit and determined to pick out Greene for a tidy headed finish.

Midfielder Matt Healy struck the post moments later but there was still time for a second before the break as Brennan laid it on a plate for McGovern.

Rovers keeper Ed McGinty was called into action for the first time two minutes after the restart as half-time sub Pierrot was slipped and turned Grace but the keeper was live to the danger.

Greene was played in once more following good work from Brennan and once again the base of the post came to the away team’s rescue.

Brennan had a chance of his own as he was picked out in the box by Jake Mulraney but Evan Watts was down quickly to deny him from short range.

And McGinty was decisive as Arthur Parker’s cross was deflected into the path of Galway striker Stephen Walsh, sticking out a leg quickly to turn away the low shot.

And Noonan wrapped things up with a well-taken finish before Pierrot nodded home a consolation from McCarthy’s cross.

Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Tunmise Sobowale (Max Kovaleskis 82), Lee Grace, Enda Stevens; Jake Mulraney (Adam Matthews 60), Jack Byrne (John O’Sullivan 68), Conor Malley (Maleace Asamoah 82), Matt Healy, Adam Brennan; John McGovern, Aaron Greene (Michael Noonan 68).

Galway United: Evan Watts; Jimmy Keohane (Arthur Parker 46), Gianfranco Facchineri, Killian Brouder, Lee Devitt; Conor McCormack (Wasiri Williams 46), Matthew Wolfe (Aaron Bolger 64), Axel Piesold (Frantz Pierrrot 46); David Hurley, Ed McCarthy, Stephen Walsh (Al Amin Kazeem 85).

Referee: Arnold Hunter (Ennisklilen).

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Source: RTE