FOR everybody. with the exception of Shelbourne goalkeeper Alan Gough, it was party time at Richmond Park.

The unfortunate Gough, already beaten by Martin Reilly for the opening goal for St Patrick's after 15 minutes, went off after 58 minutes to have six stitches put in a wound over his right eye.

"I may not look that pretty, but will be in goal for the (FAI) Cup final, there is no doubt about that," he said afterwards.

Midfielder Brian Flood took over from Gough and was beaten by a John Glynn lob from 30 yards after 63 minutes and a deft back-heel from Reilly after 73 minutes as St Patrick's turned on the style to celebrate their Championship triumph.

With a samba band pounding out the beat, it was all one touch stuff, with Shelbourne making up the numbers.

Shelbourne provided a guard of honour as the home team took the field, carrying bouquets of flowers and footballs, all thrown to the fans.

At half-time there were presentations for Harry Boland and Damien Byrne. Boland was captain when St Patrick's won their first title back in 1951 and Byrne had the arm band when they won again six years ago.

Even referee Pat Kelly got into the act, getting a presentation to mark his last league championship game. The Corkman retires after the Cup final next Monday.

"A very special day for me," smiled St Patrick's boss Brian Kerr. It's every manager's dream to win the league title and as this is the first time St Patrick's have won playing out of Richmond Park, it's a little piece of history."

For the record, St Patrick's won their other titles playing out of Chapelizod, Milltown and Harold's Cross.