Despite Derry City's best efforts with a tenacious 1-0 win over Cork City at the Brandywell, Shelbourne came from a goal down to beat Dublin rivals Bohemians to ensure they were crowned Eircom League Premier Division champions on goal difference tonight.
Mark Farren scored the only goal of the game after 11 minutes on a cold night in Derry. At that point it appeared the northern side had a chance to overcome league leaders Shelbourne as they had gone a goal down through Barry Ferguson's opener (15) for Bohs.
However Pat Fenlon's men regrouped and captain Stuart Byrne levelled matters from the penalty spot on 23 minutes. The pressure eased when Glenn Crowe put Shels ahead and all of a sudden destiny was back in their own hands.
Despite nerves towards the end - plus Richie Baker getting red-carded -Shels held on to secure the title with a 2-1 win. Shels and Derry tied at the top with 62 points apiece.
"I'm lost for words to be honest with you," said Fenlon after the final whistle. "I can't tell you how proud I am of the players, they got their just rewards after a long, hard season."
"I said all along, if you work hard, you get what you deserve. We took a few knocks this year but we got what we deserved tonight," added Fenlon, who has now steered Shels to three league titles in four years.
Up in Derry Stephen Kenny, who is now off to manage Scottish Premier side Dunfermline, was proud of his players despite losing out by the narrowest of margins.
"We're all bitterly disappointed to lose on goal difference but we have to respect that," said the outgoing Derry manager.
"It has been a tremendous journey up here in Derry and I can't praise the players and fans enough. The support has been fantastic all season. Unfortunately, it was down to goal difference, which is unusual in itself."
Elsewhere Drogheda United ensured qualification for Europe after overtaking Cork to secure third plus a defence of the Setanta Cup with their hard-fought 1-0 victory over a dogged Waterford side who belied their position at the bottom of the table.
Following a scoreless opening half the home side hit the front just short of the hour mark and controlled matters to the final whistle. Shane Barrett created the opening for Drogheda's top scorer Declan O'Brien who guided his header home.
