Method and madness earned St Patrick's Athletic a deserved opening win to the new season as Galway United self-destructed at Richmond Park.

Charles Mbabazi Livingstone scored a well-worked lead goal on 53 minutes before Galway captain Billy Clery stupidly got himself sent-off for striking Ger McCarthy, conceding a penalty in the process which was converted by Martin Russell.

A poor back-pass from Darragh Sheridan then let in substitute Liam Kelly to add a third goal late on as Galway's promising start to this game descended to disaster.

The only downside to an excellent first half was its lack of a goal. And they could have come at both ends. St Patrick's had much of the play, but Galway were a danger on the counter and might have scored twice following some intuitive play.

Shay Kelly was forced into a good stop from Sean Malee on six minutes while the St Patrick's goalkeeper had an upright to thank for keeping out a 35-yard shot from Alan Murphy on the half-hour. Otherwise, it was mostly St Patrick's though, sadly minus a cutting edge up front.

Michael Holt was lively but it was left to central defenders Colm Foley, who shot against the crossbar, and Darragh Maguire to really trouble Galway.

Mbabazi ended a fine move involving Paul Osam and Paul Marney to shoot St Patrick's in front. Galway then threw it away thanks to Clery's moment of madness on 68 minutes with Kelly lobbing the third 11 minutes from the end.

St Patrick's Athletic: S Kelly; Croly, C Foley (K Foley 87 mins), Maguire, Burke; Mbabazi, Marney, Osam, Russell; McCarthy, Holt (L Kelly 59 mins).

Galway United: Hickey; Keady (Thornton 87 mins), Clery, Silke, Fortune; Malee (Forde 86 mins), Sheridan, Crossley, Murphy (Byrne 87mins), Carberry; Ryan.

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin)