Paul Rose helped Limerick FC bloom with a 57th minute strike that ensured a 1-0 win over nearest challengers Shamrock Rovers in the First Division.
When the sides met in the League Cup earlier in the week, it was John Lester who gave the Shannonsiders victory with a goal from a 20-yard free, but this time he missed a penalty in 75 minutes, after Tommy Barrett had been pulled down.
The opening half was played in low tempo, with just two real scoring opportunities.
Tony Flood hit the woodwork for the visitors, and Rose narrowly missing the target.
The game opened up after Rose broke the deadlock, running on to a through ball from Bobby Kelleher and while Rovers piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, they found no way past a solid Limerick rearguard.
