Shamrock Rovers were far too classy for a depleted Galway United in this eircom League Premier Division clash at Terryland Park.
The revitalised Dessie Baker was a central protagonist in this stylish win as the Hoops maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
Baker stroked Rovers into an 18th-minute lead and provided the assist for skipper Stephen Rice with a thoughtful flick just before the hour mark.
With Eoin Doyle prominent on the right flank Rovers made a positive start and rattled the Galway net in the first quarter.
Barry Murphy's long punt was glanced on by Baker and Doyle gathered possession. As the Galway defence retreated the ball spilled kindly for Baker, who steered a neat finish past Gary Rogers.
Galway had fashioned an opportunity themselves minutes earlier, but Murphy made a smashing fingertip save to thwart Vinny Faherty.
Before the break Alan Murphy spurned a gilt-edged opportunity when scampering clear after Ollie Fenn slipped, but Rogers denied the Hoop.
Rogers was powerless to prevent Rovers' second goal in the 58th minute as Baker returned to centre stage. Baker's subtle touch located Rice, who battered home a delightful strike to delight the typically passionate travelling support.
Thereafter Galway were forced to battle as Rovers confidently closed the deal to move within two points of table-toppers St Patrick's Athletic.
Galway United: Rogers; Nootimer, Charles (Conneely, 25), Fenn, McCulloch (Keane, 61); Russell, Foley (Cunningham, 61), Deegan, O'Brien; Leech, Faherty.
Shamrock Rovers: B Murphy; O'Brien, Maguire, Ferguson, D O'Connor; Doyle (Martin, 70), Rice, McGill, S O’Connor (Creevey, 85); A Murphy (Purcell, 56), Baker.
Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).
