Robbie Farrell hit four goals as Dundalk won the eircom League of Ireland First Division title in the most amazing of circumstances at Station Road.
When the final whistle blew in Newbridge, Shelbourne were still winning 1-0 at Tolka Park and as the Dundalk players shook hands with their Kildare County counterparts, even the most optimistic Dundalk fan must have resigned themselves to another year in the First Division.
However, they went from despair to absolute joy in a matter of seconds as news came through of Limerick 37's dramatic last-gasp equaliser, which sparked a celebratory pitch invasion from the visiting supporters.
Farrell was the man of the moment with two goals in either half but his fourth raised nothing more than a gentle round of applause coming just two minutes after Anto Flood had given Shelbourne the lead at Tolka Park.
Farrell is something of a lucky mascot for John Gill as he finished top scorer at Dublin City the last time that he managed a team to a league title.
The four-goal hero was replaced in the 71st minute but Dundalk were not finished and they added goals through David Cassidy and Derek Doyle.
Kildare's late consolation came when Paul Shiels put through his own net but that scarcely mattered in the greater scheme of things.
Captain John Flanagan lifted the league trophy in front of the delighted supporters.
Kildare County: O'Neill; Kavanagh, Donnelly (Mooney 63), Issaka, Powderly; Brady, Osbourne, Slattery (Murray h/t), Farrell; Kilduff, Hughes (Bowers 63).
Dundalk: Bennion; Flanagan, Kelly, Whelahan, Crawley; Cassidy, Shiels, Crowley (Marney 74), Doyle; Farrell (Smyth 71), Mulvenna (Vaughan 69).
Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).
