Hat-trick hero Gary Twigg was the star of the show as Shamrock Rovers stretched their unbeaten run to four games at Terryland Park.
Rovers’ recent record against Galway gave them cause for optimism having taken 14 out of a possible 18 points in their last six League encounters.
And by the middle of the first half Rovers were controlling the contest as two quickfire Twigg goals gave them a healthy lead.
Four minutes in Dessie Baker carved a chance for Twigg, who climbed delightfully to nod the Hoops ahead.
Baker was involved again in the 17th minute when his chip wasn’t gathered by Galway custodian Barry Ryan, and Twigg guided Rovers two clear.
Galway’s only chance of the first half arrived shortly before the break when Jay O’Shea’s quick corner found Seamus Conneely, but Derek O’Brien wasn’t able to make a significant connection with the full-back’s delivery.
After the restart Galway finally started to play and Vinny Faherty halved the deficit with a powerful 55th minute drive.
But Rovers responded and Twigg put the Hoops two clear again on 63 when bundling Seanie O’Connor’s corner over the line.
Galway United: Ryan; Conneely, Guthrie, Breen, Daveron; O’Shea, McBrien (Edwards, 46), Kelly, Murphy (Cooke, 72), O’Brien; Faherty.
Shamrock Rovers: Duggan; Treacy, Webb, Maguire, Cahill; Robinson, Cameron, Rice, O’Connor (Madden, 77); Baker (Purcell, 81), Twigg (Amond, 86).
Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).
