Champions Shamrock Rovers showed why they're still the team to beat after producing a stunning performance to easily defeat Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
First half goals from Richie Towell and Jack Byrne sealed the victory but in truth it was their overall display which showed their class as they dominated for the majority of the contest.
In Byrne, they have the best player in the league and his individual performance demonstrated why Rovers were so desperate to keep their man from moving to the MLS.
But Derry manager Ruaidhri Higgins will be disappointed that his players failed to turn up on the big stage and it will be a case of going back to the drawing board.
An interested spectator at the game was Republic of Ireland international James McClean, who was back supporting his former club.
As it happened: Derry City 0-2 Shamrock Rovers
City had the first real chance on seven minutes as Ryan Graydon's clipped right wing cross found Michael Duffy at the back post, but after rising well his header down flashed just wide.
Rovers started to up the ante with Byrne in particular running things from midfield and they went close on 14 minutes as Towell's flick was cleared away by Shane McEleney.
Richie Towell volleys Shamrock Rovers to a 1-0 lead over Derry City with a superb improvised finish after a sweeping move by the visitors.
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The visitors deservedly broke the deadlock on 30 minutes in spectacular style as Byrne's delishes cross field pass found Trevor Clarke and the left wing back's header found Towell, who burst into the box to volley the ball over City keeper Brian Maher.
Right on the stroke of half-time Byrne's quick thinking a goalkeeping error by Maher resulted in Rovers doubling their lead.
Jack Byrne ensures Shamrock Rovers lead Derry City 2-0 at half-time.
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The City shot-stopper raced out of his goal to clear the ball close to the left hand side-line, Gary O'Neill flicked the loose ball into the centre of the pitch and Byrne fired home into the unguarded net from 30 yards out.
Derry made a double change at half-time with Colm Whelan and Jordan McEneff replacing Jamie McGonigle and Oliver O'Neill.
The champions were forced into a change just after the hour mark as goalkeeper Alan Mannus had to be replaced by Leon Pohls, after the ex-Northern Ireland international seemed to hurt his hand.
Derry created a super chance on 71 minutes as McEnefff's centre found fellow substitute Cian Kavanagh, but the frontman's touch let him down and the ball was easily gathered by Pohls.
The hosts were rightfully awarded a penalty on 86 minutes as Daniel Cleary fouled Cian Kavanagh inside the box, but Ben Doherty's resulting penalty was kept out by Pohls, the Rovers keeper diving to his right to save the spot-kick.
Derry City: Brian Maher, Ronan Boyce, Shane McEleney, Cameron McJannet, Ben Doherty; Sadou Diallo (Cian Kavanagh 68), Adam O'Reilly, Oliver O'Neill (Jordan McEneff 45); Ryan Graydon (Brandon Kavanagh 84), Jamie McGonigle (Colm Whelan 45), Michael Duffy.
Shamrock Rovers: Alan McManus (Leon Polhs 63), Daniel Cleary, Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace; Neil Finn (Sean Hoare 77), Gary O'Neill, Markus Poom, Richie Towell, Trevor Clarke (Neil Farrugia 77); Jack Byrne, Johnny Kenny (Aaron Greene 68).
Referee: Robert Harvey (Dublin).
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