Aaron Greene broke Shamrock Rovers' hearts as he silenced Tallaght Stadium with a second half equaliser.

 

The result all but ended Rovers' title ambitions and is a massive boost to Galway's hopes of Premier Division survival.

 

Three points behind, with an inferior goal difference of 16, only a ridiculous sequence of results can deny Rovers' arch-rivals Bohemians an 11th title next week.

 

From Galway's viewpoint, if they match either of St. Patrick's Athletic's or Sligo Rovers' result next week, they will secure Premier Division football next season.

 

Rovers started well, but wasted early chances before finally taking the lead a minute before half time.

 

Stephen Bradley crossed from the right and Gary Twigg headed home his 24th goal of the season.

 

Battling Galway never lied down, however, and Greene produced a moment of magic to level on 69 minutes.

 

Cutting past two defenders, the 19-year-old, ironically from nearby Clondalkin, rifled a low shot past Alan Mannus.

 

Galway had defender Gary Breen sent off for a harsh second yellow card for a foul on Rovers skipper Shane Robinson on 77 minutes.

 

Rovers pressed for the remainder of the game and Stephen Rice shot against a post a minute into stoppage time as Galway held out.

 

Shamrock Rovers: Mannus; Sullivan, Sives, Price, Cahill; Bradley, Robinson, Rice, O'Connor (Kavanagh 59); Twigg (Amond 77), Baker (Barrett 59).

 

Galway United: Ryan; Sinnott, Breen, Guthrie, Conneely; Cooke, McBrien (Murphy 56), Kelly, O'Brien (Molloy 88); Greene, Faherty.

 

Referee: Dave McKeon (Dublin).