A performance of determination, skill and pace powered Shelbourne back to the top flight in style to thrill their long suffering fans at Tolka Park.

Close to promotion on several occasions over their five year long sojourn in the First Division following the club’s demotion for financial irregularities after winning the league in 2006, Alan Mathews’ side simply had too much for struggling Harps.

And having achieved their chief goal of promotion, Shelbourne, now two points clear at the top of the table, go into Saturday’s title showdown with Cork City under no pressure and brimming full of confidence. they then have the FAI Ford Cup Final to look forward against Sligo Rovers at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday week.

Shelbourne eased any nerves with the dream start of taking the lead from their first corner of the night on four minutes.

Captain David Cassidy whipped an inviting cross into the near post where it was met by the head of right-back Ian Ryan with the ball flashing across the goal into the far corner of the net.

Their confidence boosted, Shelbourne tore into Harps with leading scorer Philly Hughes guilty of side-footing into the side netting after incisive play by Cassidy to get to the end line.

Harps’ defender Keith Cowan then put in a brave block on Hughes’ drive after the hardworking Cassidy robbed the ball off Aaron O’Hagan.

A lovely piece of control by Hughes created another  opening on 23 minutes, but his shot was over the top as Shelbourne utterly dominated.

And their second goal duly arrived on the blow of half-time. 

Brendan McGill fed Ryan on the right to cross and Hughes stooped to head home his 27th goal of the season.

Harps enjoyed a little pressure early in the second half with Shelbourne keeper Dean Delaney saving well from Stephen O’Donnell’s header.

But normal service resumed at the other end with Shelbourne sealing the win and promotion on 64 minutes.

Fittingly, it was the brilliant Cassidy who shot home after Stephen Paisley flicked on a Hughes free kick - a move straight off the training ground.

Conan Byrne, just on the pitch, added the fourth goal on 72 minutes, toeing past Ciaran Gallagher off a post before tapping home the rebound.

SHELBOURNE: Delany; Ryan, Boyle, Paisley (Matthews, 67 mins.), S Byrne; B McGill, Dawson, Sullivan, Clancy (C Byrne, 70 mins.); Cassidy; Hughes (Mulhall, 75 mins.).

FINN HARPS: Gallagher; Redmond (Doherty, 71 mins), Cowan, O’Hagan (Mailey, h/t), JP Gallagher; Devaney, O’Mahoney, Curran, Harkin (McHugh, h/t); O’Donnell; Curtis.

REFEREE: R Rogers (Dublin).