Pat's defeat 10-man Galway

St Patrick’s Athletic 2 Galway United 0

Galway had midfielder Stephen O’Donnell sent off after just 17 minutes as St Pat’s avenged their four defeats last season to begin their campaign with a win.

Ryan Guy gave Saints an eighth minute lead when rifling to the roof of the net after Stuart Byrne punished a mistake by Thomas Heary to play the Californian in on goal.

O’Donnell, booked on 14 minutes, was then sent off in a clash with Shane Guthrie three minutes later after receiving his second yellow card.

Alex Williams shot home the clinching second goal on 69 minutes when Gareth Coughlan’s cross ricocheted off a defender into his path.