Shamrock Rovers are League of Ireland champions without having to kick a ball as Mark Russell’s double at Dalymount Park proved decisive at both ends of the Premier Division table.
The Harps midfielder’s goals either side of half-time meant that Bohemians couldn’t make arch-rivals Rovers wait a little longer to claim their record-extending 18th league title.
Second-bottom Harps unlikely victory keeps their hopes of avoiding the play-off alive while also confirming that bottom of the table Cork City are relegated.
Harps took the lead in first half stoppage time when Tony McNamee’s long throw wasn’t dealt with. Kosovar Sadiki headed the ball back goalward where Russell flicked it past James Talbot from close range.
Harps stunned Bohemians further six minutes into the second half.
Substitute Adam Foley’s cross from the right found Russell in acres of space inside the area.
And the winger’s drive may have taken a slight deflection to nestle in the far left-hand corner of James Talbot’s net.
Mark McGinley in the Harps goal made terrific saves from Danny Grant and twice from Evan Ferguson before Bohemians left-back Anto Breslin received a straight red card after appearing to kick out at Leo Donnellan on 74 minutes.
Donnellan was then also sent off for a rash challenge on James Finnerty with five minutes to go.
