Dublin-based Bohemians have won the Republic of Ireland domestic title from reigning champions Drogheda United. It is the tenth occasion that they have managed such a feat in their history. The fate of the championship looked certain to be delayed for another week but Jason Byrne's late winner sealed the title, with four matches still remaining.
It was a gratifying night for the Bohemians faithful as they won the title at the ground of the defending champions Drogheda United. The scoreline finished 2-1 with both goals scored by former Cardiff striker Jason Byrne. The visitors led on 23 minutes when Byrne wonderfully chipped Drogheda goalkeeper Jamie Ewings but Faz Kudozovic equalised shortly after to level the match. For all their effort and toil, Bohemians’ exerted pressure remained unrewarded as a further breakthrough never materialised. Captain Owen Heary had a strike ruled out and Byrne struck the post, while Jamie Ewings saved every shot that came his way in the Drogs’ net. The final ten minutes proved to be critical, when a second yellow card for Drogheda’s Adam Hughes threw the advantage to Bohemians. With complete momentum behind them, Bohemians secured the title in the final seconds of the match when Byrne kept a cool-head to round Ewings and convert the winner.
Manager Pat Fenlon, celebrating his fourth Irish managerial title after he triumphed a trio of times with Shelbourne, could not hide his ecstasy with the achievement of his team. "Drogheda worked terribly hard tonight in difficult circumstances and you'd have to feel for them but all credit to our lads, they've been magnificent all season. It's a great night for the supporters too. They've had a hard time over the last few seasons and they deserve this success."
Bohemians’ fairytale season will see them rewarded with a welcome €225,000 for finishing in first place, while further prize funds will be available in the FAI Ford Cup, next season’s Setanta Sports Cup and a place in the elite Champions League.
The runners-up spot looks to be contested by St Patrick’s and Derry City, who stand on 54 and 48 points respectively while Drogheda remain out of the equation sat in fourth position.
Bohemians may have wrapped up the title in a season of dominance and convincing displays, but with four matches still to be competed there is still the small matter of relegation to be decided. Cobh Ramblers’ stunning victory over St Patrick’s Athletic earned them a realistic chance of survival and they closed the gap on current-survivors Finn Harps to a meagre two points. Galway United could rise from their despondent, lowly position at the foot of the table by winning their game in hand, and UCD are hopeful too of finding critical form in their last few matches of the 2008 season.
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