Dundalk 2-1 Bohemians
Goals from Runar Hauge and David McMillan, coupled with St Pat's defeat at the Showgrounds, sealed Dundalk's return to European football next season.
Their post-Peak 6 on-pitch rebuild under head coach Stephen O'Donnell has ended with the club back where they twice competed in the group stages during their often-glorious last decade.
Dundalk's opener was a controversial one, however. Adriano Reale blew for a free kick 25 yards from goal when Ryan O'Kane fell to the floor. Replays showed the winger had simply lost his footing and there was no contact whatsoever.
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McMillan assumed responsibility for the free kick and curled in a brilliant effort that left teenage debutant goalkeeper Reece Byrne statuesque and beaten.
The second goal was a product of a lightning quick breakaway that began when Alfie Lewis tenaciously stole the ball in midfield. McMillan picked up the loose ball and he slid a through ball for the pacy Hauge.
The Norwegian, on-loan from Hibs, sped past Max Murphy and slid his shot under Byrne for his second goal in three home games.
Byrne, a Republic of Ireland Under 19 cap and aged just 17, was selected ahead of Tadgh Ryan for Bohs and he had been beaten twice in his opening 45 minutes of senior football.
The hosts were in no mood to allow the youngster a comfortable evening as they sought to seal their return to Europe for 2023.
Declan Devine's Bohs improved in the second but not enough to stand in the way of Dundalk picking up a 12th home victory of the season.
Ciaran Kelly's header needed saving from Nathan Sheppard before Ethon Varian did find the net with a firm header in the 89 minute. That set up a nervy finish but the hosts did hang on to claim the three points and a return to continental competition.
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