Alan Murphy scored from the spot for United.

Courtesy of RTE.ie

Galway were battling honestly early on and they stunned the visitors when grabbing the lead courtesy of a 10th minute Jin Gu Kim strike.

The Korean skilfully controlled an Eric Holland cross and then evaded Nathan Murphy's challenge before steering Galway ahead with a crisp finish.

But that was the last occasion Galway threatened in the opening half as Dundalk completely took control with Dean Bennett offering the midfield guile.

It was a sharp Bennett challenge that crafted a chance for Mark Quigley on 17, but his right footed effort curled wide.

Then Galway left back Holland had to be alert when heading a Jason Byrne attempt away to safety as Dundalk probed for a leveller.

Even though they were gritty, Galway were still struggling to attain any passing fluency and in the 31st minute a deep Simon Madden cross found Jason Byrne at the back stick.

The veteran frontrunner had timed his run to perfection, but was unable to direct a header on target as Galway survived another scare.

In the 35th minute Byrne crossed for Bennett, who forced a decent save from Galway custodian Conor Winn.

But a leveller did arrive on 40 as Mark Griffin guided the ball into Johnny Breen's path and Dundalk were deservedly back on terms.

Four minutes after the restart Galway midfielder Gary Kelly was unable to hit the target following a driving run from the middle of the park as the locals continued to demonstrate the required grit.

Within seconds of his introduction substitute Mikey Gilmore tested Peter Cherrie's reflexes as Galway started to cause Dundalk some bother.

But Dundalk hit the front 10 minutes from time when Mark Quigley netted a sublime goal, but Galway came thundering back.

Simon Madden handled in the area and Galway skipper Alan Murphy led by example guiding the penalty home with a precise spot kick.

Galway United: Conor Winn; Paul Sinnott, Yob Son, Laurence Gaughan (Mikey Gilmore, 70), Eric Holland (Oscar Sibanda, 44); Jin Gu Kim (Eduardo Dusi, 44), Eric Browne, Gary Kelly, Stephen Walsh; Bobby Ryan; Alan Murphy. Subs not used: John Egan, Ronan Caldwell, Rory Gartland.

Dundalk: Peter Cherrie; Simon Madden, Carl McHugh, Cian Byrne (Philip Duffy, 80), Nathan Murphy, Mark Griffin, Dean Bennett, Keith Ward, Mark Quigley; Jason Byrne, Johnny Breen. Subs not used: Craig Hanlon, Chris Reilly, Glen Trainor.

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).