Last year's runners-up St Patrick's Athletic signalled their intentions for the new eircom Premier League season with a 3-1 win over Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park.
Rovers took the lead against John McDonnell with a goal from centre-half Jamie McKenzie but struck three in seven minutes in the second half to take the points.
Defender Jamie Harris got the ball rolling with a goal on the hour before a three minute brace from Ryan Guy sealed the points.
An 88th minute winner from Peter Hutton helped Derry edge out UCD at the Belfield Bowl, after the students fought back at their new ground to level the game at two goals apiece.
Derry began brightly and has a two goal advantage by the 24th minute thanks to goals from Ruaidhri Higgins and Mark Farren.
UCD refused to lie down, however, and got themselves back into it, first through a Paul Byrne header in the 37th minute.
Parity was restored seven minutes after the break when Conor Kenna's turn and shot was deflected into the net.
The hosts looked to have the measure of their opponents thereafter but were stung late on by close range strike at the death.
Neil Fenn's 29th minute goal ensured a winning start for Bohemians away to Galway United, while the Turner's Cross crowd endured a dour 0-0 draw between Cork City and Bray Wanderers.
Bray's Patrick Kavanagh was sent off with three minutes remaining.
