Kilkenny City gratefully accepted their first win back in the top-flight courtesy of an own goal and a second that certainly won't register in the goal-of-the-season category.
Galway, despite four changes, were clearly still groggy form their 5-0 drubbing at Bohemians the previous week and found themselves 2-0 down at the break having gifted Kilkenny two sloppy goals.
The first came after young right back Nigel Keady gave away a free-kick some 40 yards out.
Greg Costello's pacey free into the Galway area didn't appear to pose a serious threat until Scott Morgan's misjudged header glanced the ball beyond his own goalkeeper, David Forde, and into his own net.
David Godlbey, one of those four changes from Dalymount, then wasted a glorious chance to equalise within a minute when he headed over after Robbie Forde had flapped away a Sean Malee corner.
Forde redeemed himself with an excellent diving save from Eric Lavine minutes later.
But it fell apart at the back again for Galway on 42 minutes when they gave away another bad goal.
Costello's deep corner wasn't cleared after it had been planted back across goal and Sean Murray shot into the bottom corner.
Lavine, scorer of four goals here on the opening day, got Galway's revival on track with a stunning free-kick on 62 minutes; his direct right-foot drive scorching into the corner of Forde's net from 25 yards.
Ollie Keogh shot wide, while Forde frustrated Galway again with a terrific stop in injury-time from Kieran Foley as Kilkenny held on for their win.
Galway United: Forde; Keady, Foley, Clery, Morgan; Ryan, Crossley, Sheridan, Malee; Goldbey, Lavine. Subs: Gorman for Morgan (half-time), Keogh for Malee (60 mins), Mooney for Ryan (80).
Kilkenny City: Forde; Brennan, Byrne, Riordan; Mulcahy, McGrath, Costello, Mullen, Carolan; Kabia, Murray. Subs: Kerley for Mullen (68 mins), Jordan for McGrath (78).
Referee: P Whelan (Dublin)
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