A first half goal from substitute Paul Deans and a brace from Mark Kenny gave the Hoops a memorable victory over the eircom league favourites.
In a miserable night for Dermot Keely's side, both Jim Gannon and Peter Hutton recieved their marching orders.
Gannon's red card proved to be the turning point of the game. The midfielder was given an early shower for a hefty tackle on Rovers skipper, Derek Tracy, after 23 minutes.
Just over ten minutes later, Shels paid the price. Substitute Deans powered home a header from a brilliant Bill Woods cross after 35 minutes.
Shels fortunes coninuted to falter on 39 minutes, when summer signing, Hutton, was also given a red card for a deliberate hand ball. Kenny converted from the spot to double Rovers lead.
The midfielder rounded off a forgettable opening half for Keely's side just before the break with a stunning 25-yard free kick.