While City had had the better early chances, St Patrick’s Athletic were awarded a spot-kick just before the half-hour when Seán McLoughlin fouled Conor Clifford and Drennan sidefooted past Mark McNulty from 12 yards.

Though City pressed hard in the second half, with Liam Nash and Graham Cummins brought on up front, they were unable to find the net, with Dáire O’Connor and Conor McCarthy going closest.

In the first half, Conor McCarthy had been unlucky to head wide for City from a Shane Griffin free kick while Dáire O’Connor’s cross was met by Garry Buckley, who looked to sent the ball to the net only for Brendan Clarke to pull off a fantastic save.

Unfortunately for City, they couldn’t replicate the quality of those chances late on and they needed a good Mark McNulty save from a long-range Simon Madden effort. As the game moved into injury time, Dáire O’Connor’s cross was headed wide by Nash and though six minutes of added time were signalled, Pat’s couldn’t be breached.

City’s first home league game is next Friday, when Waterford visit Turner’s Cross.

Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers have held defending champions Dundalk to a 1-1 draw on the opening night of the new SSE Airtricity League season.

A Jack Keaney goal from a free-kick gave Liam Buckley's side a surprise first-half lead but Sean Murray equalised for the Lilywhites early in the second half.

Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty also saved a first-half penalty from Dundalk's Pat Hoban.

Shamrock Rovers came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Waterford at the RSC - with Ethan Boyle grabbing a stoppage-time winner.

Dinny Corcoran was on target in Bohemians' 1-0 win over Finn Harps at Dalymount Park.

While UCD suffered a 3-0 defeat at Derry in their first game back in the top-flight.