Despite entering their maiden European adventure, Oliver Glasner's side are learning very quickly. Missing key figures like striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the Eagles departed Dublin with a comfortable result that all but guarantees them a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Another three points in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight passage to the knockout stages, especially following a prior stumble against Strasbourg.
This match offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second start since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second game in match.
A Shelbourne side that had concluded their league season proved no match even for a mostly second-string Palace outfit. The Londoners were further depleted by the reports that Mateta and Muñoz are sidelined with knee injuries.
In spite of heavy rain in Dublin, Palace quickly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, allowed Nketiah to set up Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton came close soon after, driving a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official dismissed the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from a yard out after Uche's effort had struck the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for two robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
The contest was effectively over eight minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past some comically weak challenges before calmly slotting a shot past keeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner took the chance to withdraw key players like Kamada and Wharton. Substitute Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, but saw his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot strike off each posts before being gathered on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, indicating there is still scope for development in his game.
The only concern for Palace was a late knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive evening for the visiting side.
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