With two games to go, Bohs are seven points clear of Drogheda, who will now contest the relegation/promotion play-off.
The defeat means Sligo Rovers’ European hopes have taken a huge dent and Russell’s men will need a lot to go their way if they are to finish in the top four.
The home side needed a win to keep their top-four hopes alive, while Alan Reynolds’ men would ensure their Premier Division status with a win in Sligo.
John Russell’s side have been in fantastic form at home, not losing a game at their home venue since June.
But injuries and suspension meant Russell was without top scorer Ellis Chapman and on-loan striker Luke Pearce, meaning a youthful bench for the home side.
In an end-to-end first half, Bohs went ahead after 23 minutes after putting plenty of pressure on Sligo’s defence.
The visitors should have taken the lead two minutes earlier, but a superb save from Ed McGinty denied James Clarke from close range.
But they were soon celebrating. In a lovely move involving a number of Bohs players, James Clarke’s ball came to Dawson Devoy and the 22-year-old fired past McGinty to put his side ahead.
Sligo were creating more as the first half came to a close, with a brilliant save from Kacper Chorazka keeping out Will Fitzgerald’s superb volley in his 100th Sligo Rovers appearance.
Bohs could have extended their lead early in the second period when an uncharacteristic error from Ollie Denham allowed Rooney through on goal, but with just McGinty to beat, the former Drogheda man couldn’t keep his shot down.
The Bohs defence heaved a sigh of relief with 12 minutes to go when 18-year-old Owen Elding almost brought his side back to level terms.
Stefan Radosavljevic did well to pick out the pass to Elding, and the youngster worked his way towards goal, but could only poke his effort wide having been surrounded by red and black shirts.
And how Sligo Rovers would regret missing that chance, as with just eight minutes remaining it was game over.
Connor Malley lost possession inside his half, allowing Meekison to charge and get himself through on goal.
His powerful drive beat McGinty to ensure the win and Bohs’ Premier Division status for 2025.
Sligo Rovers: McGinty, Wilson, Morahan, Denham, Hutchinson, Henry-Francis, Malley, Barlow (Radosavljevic, 57), Power, Fitzgerald, Elding.
Bohemians: Chorazka, Miller, Byrne, Carroll, Kirk, McDonnell (Grant, 77), Flores, Clarke (Greive, 85), Devoy, Meekison (Mills, 91), Rooney.
Referee: R Harvey.
