St Mel's were stunned At Portlaoise when Kevin O'Toole went over for a try for Athy after just two minutes. The Longford side settled down and with wind assistance, led 6-5 at half-time through two penalties by Mark Johnson.

Athy, however, took the lead again after the resumption when Brian Behan went over for a try under the posts, with Darren O'Brien converting.

Athy went on to dominate the remainder of the game, with Stephen Smith and Canice Curtis adding tries, the final score coming five minutes from full-time.

SCORERS: Colaiste Eoin: K O'Toole, B Behan, S Smith, C Curtis, try each, D O'Brien con; St Mel's: M Johnson 2 pens.

COLAISTE EOIN: D Barry, S Smith, D Tynan, K Hyland, K O'Toole, C Curtis, D O'Brien, B Cardi ff, M Beaver, D Lawler, P Dunne, B Behan, A Cuddy, B Hennessy, E Farrell.

ST MEL'S: M Donlon, C Connolly, K Manicle, R Waldron, J Kelly, K Cobbe, S Stakelum, B Kennedy, J Butler, M Farrell, M Johnson, J Garty, E O'Connor, J Keane, J Green. Replacement: J Furey for Keane.

Referee: M Gillick (ARLB)