League leading Shelbourne strengthened their grip at the top of the premier division with a well-deserved 4-1 win against Shamrock at Richmond Park.
Shelbourne fought through inspired resistance and ferocious tackling from the home side, but controlled the action throughout the second half.
Jason Byrne's scored his third hat trick in league competition, his first on a penalty after two minutes of play followed by two polished goals after the half.
Shamrock answered the first Shels goal immediately, when Mark O'Brien drove a loose ball into the net from five yards out.
Thomas Morgan put a stamp on things for the visitors with a long-range strike two minutes into injury time.
Meanwhile, Bohemians and Longford Town fought to a 1-1 draw, and Waterford United beat Drogheda United 2-1.