Ashbourne, in their first year in the competition, came through their Provincial Towns' Cup semi-final against Mullingar, 11-3, to secure a place in an all-Meath final against Navan on May 2nd. Navan were 6-3 winners over Enniscorthy at Portlaoise.
Ashbourne led 3-0 at half time through a penalty from Paddy Magill before a Geoff Mahon try gave them an 8-0 advantage. Brian Loughry kicked a penalty for Mullingar's only score for 8-3 before Dillon added another for Ashbourne to secure victory.
In yesterday's other semi-final, Navan led Enniscorthy 3-0 at halftime through a penalty from fullback Stephen Beggy before Peter Murphy levelled the scores in the second half, again from a penalty. But Beggy was accurate with the boot for the second time to give his side their narrow advantage.
On Saturday, NIFC ensured their place in division two of the AIL next season when they turned around their game against Instonians at Shane Park after half-time to win 15-12 and secure second place in section A of division three. North now join UCD, who earned the first promotion slot last week.
Gareth McCullough gave Instonians the lead with a penalty before NIFC flanker Chris Galway touched down for a try. But McCullough was again accurate from the boot, landing three opportunities to put his side to 12-5 ahead at the break.
North, however, replied with a try from Barry Dick, with Gareth Herron adding a conversion and a penalty which finally proved enough to clinch the match.
At the other end of the division Dublin University's 15-12 defeat at the hands of Highfield brings the students' season to a very disappointing close, as they are now relegated.
