A stunning 20-yard free-kick from dead-ball specialist Paul Byrne sealed St Patrick's Athletic maximum points at Richmond Park last night against bottom of the table Finn Harps.

The home side had deservedly taken the lead after 10 minutes through in-form Ger McCarthy, who headed home following a Seamus Kelly long clearance which completely outfoxed the Harps defence.

Byrne should really have made it 2-0, but his 25th minute shot was deflected just over. And in the 36th minute Harps were level when Alex Nesovic re-directed the ball past Kelly from close range, while Johnny Kenny should have put the visitors ahead on the hour mark before Byrne's late winner.

St Patrick's Athletic: S Kelly; Burke, Maguire, Foley, Liam Kelly, Crolly, S McGuinness, Byrne, McCarthy, Griffin, R McGuinness. Subs: G Doyle for Griffin (half-time); Harris for R McGuinness (65 mins); K Doyle for Liam Kelly (89).

Finn Harps: Downey; R Kenny, Minnock, S Bradley, Fitzhenry, J Kenny, Mohan, McGranaghan, Avidu, Nesovic, Harkin. Subs: Tierney for Harkin (60 mins); Bonnar for Avidu (74); McGinley for McGranaghan (82).

Referee: Jim O'Neill (Waterford).