J1 League Match: St Mary’s 16 Clontarf 3

by Mark Byrnes 

Clontarf were beaten by a better St Mary’s team in the league decider in the final round of the league season at Templeville Road.

Clontarf entered the match knowing a win would snatch the title, but it proved a step too far for the team, who provided some excellent entertainment throughout the league season.

Cheered on by a large away support, Clontarf dominated the first half and had chances to score but the home side’s defence was resolute and remarkably the sides went in scoreless.

Clontarf opened the scoring a minute after the restart with a penalty from substitute James Harte.

St Mary’s then took control of the game putting Clontarf under fierce pressure forcing two penalties to take a 6-3 lead into the final quarter. 

The sucker punch came with just seven minutes left when the St Mary’s backline made a break and scored under the posts and added the extras to go two scores in front. 

St Mary’s sealed Clontarf’s fate with a late penalty to secure the Metro league.