In Pics: Clontarf 3 Shannon 30
Click here for photos from Shannon’s four-try win over Clontarf in Saturday’s AIB League Division One final at Lansdowne Road.
Pictured above: Shannon centre Eoin Cahill stretches over for his side’s second try under pressure from James Downey (left) and Daragh O’Shea. It was the 25-year-old former Bruff player’s third try in two games – he touched down twice in the semi-final defeat of Garryowen.
Clontarf winger Derek Keane – Division One’s top try scorer this season with 13 tries – was very muched a marked man on Saturday. Shannon’s Mossie Lawlor, Andrew Thompson and Pat O’Connor usher Keane to the touchline above.
Shannon winger Brian Tuohy, who will play his rugby for English side Rotherham next season, takes on the Clontarf midfield. Tuohy was Shannon’s top try scorer in their run to an eighth League title with seven tries.
Clontarf full back Daragh O’Shea is tackled by Shannon number eight Donnacha Ryan, who, at 22, was the fourth youngest member of the Limerick side’s final squad. O’Shea had an off day with his right boot on Saturday but played an essential role in getting ‘Tarf through to their first League final since 2003. The 23-year-old scored 104 points in the north Dubliners’ run through to the decider – tallying up 3 tries, 25 conversions, 12 penalties and a drop goal.
Clontarf scrum half Fiach O’Loughlin, a member of the Shannon side that won last year’s title and one of five ‘Tarf players to be capped for the Ireland Club team in March, fires out a pass.
Clontarf prop Rob Sweeney, who helped himself to three tries during the League season, takes on the Shannon defence.
Clontarf centre Marc Hewitt has his progress tracked by Shannon forwards John O’Connor and Sean Cronin. The 22-year-old Hewitt, capped by Ireland at Under-19 level, came to Castle Avenue after a stint with Skerries RFC.
Prop Les Hogan holds onto possession for Shannon. Hogan, 25, started 15 of Shannon’s 16 games in the lead-up to the final – coming off the bench for the other one. He now has two AIB League winners’ medals and three Munster Senior Cup winners’ medals.
David Delaney and Munster and Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan combine to stop Clontarf out-half Peter O’Brien from making any progress. Corkman O’Brien, who turns 24 next month, joined ‘Tarf from Cork Constitution last summer.
**All photos by Lorraine O’Sullivan and Andrew Paton of Inpho Photography**