A WIN is a win, even if the performance leaves a lot to be desired — that was the attitude of Cork Con manager Brian Walsh after this opening-round AIL Division 1 game at Temple Hill on Saturday.

Clontarf coach Phil Werahiko praised the attacking talents of Niall O’Brien in the aftermath of his side's Division One semi-final win over Cork Constitution.

HAPPY days in Castle Avenue. Shannon top the AIB All-Ireland league, but all the momentum seems to rest with second-placed Clontarf, who put Carlow to the sword on Saturday with an emphatic 44-10 victory.

Shannon 21 Clontarf 11

Clontarf 32 Dungannon 19

IT’S been a Shannon trait in the All-Ireland League since its inception and thirteen years on, they’re still at it.

ARE THE rugby players of Cork Constitution in league with the cardiologists of Cork?

CLONTARF remain six points ahead of Ballymena in second place and are eight better off than fourth-placed Galwegians, yet their New Zealand coach, Phil Werahiko, is not taking qualification for the knock-out stages of the AIB League for granted.