Battling Clontarf dent Munsters title hopes

Barry O’Mahony, the one-time Ireland Schools and Dolphin wing-forward, was one of five former Munster players to take a leading role as Clontarf pulled off a hugely important victory over Young Munster in the Ulster Bank League at Clifford Park on Saturday.

The result means the title almost certainly rests between Clontarf and St Mary’s, who are locked together on 54 points, six ahead of Young Munster, who still retain a mathematical chance.

Young Munster would still be closer in the hunt had Willie Staunton, who has kicked them to victories throughout the season, not missed five penalty shots at goal, most within his range. But coach Mike Prendergast was quick to his defence.