Clontarf finally get over the line

It was Clontarf’s first national trophy, but Evan Ryan’s third All Ireland League medal as the north county Dublin side finally passed the winning post after twice in recent years losing out on titles in the run-in.

Clontarf’s 27-13 win over Ballynahinch at Castle Avenue was achieved with a brace of tries from replacement scrum-half Peter du Toit in the closing minutes.

It was a triumphant afternoon for former Cork Con centre Ryan who won medals with the Temple Hill side in 2008 and 2010, captaining the side to an unique All Ireland League and Cup double in that second season.