Sam Cronin full of belief as Clontarf up for battle

There is a residue from the not-too-distant past when up to a third of the Clontarf first team were from the south, mostly from Cork Constitution. The club was once affectionately known as “Contarf.”

As the Ulster Bank League champions get ready to defend their title at the Aviva Stadium today (1pm), there are still a few from the south endeavouring to overcome this final hurdle against Lansdowne.

The impact of the Munster contingent over the last few years is clear, and two of the number, Evan Ryan and Sam Cronin, were rewarded with the captaincy of the north Dublin club in recent seasons.