Matt Darcy delivers as Clontarf see off Galweigans to stay top

Clontarf maintained their presence at the top of Ulster Bank League Division 1A, holding off a strong second half challenge from Galwegians to run out 16-9 winners at Castle Avenue.

Playing on their new 4G pitch, which was officially opened beforehand by Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and IRFU president Martin O’Sullivan, Clontarf scored the game’s only try in the first half through strong-running centre Matt D’Arcy.

D’Arcy spotted a gap in midfield and finished off in clinical fashion, with Rob Keogh converting and kicking three penalties. Galwegians out-half Aidan Moynihan also landed three place-kicks, while winger Alan McMahon went close to squeezing over for a try in the corner.