Five try Clontarf sink Shannon

Clontarf 32 Shannon 18

Shannon's proud eight-game unbeaten record came to an end at Castle Avenue as Clontarf ran in five tries for a win against the reigning champions.

The rampant Dubliners tallied up four tries before the break, on the way to a record ninth consecutive bonus point of the AIB League campaign.

Leinster lock Ben Gissing and three of 'Tarf's speediest backs – Niall O'Brien, Peter O'Brien and Daragh O'Shea – crossed the visitors' line to establish a 22-6 lead for Phil Werahiko's hosts.

Shell-shocked Shannon, whose only first half points came from the boot of Dave Delaney, predictably came back into it in the second half.

A try from Munster-contracted prop Tony Buckley, ten minutes into the second half, gave the visitors some hope but centre Breffni O'Donnell fourth touchdown of the season, allied to a drop goal from fly half Peter O'Brien, pushed 'Tarf too far in front.

Shannon winger Fionn McLoughlin grabbed an 80th-minute try, which Delaney converted, but the sniff of a bonus point was gone. Shannon still lead the Division One standings, however chief chasers Garryowen will go top if they beat Cork Constitution at Temple Hill tomorrow afternoon.

Scorers: Clontarf: Tries: Ben Gissing, Peter O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Daragh O’Shea, Breffni O’Donnell; Cons: O’Shea 2; Drop: Peter O’Brien

Shannon: Tries: Tony Buckley, Fionn McLoughlin; Con: Dave Delaney; Pens: Delaney 2