Clontarf coach praises hero O'Brien

Clontarf coach Phil Werahiko praised the attacking talents of Niall O’Brien in the aftermath of his side's Division One semi-final win over Cork Constitution.

The 25-year-old O’Brien scooted in for three tries in ‘Tarf’s 26-6 win at Castle Avenue, setting up a final clash with champions Shannon – a team the north Dubliners beat (32-18) in the regulation season.

New Zealander Werahiko said afterwards: “With semi-finals you just never can tell – they’re so competitive – but we did well to come through.

“We created the few opportunities and took them. Niall (O’Brien) and Derek (Keane) have been sharing out the tries this season, but Niall had a very good day today. He was with Connacht last season, is doing a degree this year and we’re very luck to have him. He’s a quality finisher.”

Interestingly, scrum half Fiach O’Loughlin, who lined out for Shannon in last May’s final, will be up against his former team mates at Lansdowne Road next Saturday.

Werahiko added: “Playing at Lansdowne is what every player dreams of – it’s the home of rugby – and hopefully we can continue our good run of form there in the final.”