Clontarf pull off Shannon upset

Shannon 26 Clontarf 32

Clontarf turned in a sparking second-half performance to upset defending champions Shannon at Coonagh, as last year's finalists went toe-to-toe once again.

Play-off chasers Shannon got off to a great start when skipper Mossie Lawlor landed a first minute penalty and this was followed in the fifth minute with a try by winger Richie Mullane which Lawlor converted.

Tries by winger Michael Keating and out-half Martin Dufficy kept Clontarf in touch but number 8 David Quinlan notched a second Shannon try to have his side 18-10 in front at the interval.

A minute into the second half, Ireland Club international hooker Mike Essex touched down for the hosts and Colm Tucker's charges looked to be cruising.

However, Dufficy made it 23-13 with a 50th minute penalty and wingers Sean Carey and Keating inspired a 'Tarf revival with further tries.

Dufficy converted the second of them to have 'Tarf 25-23 in front. It got even better for the relegation-threatened Dubliners when hooker Aaron Dundon dotted down for Dufficy to convert and finish off a famous away win.

It was a vital result for Bernard Jackman's men as they look to stave off relegation. They are still second-from-bottom, but with 24 points they are now just a point behind a faltering Blackrock side.

'Rock, however, have a game in hand and 'Tarf will need to beat high-flying St. Mary's College in their final game if they are to stand any chance of avoiding the drop.

Shannon's play-off hopes now rest on a final day win at home to arch rivals Garryowen, while they must also hope that third-placed Dolphin lost out on their travels to Cork Con.

Scorers:

Shannon: Tries: Mike Essex, David Quinlan, Richie Mullane; Con: Mossie Lawlor; Pens: Mossie Lawlor 2, David O’Donovan

Clontarf: Tries: Martin Dufficy, Sean Carey, Michael Keating 2, Aaron Dundon; Cons: Martin Dufficy 2; Pen: Martin Dufficy

HT: Shannon 18 Clontarf 10