As Clontarf FC get set to welcome Lansdowne FC to Castle Avenue for tomorrow’s AIL semi-final, their place on home soil has been earned through months of hard work, consistency and some big performances at the right time.
Looking back over the season, four key periods helped shape the journey.
The Perfect Response
The campaign began with defeat, but Clontarf responded brilliantly. From that opening setback, they put together a run of 10 consecutive victories through to the end of January, building momentum, confidence and a strong foothold near the top of the table.
Bateman Cup Success Added Momentum
The Bateman Cup may sit outside the league season, but it played an important role in building confidence. A tough win away to Nenagh Ormond RFC in the semi-final was followed by another meeting between the sides before Christmas, and those matches helped sharpen the squad during a busy spell.
Winning games, whatever the competition, became a habit.
Staying on Track After Christmas
The new year brought a more mixed spell, with wins over Ballynahinch RFC and Nenagh Ormond RFC, alongside defeats away to Terenure College RFC and at home to Cork Constitution FC.
Every season has testing periods, and this was one of them. The important thing was Clontarf stayed steady, kept picking up points, and remained in a strong position.
Delivering When It Counted
From March onwards, Clontarf finished strongly. Wins over UCD RFC and Old Belvedere RFC set up a huge trip to Young Munster RFC.
What followed was one of their standout displays of the campaign, running in 50 points and securing the result that guaranteed a home semi-final.
Now the reward is clear: a packed Castle Avenue, a semi-final against Lansdowne, and the chance to take one more step toward the final.
Peter Connolly
Chair of Marketing