For the first time since 2017, Clontarf and Old Belvedere met in the AIL in a breezy Ollie Cambell Park. The game had a strange subdued atmosphere for the first half. Possibly due to the sense of occasion, but also because of the recent sad loss of Clontarf Trustee, Martin Murray.
Martin was a cornerstone of the Clontarf Club. He touched so many lives with his gentle demeanour, his sense of humour, and his innate generosity. He was a friend to all and a willing and expert advisor to many. Martin had time for everyone and everyone loved him in return. He was a consummate networker and happily used his many life contacts in support of his friends in the Club . His council and encouragement was invaluable to me and my family at many critical moments and I will always remember him for that. RIP
Clontarf opened the scoring with a penalty from Con Kelly, but were quickly behind on the scoreboard when a break from centre Jaydon Beckett saw full back Meredith clear to the corner where he was scragged from behind for a home penalty. The quick tap was bulled over by prop McMahon for the home lead.
Tarf replied on the 30th minute with a try scoring maul that resembled a drunk being escorted out of a saloon. That left the score at 7 8 with 10 to go.
Belvo added another mauled try after multiple infringements brought them to the Tarf line.
With the first half clock in the red Tarf worked possession back to the Belvo 22 where a penalty advantage was dabbed through by Kelly and Connor Fahy gathered and was unstoppable from two yards. Con Kelly added the convert for 12 15 at Half time .
The second half opened with a period of home dominance of possession, but little to show, as the Clontarf defence grew in confidence. After multiple maul opportunities Belvo were unlucky to lose control when a try was certain.
Clontarf took advantage of this good fortune and worked possession to the home line after winger Joe White was binned for a high shot. A maul was worked right to left and when the ball was moved Tadhg Bird went in, untouched, for the try and 12 20.
Two minutes later the Clontarf defence held again and, after multiple home phases, followed by a tapped penalty in the Tarf 22, Fionn Gilbert got a crucial turnover. From the lineout Tarf went wide, Alex O’Grady came in from the blindside wing and released his brother Dylan, who put winger Peter Maher clear. Alex continued on the inside support line and was perfectly placed to score by the posts for 12 25.
Tarf continued to dominate as the home side tired and the benches emptied. With time running out, a home attack broke down outside the Tarf 22. From the scrum Dylan O’Grady carved through to the 22, Deeney took it on at full pace and when the ball went left sub Alex Tilly held his pass long enough to commit the defender and put Peter Maher in for a well-deserved try.
Full time 12 34
Many thanks to Peter Walsh for the words
Match photos courtesy of Ronan Ó Rian