By Mark Byrnes

Clontarf emerged emphatic winners in this All-Ireland U21 quarter final played in sparkling sunshine at Castle Avenue.

It was the away side who put points on the board first with an early penalty but Tarf

Out-half Matt Darcy then broke through a couple of tackles to score a try with James Harte converting open a 7-3 lead.

Garryowen responded after eleven minutes and after a series of phases close to the Tarf line, they scored a deserved try to leave it 7-8.

From then on, Clontarf dominated the match led by a rampant pack and an efficient backline.  A Harte penalty was soon followed by a superb try from mobile prop Des Merry. Harte landed a superb touchline conversion to leave it 17-8 coming up to half time.

Garryowen were awarded a penalty in added time of the first half and chose to run the ball inside their own 22- however the ball was quickly turned over and scrum half Hugo Nolan nipped in to score- Harte again adding the extra two points to ensure the home side took a 24-8 lead into the interval.

The game was ended as contest after 47 minutes when a great lineout move saw centre Collie O’Shea make a break up the middle with substitute Mick McGrath on his shoulder to touch down. O’Shea himself got on the scoresheet with a try of his own and McGrath scored a peach of a try when Darcy’s cross field kick landed in McGrath’s hands and the winger showed searing pace to score.

Garryowen scored a couple of late consolation scores, but Clontarf didn’t let it perturb them and scored late tries from O’Shea again and Harte to leave it 57-20.

Garryowen had the honour of scoring the last try of the game two minutes from time but it could not affect the end result.