Clontarf made up for the disappointment of losing last year's final when they defeated Co Carlow 18-3 in this year's decider played at Donnybrook today (Sat). They scored tries at the start and at the very end of a closely contested game. In between those scores, that came from James Downey and Adrian Clarke, Clontarf were forced to withstand intense pressure and they defended heroically to deny Co Carlow, whose only score came from the boot of Billy Murphy in the 55th minute.

The eventual winners led 8-0 at half time, David O'Brien adding a penalty to Downey's early try and O'Brien should really have extended that lead soon after the restart when he had a simple opportunity from the 22. However he missed that kick and in the 55th minute a period of Co Carlow pressure yielded a penalty and left them within a score of Clontarf.

Despite their best efforts, Co Carlow were unable to breach the Clontarf defence and when the siege was lifted, Paul Ryan landed a penalty to virtually seal the outcome. The north Dublin side then signed off with a try in the dying minutes with Ryan adding the points.