Clontarf all out for revenge

YOU GET the impression the All-Ireland League just can’t buy a break. Its top-flight semifinals a fortnight ago were held in anonymity, the IRFU crazily scheduling a clash with Leinster-Clermont, a situation exacerbated by numerous players who featured in Munster’s B&I Cup win being prevented from playing for their clubs.

Even today’s decider nearly got lost in the crowd, Pro12 initially scheduling its semifinal media conference for the same time Clontarf and Cork Constitution do battle at Aviva Stadium before eventually slating an earlier start.

It’s a pity the treatment that keeps being meted out. The AIL is a quality tournament — the level of entertainment in last year’s decider between the same sides was fantastic and the season which Joey Carbery and Darren Sweetnam have since enjoyed in the pro ranks illustrates the calibre of player involved.

Carbery’s rapid promotion from club final to Ireland cap was particularly felt at Clontarf, the Dubliners fearing they wouldn’t make the title shake-up.

‘The reality is that last season Joey was worth seven points a game,’ explained skipper Ben O’Reilly (above) about an earlyseason struggle.

‘But we never really lost hope… we’re good enough to beat anyone on our day.’

The portents suggest they can be good enough today, Con potentially hampered by an exhausting Bateman Cup final win eight days ago when Clontarf had the weekend off.

‘We’d definitely prefer to have an extra week to prepare,’ said Con captain Gavin Duffy. ‘No question, it was a tough game last week. You’d prefer more time.’ Clontarf v Cork Con, KO 2.30, Aviva Stadium (Live on RTE2)