Clontarf were named Division 1A Champions after a 29-23 victory over Terenure at the Aviva Stadium today.

It was an action-packed game from the very first whistle with Conor Kelly and Caolan Dooley exchanging penalties inside the first quarter of an hour, giving Clontarf a 6-3 lead.

Clontarf opted for a slower ball at the breakdown while Terenure looked to play at a high tempo through quick ball. After Terenure enjoyed possession inside the Clontarf half, they found the first try of the game after Peter Sylvester ran a great line off the back of a lineout.

Dooley converted to extend their advantage.

Shortly after, the Terenure place kicker added another three points from distance to stretch their lead.

Clontarf’s slow ball frustrated Seán Skehan’s side, leading to several penalties from Conor Kelly to bring his side back into the game. Dooley added another penalty for Terenure with five minutes remaining in the half to give his side a slender, one point lead but Clontarf struck right on the cusp of half time.

After patient build up play and phases of possession, tighthead Ben Griffin drove over from close range to find Tarf’s first try of the game. Kelly converted to give the Castle Avenue a six-point lead at the break.

Clontarf began the second period the brighter of the sides and found their reward just after the 48^th minute mark. Dylan Donnellan scored his 19^th try of the season off the back of a strong maul which Terenure struggled to stop.

Conor Kelly slotted the conversion over and increased his side’s advantage to 13 points.

The Lakelands outfit kept the pressure on Clontarf and after Colm De Buitlear came inches from scoring a try, Alan Bennie picked the ball off the back of the ruck and dived over the try line.

Caolan Dooley was left with a difficult angle to convert from, but he made it look easy and brought the score to 29-23.

Terenure’s replacements really caused Clontarf trouble with the likes of Conall Bloomer, Adam Tuite and Conor McCormack making massive contributions with their ball carrying ability and strength from the breakdown.

Clontarf continued to soak up the Terenure pressure and kept their six point lead to be named Energia All Ireland Division 1A Champions.