AIL 25/26 Round 18 – Clontarf FC V St Mary’s College RFC
Clontarf FC V St Mary’s College RFC
10 – 14
Energia AIL Division 1 A
4th April 2026
Castle Avenue
Preamble
Walking into the grounds at Castle Avenue, memories murmured in the mind of past visits and some tough ones; and then came back the last time we had left victorious, 14th April 2012, when it led to Hugh Hogan magnificently captaining his side to our last AIL Trophy. Fondly recalled was that our current president, Gareth Logan, was a star of that campaign, and that the then president, John Gilsenan’s son Rob, was today’s star scrumhalf. Tom O’Reilly too, today’s great loosehead prop (and hooker replacement) was in the squad of 2011-12. Could we do it again and end the league campaign top as well as ensure the already almost certain home semi-final?
Before that was the pre-match lunch. The only north-side 1A club, Clontarf FC, has a close friendship and interrelationship with our club stretching back very many years, with several shared members and players. Otto Palsic, an impresario and top Tarf member, crossed the Liffey in the 1950s to run successful carnivals in St Mary’s College front field to raise funds for the establishment of our cherished clubhouse and grounds at College Drive. The O’Donoghues, the Conlans and several others have had dual memberships, and our first overseas player, Brent Pope, went from Mary’s to Tarf as player/coach and brought Tarf to division 1, then came back to coach Mary’s to the first AIL Title in 1999/2000. He was present today, sartorially elegant and fit.
At that lunch, Tarf President Austin Foxe, who was most amiable, emphasised friendship, its importance and his own close friendship with Gareth. He also pointed out the welcome attendance of the Conlans with their cousins the Fanagans (Michael and David present), and gave a special welcome too to our popular administrator Gillian Shakespeare. Visiting President Gareth explained how, at 18 years old, he strongly considered joining Clontarf, although living on the other side of the Liffey, as he had been invited specially. His father had been a member of Tarf, and his uncle was a renowned Tarf player there for many seasons. Outside, Storm Dave was starting to rattle the fittings, as the supporters mingled and took their chosen spots; the anxious parents of the players to the fore.
The Game
It had been felt that the squad had not been at their best recently; well, today they were top-class, with a rhythm that smiled and a synchrony of all moving parts that augurs well. And it is good to relate, it promises of even better to come. Head Coach Mark has now built a squad bulging with talent, and with his coaching and tactical brilliance, he has them in happy harmony. From the start, it showed an intent and confidence that saw the ball well guarded and a fast, powerful approach. The set pieces were well executed, and our attack on the opposition’s ball was effective. Up to the last few minutes of the first half, Clontarf were corralled in their own half. It was a similar situation in the second half, although Tarf increased the pace of their game and were more effective, still the visitors were still ahead in most areas. And as in the first half, it was in the last five minutes before they scored.
At the back, Mary’s dealt with the swirling ball excellently, and the kicking was commendable. Even with a lot of disruption due to multiple injuries and switches over the past month, the backline was smooth and threatening. Upfront, the unit was just that a unit, all working together to best effect. There were many striking performances, this always makes it hard to select one person for an award, but it is something worthwhile to be recognised for something special and particularly contributory and complementary to the team performance. In an entire pack of genuinely top-class performers, much is expected of each one. Today, observing Daniel (Leaner) Leane was uplifting. He gave a complete performance, at one stage going through considerable pain, he never flinched. His work rate and athletic effort were exceptional. If the ball was near him he was going to have it. On several occasions, he stole ball either on the jump or on landing, and on a couple of occasions, he followed around to rob. His carries were incisive, and he was in strong in support. He is extremely athletic and strong, and like is brilliant partner in that most testing of positions, second row, Greg, he puts heroic efforts in support of the scrum. Daniel was awarded the Manverton MoM Award. (See Daniel Leane Receiving his Manverton MoM Award from Management’s Harry Ebbs.)
The second half gave a chance to introduce replacements, the other Storm Dave (David Leane), Andean Andrew Sparrow, Obeliskian Oisin Michel, brilliant young tyros, Zach Hopkins, Steven Kilgallen, and welcoming for his senior debut, Matthew Smyth, so full of potential. The outstanding, Myles, Ethan, Finn and Aaron are expected to be fit for the semi-final.
Scoring
After almost a monopoly of possession and territory, the Tarf line, with an unfortunate knock on. However, Mary’s put heavy pressure on and on 35 minutes, Tarf’s clearance kick was fielded and run back hard by the pancratic Mick O’Gara and Dan Goggin (enigmatically wearing 12 when playing 13) then after a ruck the super Skipper Deano noted Mark Fogarty free out wide and looped an herculean pass to him; and Fogey hit the burners as he zoomed over. Mick converted in spite of a pitiless crosswind. Just on half-time Tarf had a sortie into Mary’s half of the field, and after a Lineout and maul, got over for an unconverted try; it was 5-7 at half-time.
The second half continued with Mary’s pressing and playing with élan. At 55 minutes and heavy pressure, a clearance kick was blocked, and magical Mick O’Gara filched the ball, ran through the cover, scored and converted. Super. Almost mirroring the first half on 76 minutes, following a lineout, Tarf moved the ball across the line and got over in the corner. No conversion meant it was 10-14, and it ended as it had been with Mary’s attacking. The final score was 10-14. A well-deserved victory and one that caused iridescent smiles from Mark and his fellow coaches, Paul and his Management. President Gareth, VP Stephen and JVP Gerry were sportingly content. One could see Alan computing the positions and calculating future needs. The supporters were letabund. Our friends in Clontarf were salved by the knowledge of a home semi-final for them, and both groups wished each other well with possibilities of another joust on the 26th April.
Conclusion. The way it is with the two Dublin 6 rivals, Nure and Mary’s meeting in the semi-final in two weeks at Templeville Road makes for great excitement and anticipation. There is no doubt it will be an immensely close-fought match which will require the Mary’s top game to go on to the Aviva Stadium. This is one of our greatest ever teams, and without any complacency or overconfidence, we must have belief in their ability, intent and temperament. We supporters, have a significant part to play too. We are Mary’s boys who wear the blue and white.
The club hierarchy have a gigantic planning and logistics task ahead. They certainly will not be ceding grounds, even if we, the supporters, have to sit outside looking at phones. Our beloved home is where we will face our greatest sporting rivals. This means a lot for both clubs, club rugby and the local communities. We must, above all remember it is a sporting rivalry, and so respect and genuinely welcome our neighbours. Our decorum and general attitude during and after the match will be under scrutiny. Our reputation is on the line. Express support with Marys-Marys-Marys loud and often. Follow instructions from club officers and stewards. And those who can, come and do it for Deano!!!
Team (12 changes during the game) 15 R Shields, 14 M Fogarty 13 D Goggin, 12 M O’Gara, 11 L Ramirez, 10 C Dean (Capt.), 9 R Gilsenan, 8 C Pierce, 7 R Watters, 6 J Gimblett, 5 Daniel Leane, 4 G Jones, 3 M McCormack, 2 R Bergin, 1 T O’Reilly, 16 David Leane, 17 A Sparrow, 18 O Michel, 19 M Smyth, 20 Z Hopkins, 21 S Kilgallen.
D O’Brien.
