Under 21 Championship Semi Final
Clontarf 2- 7 St Marks 2-12

An early blitz which saw St. Marks score 1-3 without reply was the foundation for Clontarf's exit from the under 21 B Championship in a semi-final palyed under lights on St Brigids magnificant but rain soaked new all-weather pitch on Wednesday. Stung into action Clontarf began to put together some moves but all to often in the early stages passes were mishit resulting in possession being given away. As the first half entered its dying minute the lead had been reduced to what appeared to be manageable 4 points. Shane McIntyrre scored a point from play and Neil Mullins finishing a goal mouth scramble following a Gerard Ryan shot that was parried by the Mark's keeper by putting the ball to the net. However with only seconds on the clock Marks swept upfield and scored a second goal to leave them with a 7 point half time advantage.

The second half saw the introduction of Martin Dufficy who profited from good ball won by full forward Stephen McGinn. Clontarf now began to play with more passion and points fro Shane Barrett, Dufficy, McIntrye, Damian Mullins and McGinn kept Clontarf in contention despite Marks adding scores to their 2-5 half time total. With the game entering the final 10 minutes Dufficy got onto a McGinn pass to the left of the Mark's goal and despite close attention from two backs sqeezed the ball to the net. The lead was now reduced to 3 points and there was the possibilty that Clontarf could get something from the game. However Marks reacted well and were able to add two points before the game ended to leave them 5 points ahead at the final whistle.

While all admitted that this was probably a case of the better team winning Clontarf will wonder if the outcome would have been better if they had settled earlier and not allowed a dream start to Marks.