John O'Sullivan talks to club manager Leo Kennedy about a seasonthat has surprised many.

At the start of the AIB League Division One campaign, Clontarf would not have found huge support outside Castle Avenue and its environs as potential play-off candidates. But as the final weekend of the league beckons the north Dublin club is tantalised by a semi-final place.

On Saturday, they must travel to Stevenson Park, home of the reigning champions Dungannon, knowing victory would guarantee an extension to their season and foster the possibility of a home semi-final, albeit that latter issue is dependent on results elsewhere.

The achievement to date is notable, but the club is not content that will remain the epitaph for the season.

The portents at the beginning of the campaign were of hope; a new coach in Phil Werahiko, and some good, young players suggested that it would be a time of discovery.

Team manager Leo Kennedy conceded expectations were muted by the uncertainty of how the squad would develop and the attendant unknown factors, such as injuries.

One positive aspect of their preparations was that there would be no tampering with the players from outside agencies: Clontarf did not have to worry that players would have representative commitments.

This proved a significant advantage, as it allowed Werahiko uninterrupted access and the time to first sift through and then mould his resources.

This has been achieved with considerable success. As Kennedy pointed out: "I think the early matches showed that the team had potential, and then as the league campaign unfolded that they had the capacity to deliver on that.

"In previous years there have been moments in matches when things didn't go our way and heads went down. This season there has been the patience to adhere to a game plan and work the opportunities. It is a belief in the way that we are trying to play.

"The recent game against Buccaneers was a good example. They produced a very strong display, particularly up front, and I could see how they managed to get a draw against Shannon. In fact if they had all their players available to them for most of the season, I think they would have been in a very different position in the league.

"Even though we trailed in the match, we maintained the focus and discipline. The pack mauled the ball about 50 metres from their 22 for a try which scrumhalf Mike Walls scored that won us the game."

Clontarf's pack has been rightly celebrated for their contribution to the success, notably through the influence of New Zealand-born number eight Ben Gissing and the improvement of players like Warren O'Kelly and Adrian Clarke.

But the input of young players like Walls and wing Daire Higgins should give equal satisfaction.

Walls is an excellent prospect as a scrumhalf, and that may be reflected in a provincial contract next season. He is strong, quick, a decent passer and a constant challenge to opposing back rows.

He would benefit hugely from full-time rugby, and, along with UCD's Brian O'Riordan, is the outstanding young scrumhalf playing his rugby in Leinster.

Kennedy accepts that by virtue of the club's success they will lose players for next season.

"We could end up as victims of our own success, but that in itself is a recognition of progress and the development of players. We have a strong J One side and I don't think Phil (Werahiko) would be daunted by losing players."

The team manager pays tribute to Werahiko's contribution and his ability to nurture and develop players.

His quiet presence and modus operandi is in marked contrast to his more combustible predecessor, Alex Wyllie.

Kennedy is bullish about the club's prospects.

"We spoke on the team bus, coming back from the Buccaneers match, that we have three matches left, not one or two. We have nothing to prove to anyone and nothing to lose. As long as the players can implement the gameplan then we will be a match for anyone.

"It should be stressed that we are also taking nothing for granted. We have to beat Dungannon and realise how difficult that will be away from home. They may have nothing to play for, but there are a lot of quality players at the club. Our record outside of Leinster is not the most pleasing aspect of the season."

One timely boost for Clontarf is that Dungannon coach Willie Anderson will not be able to prepare the side this week or, probably, take his place on the sidelines, as he is currently coaching the Ireland team in the Under-19 World Cup in Italy.

The Dublin club, though, don't feel any compulsion to rely on the problems of others. They have arrived at this juncture on the merit of their performances on the pitch, and it is those credentials that could take them to the playoffs.