All-Ireland League: After six seasons it could be said that Clontarf coach Phil Werahiko knows his team. He took them to the final last season only for Shannon to arrive, as they are prone to doing, and snatch their third AIB All Ireland League title in succession.
That year Clontarf went into that game with a strong defensive record but uncharacteristically coughed up two tries.
"Not many teams got to our try line until that match (final) and we let in a brace of tries," says Werahiko. "When it came to the final last year, we didn't perform at all. This year, it is hard to say if we deserve to win. Sure if we get there and do the job then yes, we deserve to win.
"It's a one off when you get to the semi-finals. They haven't shown me a performance that says to me they should win it, although I believe there is one there."
In front of Clontarf and their desired semi-final are Jeremy Davidson and his Dungannon team. Clontarf need to win this weekend at home in Castle Avenue in the final round of matches to secure one of the top four places. While a win would keep them in the top four, Werahiko requires the sure-footed UL Bohemians to trip up against Blackrock in Stradbrook in order to get a home draw, an event he feels is unlikely to happen.
With Cork Constitution leading on 56 points, UL Bohemians chasing on 48 points, Clontarf in third place on 46 and Shannon, once again in the mix on 43, the smart money is on Cork Con and Bohemians holding on to their positions, which, if they win on Saturday, could mean a semi-final trip to Annacotty for Clontarf.
"If we get a home draw we'd be very lucky," says Werahiko. "We've a very tough one against Dungannon this week and I can't see Bohs slipping up. Without getting too carried away, talking of the semi-finals is a bit premature and there is still a job to be done. We've still to get past Dungannon, where Jeremy Davidson has done very well with the players he has brought through this season."
Last year Dungannon beat Clontarf in a 6-3 match in Stevenson Park. But the Dublin side have had the advantage in their home games over the last few years and are now on a hat-trick of wins at Castle Avenue over the Ulster team. The motivational factor of securing the semi-final berth will also be at the heart of the Clontarf performance. But once again Shannon are lurking.
"Shannon continue to be a thorn not only in Clontarf's side but in other team's sides too," says Werahiko. "It is proven they are mentally tougher than other teams when it comes to finals. They have been able to shut us down in the last couple of meetings and they never lose their shape. That is in their make-up. They are a very, very strong side mentally.
"We have got to live with that and we've got to learn to stay with the things we've done that have gotten us to that stage. Last year (final) the guys didn't believe in themselves and unfortunately they decided to change, so we lost our shape and were not able to get ourselves into the sort of game we are capable of playing."
Clontarf have finished in the top four in five out of their six years under Werahiko and eighth the other year. That followed a clear out of players, when seven were offered contracts and left in the close season.
"The side this year I felt were a year away from winning the AIL. But the guys won't be waiting for next year," says Werahiko, "they will want to do it this year. They are a very talented group and on our day we can beat any of the sides in the top four. As I said, at that stage, it's a one off."
