Clontarf returned from a week's tour in Bahrain to defeat Lansdowne in this second semi-final on Saturday with Richie Murphy continuing to show good form in front of the posts. Murphy kicked four penalties and three conversions in Clontarf's 17-point win.

Lansdowne took the lead at an early stage through a Rory Kearns penalty but Clontarf responded with three tries inside 15 minutes, the first coming from number eight Bobby Baggot. Roddie Nowlan was next to breach the line and then a break from centre Alan Reddin allowed Dave O' Brien to touch down under the posts.

All three scores were converted by Murphy who also added a penalty to take the margin to 24-3. But a mistake from Clontarf's Ollie Winchester allowed opposing wing Lorcan O'Brien to go over for a try and another penalty from Kearns took Lansdowne into double figures.

Clontarf had the chance to kill off the game before the break when full back Kevin Nowlan intercepted inside his own 22 and his run took him into the Lansdowne 22 but he was eventually halted. In the end, though, it didn't matter with Murphy's assured kicking seeing Clontarf home after the break.