Mick Galwey’s side allowed their hosts too much latitude as they crossed for four scores in a pulsating first half.
Leinster’s Auckland-born lock Ben Gissing got Clontarf on their way by lurching over the line after only three minutes. Three of the home team’s three-quarters, Niall O’Brien, Peter O’Brien and Daragh O’Shea followed suit, helping the Dubliners to a 22-6 lead by the break. Dave Delaney had landed two penalties for Shannon.
Munster-contracted prop Tony Buckley crossed ten minutes into the second half to give the visitors some hope, but a try from centre Breffni O’Donnell, his fourth of the League campaign, and a drop goal from fly-half Peter O’Brien pushed Clontarf beyond reach.
Shannon winger Fionn McLoughlin grabbed an 80th-minute try, which Delaney converted to make it 32-18, but the sniff of a bonus point was gone.
Shannon still lead Division One, but chief chasers Garryowen could go top if they beat Cork Constitution at Temple Hill this afternoon.
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Performance of the day yesterday came from struggling Lansdowne, who chalked up their fourth win of the season by scoring ten tries in a 71-15 romp against Blackrock College. Their player-coach Brian O’Meara, who played fly half, said a result like this was “coming for some time”.
Kiwi full-back Corey Burt converted all bar one of Lansdowne’s tries, managing a handsome personal haul of 31 points — he also notched two tries and a penalty.
O’Meara was on target just before the break with hooker Kevin Corrigan, centre Killian Kennedy, wingers Brendan McGeever (2) and Fiachra Baynes, and replacement full-back Justin Meagher (2) also touching down.
A 48th-minute try from Ulster winger Tyrone Howe helped Dungannon beat Belfast Harlequins 17-6 at Stevenson Park. Howe crossed in the right corner after Andy Kirkpatrick’s hack downfield scattered the Harlequins defence. Gareth Steenson landed four penalties for Dungannon.