Brian Walsh's men trailed 17-3 early in the second half and were still three points in arrears in the closing stages of this edge of the seat Ulster Bank League opener.

But Lyons had the final say, the full-back showing a clean pair of heels to the cover to scoot over and give Constitution a successful start to their Division 1A campaign.

Former Cork Con favourite Richie Lane had given Clontarf a 14th minute lead, using the wind to clip a 45-metre penalty through the uprights.

The hosts responded well but were unable to get off the mark with scrum half Gerry Hurley missing two penalty attempts.

Hurley succeeded at the third attempt, however 'Tarf got in for a try just before the break as hooker Cathal O'Flynn followed up on good work from the forwards.

Lane converted and also added the extras to a try from scrum half Dermot O'Meara, six minutes after the resumption. Cork Con had it all to do, yet they got a big boost when number 8 James Ryan grabbed a fine try at the posts for Hurley to convert.

Lyons set off on a brilliant break then, linking up replacement Cathal Quinn and the move finished with Hurley touching down in the corner. Suddenly, 'Tarf's lead was down to 17-15.

Clontarf were holding out under intense pressure and a Lane penalty nudged them closer to a prized away triumph, but they were unable to stop Lyons from swinging this closely-fought encounter in the hosts' favour.

Scorers: Cork Constitution: Tries: James Ryan, Gerry Hurley, Darragh Lyons; Cons: Gerry Hurley 2; Pen: Gerry Hurley

Clontarf: Tries: Cathal O'Flynn, Dermot O'Meara; Cons: Richie Lane 2; Pens: Richie Lane 2

HT: Cork Constitution 3 Clontarf 10