This crucial encounter at Tom Clifford Park saw Munsters' out-half Willie Staunton, a match winner in so many games this season, miss five penalty attempts.

The home side found themselves 10 points behind after just 15 points. Clontarf's inspirational captain Barry O'Mahony breezed through for a try that full-back Richie Lane converted to add to an earlier penalty.

Andrew Burke hit back with a try for Young Munster. Staunton's conversion attempt hit an upright and then the crossbar before dropping over and a drop goal by the same player tied it up at 10-10 after 43 minutes.

But 'Tarf tightened their grip on the game with tries from Niall Treston and Killian Lett before winger Mark Doyle got over for Munsters five minutes from the end, earning them a losing bonus point.

St. Mary's, whom 'Tarf meet on April 14, are now level on 54 points with the north Dubliners, but O'Mahony and his team-mates boast a superior +149 scoring difference currently.

Scorers:

Young Munster: Tries: Andrew Burke, Mark Doyle; Cons: Willie Staunton, Andrew Bourke; Drop: Willie Staunton

Clontarf: Try: Barry O’Mahony, Killian Lett, Niall Treston; Cons: Richie Lane 3; Pen: Richie Lane.