Clontarf, hoping to go one better after defeat to Shannon at this stage last year, were on the scoreboard in the third minute as the pack pushed Dave Moore over for the first try.

It was nearly 30 minutes later when Buccaneers found their scoring feet with Lee Turner sending over a penalty.

Clontarf increased their lead three minutes later when Ollie Winchester went over to see the Dublin side lead 10-3 at the change of ends.

Buccs' familiarity with the sin-bin was to cost them dearly as Eoin Brennan saw yellow for a late tackle after Turner had pulled them to within four points.

Brennan was barely back on the pitch when lock Rowan Frost took his place in the bin for reckless use of the boot.

The game was over as a contest with a Niall O'Brien try in the 63rd minute, duly converted by Darragh O'Shea.

An Andrew Dunne drop-goal sealed the win for 'Tarf and sent them into next week's final against Ballymena.