Meanwhile, Clontarf captain Dylan Donnellan continued his try-per-game strike-rate since the new season began, as the defending champions powered their way to a bonus point win at Old Belvedere.

Reigning champions Clontarf, meanwhile, earned a victory at Old Belvedere, while Ballynahinch took the spoils from Cork Con.

In the final debate, Connolly spoke as though she had already won – and her confidence turned out to be well-placed.

Kelly O'Grady is a CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent. Prior to joining CBS News, O'Grady was a correspondent and fill-in anchor at Fox Business, with stints in both New York and Los Angeles. While at ...