Clonsilla Affairs stayed on strongly in the closing stages to take the handicap hurdle at Clonmel.

Jason McKeown hit the front on his mount before the third last and he had plenty stacked up behind him turning for home. Hevelius looked a big danger at the second last but failed to pick up before the final flight. Never Bold finished to good effect but couldn't peg back James Brennan's charge, who stuck on well for a length victory.

The 11/2 winner had run a cracker to be third at Downpatrick earlier this month, when returning from a two-year absence.

"James has him since January. I knew he would win today and had a nice bet on him," revealed winning owner Michael Caldwell.

"I'm from Clonsilla originally and I've another nice horse called Clonsilla Fath, who is with David Broad.

"This lad will go to Downpatrick on Tuesday and Jason will ride him again."

Winning amateur McKeown was still able to take off the 3lb having ridden out his claim on Tuesday at Ballinrobe.

9/2 favourite Dont Tell Pa threatened briefly at the second last but had to settle for fourth.

Gary Carson & Donal Murphy