Shannon to meet Clontarf in final

All-Ireland League semi-finals : Shannon regained the bragging rights local rivals Garryowen with a narrow 16-12 win at Coonagh this afternoon. The Limerick side will meet Clontarf in the Division One final after the Dubliners dumped out defending champions Cork Constitution.

Hammered 31-6 by Garryowen at the same juncture last season, Shannon fought tootah and nail for every inch and, thanks to a marvellous effort from the forwards, kept their opponents in their territory for much of the afternoon.

All of Garryowen’s points arrived in a first half they played with the wind at their backs with fullback Conor Kilroy kicking three penalties and slotting over a drop goal. In response, Shannon had a converted try from Stephen Kelly to show for their toil.

After the break, Shannon’s dominance began to tell but Geoff Moylan's were unable to breach Garryowen’s defence, with three Tadhg Bennett penalties securing their place ni the decider.

Clontarf will attempt to deny them a ninth AIL title at Thomond Park next month after their 25-6 triumph at Temple Hill.

The home side could manage just two Jeremy Manning penalties while tries from Heinrich Stride (2) and Max Rantz-McDonald, all in the second-half, ensured Leinster would have a representative in the final on May 9th.

All-Ireland League Results 

Division One semi-finals 

Shannon 16 Garryowen 12
Cork Constitution 6 Clontarf 25

Division Two semi-final 

UCC 31 Old Crescent 13

Division Three semi-finals 

Corinthians 29 Midleton 14
Old Wesley 38 Queen's University 25