There's still everything to play for

Truly, Saturday's result at Thomond Park will have sent reverberations through much of the first division. Not only was it a warning that, when stirred, Shannon are still probably the best, and not only was it a good result for the holders at the expense of Buccaneers, it was also an unnerving outcome for Garryowen, Cork Constitution and St Mary's.

Because of the boost it has given to Shannon's points differential, from +34 to +67, the holders have now moved to within striking distance of Garryowen (+81) and Cork Con (+79), while moving well clear of St Mary's (+31).

Suddenly, the scenario whereby the leaders, Garryowen, could miss out is now more feasible, though it's still unlikely. They would have to lose to Young Munster on April 17th with Cork Constitution beating Ballymena handsomely next Saturday, and Shannon overcoming Constitution on April 17th, while in the process both Con and Shannon contrive to finish with superior points differentials. On top of which, either the Buccaneers-Lansdowne game would have to end in a mutually beneficial draw, or St Mary's would have to make up 50 points by tonking Galwegians on April 17th.

Con, only 12 points better off than Shannon, must now be a bit more nervous as well, for failure to beat Ballymena well could leave them vulnerable to a Shannon coup on April 17th. As for St Mary's, because of Saturday's result, they will probably have to win by 40 points or more at Galwegians.

Meanwhile, Terenure's win over Ballymena can also be interpreted as a bad result for Blackrock. Terenure will now be safe from relegation when entertaining Clontarf on the final day, which also sees Blackrock at home to Ballymena. The latter three are all on six points, but Ballymena still have trips to Cork Constitution and Galwegians to ease their way out of trouble. Clontarf currently lead Blackrock by 10 points on scoring differential.

In Division Two, DLSP's home win over City of Derry, allied to defeats for promotion rivals Malone, UCC and Portadown, leaves them very well placed to accompany Dungannon into Division One next season.

The Kilternan outfit don't have much margin for error on a tricky run-in, but wins away to Sunday's Well and Portadown either side of a crucial four-pointer at home to Old Crescent would guarantee them an historic promotion regardless of other results.