Shannon kings of Munster

Midleton 13, Shannon 22

Only 1,500 or so spectators turned up for what used to be a unique occasion in Irish rugby. However, those who stayed away were the real losers.

Although beaten 22-13, Midleton put up a performance of which they can be justifiably proud.

They were very much in contention on the hour when only 12-6 in arrears but then conceded a seven pointer completely against the run of play and, even though the excellent Jason Holland did get over for a late try, the outcome was never in doubt after that.

Mick Galwey, who first figured in a successful Shannon squad in 1986, duly equalled a record that has stood for 99 years. He was winning his tenth Munster Cup medal, emulating the feat of Jack O'Connor of Garryowen between 1891 and 1904.

Galwey, a wonderful servant to the game at club, provincial and national levels, spent the final ten minutes on the line having been binned by referee Leo Mayne for a professional foul.

Shannon became the first team since Garryowen in 1899 to win the trophy on four successive occasions and it was their 15th success in all.

"I was reared on this and the Munster Cup still means an awful lot to me," insisted a delighted Galwey. "There must have been 14,000 in Thomond Park for the centenary final against Garryowen and that was the day I won my first medal. The hype then was similar to that associated with the Heineken Cup today."

The last thing Midleton needed was to have Holland yellow carded after eight minutes and to concede 12 points while he was in the bin. It appeared that Holland reacted verbally to the failure of the referee to spot a couple of knock-ons by Shannon's Andrew Thompson.

The champions were ahead within 60 seconds, Eddie Halvey finishing off a fine attack for a try near the posts which Tom Cregan converted. The second came on 18 minutes when right winger Colm McMahon used his pace and strength to make a 50-metre dash down the flank and found second-row Trevor Hogan in support and he in turn sent captain David Quinlan over far out. Cregan couldn't convert and that heralded a fine spell of play by Midleton. Holland actually put his first kick the restart after Quinlan's try directly into touch, but the outsiders were unfazed. Simon Buckley and Garvan Lynch in the back-row and David Lee and Kevin Brierly at the coalface were constantly prominent as Midleton took the initiative. Two penalties by Holland narrowed the gap to 12-6 at half time.

The Kiwi-Irishman continued to look by a distance the classiest player on the park. Helped by a fluent service from his pack and fellow New Zealander scrum-half Damon Urlich, he remained a constant threat to the Shannon defence. Midleton's support play was also commendably unrelenting and, within four minutes of the restart, Holland had an opportunity to narrow the gap still further only to pull his penalty attempt from 45 metres.

Midleton maintained the pressure. Flanker Brian O'Connell had the ball dashed from his hands as he dived to score. Awarded a penalty, Holland scorned the certain three points, instead cross-kicking to right-wing Kieran Wall who did not hold the ball under Tom Cregan's challenge.

Undaunted, Midleton threw everything at the Shannon defence.

A Midleton attack broke down in front of the Shannon posts, Andrew Thompson booted the loose ball downfield, gained possession and passed to Colm McMahon who raced away unopposed for a try behind the posts that Cregan converted.

Cregan added a penalty and then hit the crossbar from well in his own half before justice was finally done and Holland grabbed a Midleton try at the death which he converted himself.

SHANNON: J. Lacey; C. McMahon, M. Lawler, A. Thompson, T. Cregan; N. McNamara, F. McNamara; F. Roche, J. Blaney, T. Buckley, M. Galwey, T. Hogan, T. Hayes, E. Halvey, D. Quinlan capt. Replacements, D. Delaney for N. McNamara half time; G. McNamara for Buckley and J. O'Connor for Galwey 79.

MIDLETON: D. Hurley; K. Wall, B. Morris, D. Smyth, K. Barry; J. Holland, D. Urlich; P. Smyth, D. Lee, K. Brierly, M. Cullinane capt, P. Cullinane, S. Buckley, B. O'Connell, G. Lynch. Replacements, A. McCarthy for P. Cullinane 52 mins; W. Dunne for Barry 75; M. O'Connell for Lynch 82.

Referee: L. Mayne (Munster).