Shannon aiming for six in a row

ROUND four of a potential five game series takes place today when Shannon and Garryowen meet in the Munster Cup final at Thomond Park (4pm).

Shannon have already beaten Garryowen in the Munster senior league and Limerick Charity Cup but Garryowen won the AIL clash.

Shannon are aiming for an unprecedented six titles in-a-row and 17 in total. The 16 cup wins may pale in comparison to Garryowen’s 35, but then Shannon have only been competing since 1953.

This game is a repeat of last season’s final which Shannon won 28-10, a factor which will no doubt serve to add to Garryowen’s motivation.

Shannon put out Old Crescent in the opening round and then received a walk-over from Sundays Well in the quarter-final. Cork Constitution were beaten convincingly at the semi-final stage, while Garryowen accounted for a plucky UCC in the other semi.

Shannon out half David Delaney remains on the treatment table with a wrist injury after missing last weekend’s AIL game with Cork Con, but he’ll be given every opportunity to prove his fitness, while captain Tom Hayes, Andrew Thompson and Colm McMahon are in the same boat.

Amongst the backs, Brian Tuohy is a huge threat to the Garryowen defence and together with Eoin Cahill, create a formidable pairing.

Many will see this pairing as potential AIL finalists - all that will be decided next week - but neither side will look beyond today.

On the AIB League front, UCC travel to Dublin today to take on Lansdowne in a bid to secure a place in the first division next year. Lansdowne finished bottom of the table while College finished third and will be sure to give the Dublin 4 side a stern examination.

Third division Clonakilty could be celebrating promotion if they beat Barnhall in Barnhall in another play off this afternoon.