Shannon weather Dolphin storm to claim seventh cup title in row

Shannon 20 Dolphin 16

For 66 minutes, Dolphin led the AIL Division One leaders, playing the rugby of their lives, but despite being under incessant pressure, the holders never imploded and displayed remarkable composure with tries from Ian Dowling and Colm McMahon to collect their seventh cup title in a row.

This was a final worthy of the name. The large attendance enjoyed an encounter full of passion, tension and the tantalising possibility of an underdog overcoming mighty Shannon.