Who says Munster rugby’s dead?

SO who claimed Munster club rugby is dead?

Those who believe that theory should take more than a cursory glance at the top of all three divisions in the AIB League for evidence to the contrary.

The presence of three Munster teams in the top four of Division one, three more in Division two and two in Division three suggests things aren’t as bad as they seem.

Of course, club rugby has suffered since professionalism took a stronger grip, but the clubs who fought back with a will have found there’s a way.

It’s interesting to note that just one club — Clontarf — posed a threat to Munster’s dominance, with UL Bohemians streaming in an unlucky fifth.

It’s equally interesting to note that Clontarf and Division Three Suttonians are the two most successful Leinster (Dublin) clubs this season, and they’re both from the north side!

If that wasn’t quite a bolt from the blue, then it must be a shock to the system in Dublin 4. Granted, Wanderers made a bit of a run by finishing third in Division Three, while Bective held fifth spot in Division Two.

However, Lansdowne were the best south side finishers in Division One in eighth place, but sure aren’t they normally made up of a mix from the provinces anyway.

Clonakilty and Suttonians have been promoted from Division Three, while Skerries have fallen by the wayside and will be replaced in Division Three by Rainey Old Boys next season.

Waterpark’s troubles were evident from an early stage of the season and they drop to Division Three, joined by Ballynahinch who were unable to take advantage of defeats by both Thomond and Malone.

Had Ballynahinch sneaked a win against Barnhall instead of losing 14-16, they would have survived on points difference.

In Division One, most things were settled going into Saturday’s series of games, but there was still drama to be had at the bottom. County Carlow, already relegated, fought to the bitter end before losing 17-18 to Lansdowne, but Trinity had to win and then hope Galwegians lost if they were to survive.

While Galwegians had little to offer by way of a challenge to Clontarf, the students did mount something of a threat to Cork Constitution. They lost though, and followed Carlow down.

So Garryowen take the major honours by topping Division One, and they will look forward to another match against old rivals Shannon in the top four competition, while Constitution have to travel to take on Clontarf in the other semi final.

They take place next weekend, with the final due to be held at Lansdowne Road on May 13th.