Shannon braced for Garryowen onslaught in battle of giants
The champions, and recently crowned club of the year, expect the light blues to throw everything at them in a bid to win Limerick bragging rights.
Shannon’s coach Mick Galwey admitted: “They have beaten us for the last two years in the league section, although we did manage to put one over them in last year’s semi-final. The thing about playing Garryowen is that form doesn’t really count. Form goes out the window because the rivalry is so great,” he said.
Galwey pointed to the remarkable situation at the top of the table, with five Munster clubs holding the top positions.
“UL Bohs are on top, we’re second, Garryowen and Con third and fourth, while Dolphin are fifth. That’s pretty unusual by any stretch of the imagination,” he added.
Even though Shannon have lost the experienced Brian Tuohy, Johny O’Connor and Dav Delaney to English first division clubs, Galwey is delighted at the way things have developed these last few months for Shannon.
“We have managed to bring through six players from last year’s successful under 20 side, and it’s nice to see one of them, Sean Cronin, get a place on the bench for Munster this weekend.
“Others who have come through are Fergal Walsh, Tadhg Bennett, John Clogan, Kevin Griffin and Conor Costigan, so it’s a relatively healthy situation overall.”
Galwey has been unable to finalise his side.
“We have a few injury problems. Colm McMahon could be out, and we’re waiting on fitness reports relating to Frankie Roche and Tony Buckley.
“But it really doesn’t matter because we could have the strongest side possible at our disposal and I’m sure Garryowen will pose huge problems for us. It will be a very interesting game, that’s for sure.”
The other main challengers, leaders UL Bohs take on Lansdowne in Dublin, Cork Constitution are at home to Belfast Harlequins, while Dolphin play Dungannon at Stevenson Park.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
