Shannon seeking to set matters straight

SHANNON aim to start making amends for the disappointments of last season this coming weekend when they face Blackrock in the final of the AIB Cup at Dubarry Park in Athlone.

Dominant in the AIL and the Munster Senior League in recent times, the Thomond club failed to make the league play-offs last year and relinquished their grip on the provincial title to boot. Making matters much worse was that it was local rivals Garryowen who superseded them in both competitions and the Dooradyle outfit capped a memorable season by also claiming the AIB Cup.

“We were more upset with our own performances, that we let ourselves down,” said Shannon captain David Quinlan. “In fairness to Garryowen, they put a run together and took all the trophies. It was an incredible achievement. We’re going to give it a shot to try and match it this year.”

Though a distant second in their priorities this season, Shannon have taken to the cup with aplomb, securing their passage to the decider despite having to play every game away from home.

“We have never prioritised anything in Shannon. If it’s there to be won we’ll give it a go. It has been good for us this year because it’s been a break away from the league and that has kept us fresh and kept us going. We’ve had some lucky results but we’ll give the final a lash and hopefully bring home some silverware.”

Blackrock too have some interest in the league as that competition enters its final round of fixtures in two weeks time but, though mathematically in the hunt for the play-offs, they are highly unlikely to achieve that. Losses to UCD and Greystones will stand out as being particularly costly should they fall short.

Captain Des Dillon and Shane Byrne provide experience up front in a young side with Leinster Academy full-back Fionn Carr the most obvious example. Carr sat out the side’s last game, a one-point victory over Clontarf who they also defeated in the AIB Cup semi-final, but is expected to recover from a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, because of a possible clash with Magners League fixture times, the IRFU has switched the AIB League Division One final from May 10 to the following day. The game will take place in Musgrave Park, Cork and will be live on RTE 1, kick-off 1.15.