Impressive Shannon ease drop fears

The reception Shannon received from their ecstatic fans as they trooped off the Coonagh pitch spoke volumes for the sense of relief felt by those from the Limerick club.

They are not assured of retaining their Division One status in the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League but the 21-3 defeat of fellow strugglers Blackrock College makes their task against Dolphin in the final match of the season at Musgrave Park on Saturday much easier.

They are now third from bottom on 26 points, one ahead of Old Belvedere and four clear of Blackrock who look certain for the drop to Division 1B.