Ronan try lifts Shannon

Shannon’s resurgence continued as they dispatched Old Belvedere 28-17 on Saturday, their third win in five games helping them in their quest to preserve their Division 1A status.

The hosts moved led 17-0 at half-time, but tries from Jonathan Slattery and lock Josh Eden-Whaitiri helped Belvo pull back to 17-17.

Fit-again Munster flanker Niall Ronan’s try helped seal it for Shannon, who now have UL Bohs and Belvedere in their sights in what is set to be an intriguing relegation battle.

Young Munster’s collapse at Clontarf, where they were always on the back foot in a 35-10 reverse, has strengthened Lansdowne’s hand at the top, with Garryowen now in second spot, 12 points off the pace.

Dolphin’s hopes of avoiding being sucked into a relegation battle suffered a blow as St Mary’s recovered a 10-3 deficit to win 20-18 at Templeville Road, largely thanks to Gavin Dunne’s five penalties.

In Division 1B, Ballynahinch consolidated top spot by hammering basement side Ballymena 66-5, keeping them eight points clear of UCD and Trinity, who are next in line on 39 points. Bruff’s 26-20 defeat at Belfast Harlequins keeps them stuck in second last, just four points above Ballymena.

It’s still a three-way fight for supremacy in Division 2A, with Terenure, Corinthians and UCC all winning, while Rainey Old Boys are still comfortably leading the way in Division 2B.