Shannon finally return to the Promised Land

Shannon, the All-Ireland League’s most successful club, have regained their place in the top tier of club rugby.

Five years after relegation to Division 1B, the Limerick giants secured promotion with a hard-fought win over UCC at Thomond Park on Saturday. Nine-times champion Shannon have always had a loyal band of supporters who are now encouraged by a talented group of players and a dedicated coaching panel led by Tom Hayes, a member of former successful teams along with brother John. Tom was starring for Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership when Shannon fell through the trapdoor and was a very relieved man at the final whistle: “We’re enjoying the moment and glad of the way we managed to take hold of the game just when it looked to be getting ropey”, he commented.

“Once we got back on script and were able to stick to the plan, it finally told. I’m delighted to see the club get back up. I was over in England when things went awry a little bit but there’s a good bunch of guys here now who have seen dark times and I’m really happy for them to have a moment like this. We’ll probably have to strengthen our panel, the summer months can be turbulent for all clubs, but as I say we’ll enjoy the moment for now”.