Shannon win Limerick derby

Garryowen 15 Shannon 28

Shannon enjoyed a tenth Limerick derby success against old rivals Garryowen in fifteen meetings this afternoon, after a 28-15 win at Dooradoyle.

Last season the home side came back from 19-0 down at the break to earn a draw against Geoff Moylan’s men, but it was not to be the case today as three tries from wing Tom Cregan, captain Tom Hayes and centre Brian Touhy saw Shannon to their fifth win of the season.

The home side’s full-back Mark Connolly had a sight of the posts after three minutes but his right-sided effort slipped wide.

Cregan, the instigator of much of Shannon’s better attacks, put the visitors in front in the 14th minute with a well-hit penalty kick.

However a bout of territorial advantage for Garryowen, who started with Munster squad members Simon Kerr and Dominic Crotty, saw Colin Varley earn his second try of the season, with Connolly easing over the conversion.

Cregan converted his own try shortly before the break to give the visitors a 15-7 lead at the interval.

In the second half Garryowen hit back after 10 minutes with Connolly on target with a penalty.

A Conor Hartigan try on 64 minutes looked to have put them back within touching distance but two further Cregan penalties on 61 and 65 minutes stretched the Shannon lead back to six points.

A final try from Tom Hayes, his second of the season, sealed the win with Cregan adding the extras.