Shannon in seventh heaven

Shannon came from behind to pip Dolphin 20-16 in today's ODM Munster Senior Cup final, lifting the trophy for a seventh consecutive year.

The Cork underdogs, a division below Shannon in the AIB League and competing in their first provincial decider in 30 years, led 10-3 at the break at Musgrave Park.

Six Munster-contracted players were on show from the kick-off - Shannon had Mossie Lawlor, Ian Dowling, Stephen Keogh, Tony Buckley and Trevor Hogan in their side, while Dolphin boasted Tomas O'Leary at scrum half.

Dolphin got the ideal start with a sixth-minute intercept try from centre Aidan O'Shea, converted by Barry Keeshan. Shannon's Dave Delaney (9 minutes) and Keeshan (14) then swapped penalties.

Keeshan added a 50th-minute drop goal, but Shannon bossed the final quarter. Andrew Thompson, on as a replacement, offloaded for winger Dowling, who beat five Dolphin defenders, to race over for a sizzling 65th-minute try. Delaney converted to level it up at 13-all.

Five minutes later, Shannon captain Colm McMahon bulldozed through and in under the posts for his side's second converted try. Keeshan added a penalty, but Mick Galwey's side held on for the club's 18th Munster title.