Shannon survive after Munster derby win

Dolphin 3 Shannon 28

Shannon made certain of their Division 1A survival with a comprehensive final-day win over Munster rivals Dolphin in Cork today.

Stephen Keogh's men came to Musgrave Park needing to get a result to avoid relegation or a possible play-off spot for finishing second-from-bottom.

In the end, tries from David Quinlan, John Clogan and Alan Bennie steered the Limerick side to safety and an eighth place finish.

Dolphin, who had little to play for, were 16-0 in arrears by half-time. The early tension was broken by two drop goals and a penalty from Tadhg Bennett.

The Shannon number 10 followed up on the good work of his pack, and the visitors then struck for their first try on the stroke of half-time.

Dan Heffernan won clean lineout ball and number 8 Quinlan drove over for a deserved try given the balance of the first 40 minutes.

Bennett slipped when he went to add the extras but his kick managed to split the posts and Keogh's side had a decent cushion to take into the second period.

A long range 42nd-minute penalty from Bennett's opposite number Barry Keeshan got the hosts off the mark.

But Shannon tightened their grip on the game with a 65th minute try from Clogan after a terrific counter attack sparked by Richie Mullane.

Team captain Mossie Lawler landed the conversion, and Bennie added a third try in the closing stages when pouncing on a loose ball.

On reflection it was a season that Keogh and his players will be glad to see the back of, but Shannon do have the makings of a competitive side and they will hope for improvements next season.

Scorers:

Dolphin: Pen: Barry Keeshan

Shannon: Tries: David Quinlan, John Clogan, Alan Bennie; Cons: Tadhg Bennett, Mossie Lawler; Pen: Tadhg Bennett; Drops: Tadhg Bennett 2