AIL wins for Garryowen and Shannon but Munsters fall to Clontarf defeat

Shannon and Garryowen came away with late victories from their Division 1A AIL games today but Young Munster’s relegation worries continue after a loss against Clontarf.

Ben Healy was again Garryowen’s hero as his late penalty gave the Light Blues a 14-12 win over UCC at the Mardyke.

The hosts led 6-0 at the break thanks to two James Taylor penalties but Garryowen got back into the game seven minutes into the second half thanks to a Sean O’Connor try.

Healy missed the resulting conversion but a successful effort from the kicking tee saw Garryowen to an 8-6 lead after 50 minutes.

Taylor put UCC ahead again with his third penalty of the afternoon but a Healy drop goal saw Garryowen in front once again.

The UCC out-half looked to have sealed the four points with an 80th minute drop goal, however, Healy had other ideas and slotted a penalty from the home side’s ’22 to give Garryowen the victory.

Shannon got back to winning ways after last week’s derby defeat to Garryowen with a 9-8 victory over UCD at Thomond Park.

UCD let at half time 5-0 but two Jake Flannery penalties put Tom Hayes’ side in front but the Dublin college went ahead again with a kick at goal. However, Flannery won the game late on for Shannon with his third penalty of the contest.

Young Munster fell to their second defeat on the bounce when they were beaten by six points against Clontarf in Greenfields.

‘Tarf went in front through a Rob McGrath try on five minutes that was converted by David Joyce. Shane Fenton hit back for Munsters and a Shane Airey penalty had them ahead 8-7.

It was third placed Clontarf then went in at the break in front though through a Joyce penalty.

Airey kicked Munsters in front early in the second half but Brian Deeny’s try, converted by Joyce, saw Clontarf to a 17-11 win at Tom Clifford Park.

On Friday night in Division 2A, UL Bohemian came out victorious of their derby with Old Crescent at Rosbrien.

Bohs raced into a 10-0 lead thanks to a Brian Walsh try and two Mike Mulally. Ronan McKenna replied before the break for Crescent to cut the gap to seven.

Another Mulally penalty restored Bohs’ 10 point advantage but Crescent made them sweat for the win when Cathal O’Reilly touched down. McKenna’s conversion cut the gap to three but Bohs held on for the win.

In Division 2C, Bruff came out victorious from their Limerick derby with Thomond on a 24-7 scoreline.