Garryowen aiming to continue fine form against Clontarf

Garryowen will be looking to build on their recent fine form in Division 1A of the All Ireland League (AIL) when they welcome Clontarf to Dooradoyle on Saturday. Conan Doyle’s charges come into the game in high spirits after a 19-13 win over Young Munster last week.

The Light Blues scored 16 unanswered second half points to earn bragging rights against their near rivals. Munster Academy out half Ben Healy was in inspired form for Garryowen with 14 points from the kicking tee including a late effort from 50 metres that sealed the six-point victory.

Young Munster led 10-3 at the break and looked to be heading for their first victory of the campaign when Evan Cusack slotted a penalty early in the second half, but Garryowen hit form in the final 20 minutes to earn their third win of the season.

Cusack and Healy traded penalties in the first quarter and the two number 10s also played key roles in the game’s opening try. An attempted Healy clearance was blocked down by Cusack and the Young Munster out half collected to score under the posts. He added the extras to give his side a seven point lead at the break.

The Young Munster out half nailed a penalty early in the second half, but that was as good as it got for the home side. Healy kicked a penalty on 52 minutes and Bryan Fitzgerald’s try brought Garryowen back into it. Healy then converted his own score to level the game at 13-13.

The Light Blues put the foot down from that moment on with Healy adding a third penalty to put Garryowen in front for the first time. He then followed that up moments later with a long range effort that saw his side to victory.  Young Munster now sit bottom of Division 1A after four defeats from their five games. They face fellow strugglers Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium in a bid to get back on track.

In Division 1B, Shannon moved into third place with a 26-14 bonus point win over City of Armagh at Thomond Park’s back pitch. Shannon travel to Naas this weekend and could move up to second with a victory against their hosts.

Tries from Jamie McGarry, Pa Ryan and Lee Nicholas gave Tadgh Bennett’s men a 19-7 advantage at half time against Armagh. Ben Daly also landed two conversions. The bonus point try came late on when Kelvin Brown powered over for their fourth try 11 minutes from time. Daly added the extras to seal a 12 point win.

In Division 2A, UL Bohs got their first win of the season when they beat Nenagh Ormond 21-18 at the University of Limerick 4G pitch. Joey Conway and two second half tries by Jamie Shanahan saw the Robins move off the bottom of the table. Bohs face a trip to Buccaneers in their next game this weekend.

Old Crescent were also victorious in Division 2A with a 34-19 win at Rosbrien. Crescent ran in for five tries in a win that sees them stay fifth in the table. Lorcan Kavanagh, Maccon Casserly, Val McDermott, Jack O’Mahony and Kyle Theron ran in for Crescent’s tries. They face the trip to second placed Rainey Old Boys this weekend.

In Division 2C, Bruff fell to a 31-17 loss to Skerries at Kilballyowen Park. The result sees Skerries overtake Bruff into second place in the table. Eoin Cahill’s side will look to get back to winning ways when they make the trip up north to face Omagh.