Dolphin led 14-6 at the interval thanks to a penalty try in the seventh minute and flanker Rob O'Herlihy touched down after 21 minutes.

Shannon had taken an early lead through the boot of out-half Rob Guerin, and a superbly-taken try from Connacht's James Loxton put the Limerick giants right back into contention.

The winger made a great 60-metre break down the left to touch down in the 56th minute, closing the gap to 17-13, but that was as good as it got for Stephen Keogh's youthful side.

Dolphin sewed up their second victory of the campaign - they are now fourth in the Division 1A standings - with a late try from bulldozing Ireland Club international prop Christy Condon, who popped up out wide to finish off a fluid attack.

It was a score that had been coming as Shannon had to play with only 13 players for a spell in the second half following two yellow cards for professional fouls - lock Fergal Walsh and new number 8 John Shine were the offenders.

Dolphin, despite running out comprehensive winners, also had to dig deep in the opening period when they had lock Chris Rowe yellow carded for repeatedly roaming offside.

Steve Ford's charges pushed hard for the bonus point in the closing stages and missed it by the bounce of the ball.

Young hooker and captain Niall Scannell chipped towards the corner where two Dolphin players were waiting, the ball landed between the two and bounced into touch and the opportunity was lost.

Referee: Mark Patton (IRFU)