Out-half Jamie Gavin landed Garryowen's first penalty after eight minutes but it was all square after 27 minutes when his opposite number Rob Guerin was on target for the under-fire visitors.

Guerin started at out-half but moved to his more regular scrumhalf position when Mike D'Arcy was injured in the second half.

A big improvement was expected in the second period but it remained a battle of the place-kickers all the way.

Gavin kicked four in the end for Garryowen and his last strike was eleven minutes from the end which left it 12-6 after Guerin had landed his second Shannon penalty.

Shannon, whose coaches Stephen Keogh and Eoin Cahill stepped down last Monday, needed a try if they were to snatch victory but they could not breach a strong Light Blues defence.

There were notable performances from Munster's Ronan O'Mahony and Luke O'Dea at full-back for their respective sides, the pair both swept up well in defence and threatened with ball in hand on occasion.

The result leaves Garryowen just a single point behind table toppers Lansdowne, while the losing bonus point will give Shannon something to build on for next weekend's home clash with defending champions St. Mary's.

Referee: Paul Haycock (IRFU)