Quinlan Hat-Trick Puts Shannon on Top

A hat-trick of tries from back row forward David Quinlan helped Shannon to a 38-15 victory over Lansdowne at Thomond Park, a win that sees Shannon replace Limerick rivals Garryowen as leaders of AIB league Division One. John Hayes played for Shannon in this game and was joined by his brothers, Tom and Mick.

Cork Constitution moved ever closer to the top of AIB League Division One with a 18-8 win over Clontarf in Temple Hill. Tarf opened with a Donal Sheehan try and penalty from Dave O’Brien but once Ronan O’Donovan got his side off the mark with a try in the 19th minute the home side took control. Conor Mahony landed the conversion and added a penalty to give Con a 10-8 interval lead. Then in the second half Derek Dillon’s early try put the outcome beyond doubt.

Garryowen travelled to Galway where they were beaten 22-12 by Galwegians whose Eric Elwood was responsible for 17 of his side’s total. The decisive score of this game came early in the second half from ‘wegians full back Ger Brady.

In Stradbrook Blackrock lost narrowly, 26-31 to Buccaneers, Dungannon were 17-5 winners over Bayymena at Eaton Park and Young Munster, despite a brave effort went down 24-20, to UCD in Belfield.

In Division Two, Belfast Harlequins contine their surge for the top flight with a 36-18, five try victory at home over Thomond. Second placed UL Bohemians completed what was a bad week for City of Derry when they won 20-11 in Judges Road and barnhall cam,e from being 19-14 down to Wanderers at Merrion Road to win 26-19 thanks to a second Chris Allen try.

Dublin University maintain top spot in Division Three despite a 15-10 defeat to Greystones at Dr Hickey Park. Greystones now move to second place on the same points as the students with Old Wesley in third place following their 23-14 victory over Waterpark in Ballinakill.