AIB League – Must Win Game For Shannon

With just a single position on the league table separating Shannon and Terenure College this is a must win game for both sides, according to to Shannon PRO, Andrew McNamara, if they are to have aspirations of top four placing when the season concludes.
For Shannon, it’s an unfamiliar 13th place in the league table after two games played and just two bonus points to show for there efforts.

Last season’s game saw Shannon guarantee a home semi final after a 28-20 win in Lakelands. In the overall context of the AIB League it’s advantage Shannon, in the six games between the two Clubs. In the six previous meetings Shannon have won four and lost two.

Shannon coach Geoff Moylan’s injury worries that have plagued his side since the start of the league are set to continue after it was announced this week that John O’Neill is to miss the next 12 weeks. A recurring ankle injury was deemed sufficiently serious to operate and repair the damage. This is a huge blow for both Shannon and Munster with both teams preparing for vital games. Another of Shannon’s representative players, Maurice Lawler has his chances of playing this weekend rated at only 50/50. The talented player picked up an ankle injury training with the Munster squad at the beginning of the week. It will most likely take a late fitness test to determine his chances of taking taking the field on Saturday.

It is, however not all doom and gloom for Moylan. The return to the squad of John Lacey gives the coach options in the backline. Lacey hasn’t played rugby for the last 8 weeks during which time ankle ligaments kept him sidelined. The biggest problem facing him is his lack of match practice, but talent to burn the fullback will surely take some part in the game. In the forwards, the return of Frankie Roche after a serious facial injury gives the Shannon management an option to play him at prop or hooker.

Once again Shannon’s influential second row Brian Buckley is not considered due to illness and neither is Marcus Horan who is set to win his first full international cap at the weekend.

James Blaney may well face his brother, Brian after both players were named on their respective squads.

Shannon (from). Tony Buckley, Gary McNamara, James Hickey, Nigel Conroy, James Blaney, Paudie McMahon, Trevor Hogan, John Hadnett, Garrett Noonan, Colm McMahon, Eddie Halvey, David Quinlan (capt), Tom Hayes, Micheal Galwey, Frankie Roche, Mossy Lawlor, John Lacey, Dougie Walters, David O’Donovon, Eoin Cahill, Andrew Thompson, Niall McNamara, David Delaney, Cormac O’Loughlin, Fiach O’Loughlin.

Terenure College (from) Brian Blaney, Cormac Egan, Eamonn Fitzpatrick, Ray Roche, Jim Nolan, Steve Nolan, Dermot Quinn, Michael Quinn, Cormac Long, Alan Ryan, Brendan Kavanagh, Peter O’Malley, Jonathan Barretto, Leigh Kennaugh, Clinton Hall, Robbie Devlin, Mark O’Kelly, John Coffey, Philip Costello, Colin Moynagh, David McAllister, Shane Cullen, Richard Governey, Matt Sutherland.

AIB League Division One. Ballymena v Co. Carlow, Eaton Park – S Flannery.
Clontarf v Dungannon, Castle Avenue – L Mayne.
Cork Constitition v Buccaneers, Temple Hill – D Tyndall.
Galwegians v UL bohemians, Crowley park – O Trevor.
Lansdowne v Belfast Harlequins, Lansdowne Road (back pitch) – C Stanley.
Shannon v Terenure College, Thomond Park – G Doyle.
St Mary’s College v Blackrock College, Templeville Road – S McDowell.
UCD v Garryowen. Belfield – M Kilgore.

(All games kick-off, 2.30 pm).