O’Loughlin On Form In Shannon’s Galway Win

A 66th-minute try from hooker Mike Essex helped Shannon overcome a stern test from Galwegians at the NUIG Sportsground in Dangan.

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION ONE: Saturday, January 24

GALWEGIANS 9 SHANNON 18, NUIG Sportsground

Scorers: Galwegians: Pens: Robert O’Beirn 3

Shannon: Tries: Richie Mullane, Mike Essex; Con: Tadhg Bennett; Pens: Tadhg Bennett 2

This Division One game hung in the balance, early in the second half, when ‘Wegians full-back Rob O’Beirn kicked two excellent penalty goals to close the gap to 11-9.

But O’Beirn missed an easier attempt on the hour mark and Shannon seized their chance, with captain Fiach O’Loughlin taking a tap and go and then firing a lovely reverse pass out for Mike Essex to score in the left corner.

Shannon also had luck on their side as Tadhg Bennett’s conversion attempt bounced over off a post and the crossbar.

The visitors were much the better side in the opening half, establishing an 11-3 half-time lead with Richie Mullane sprinting over for an eighth-minute try, in between two penalty successes from Bennett.

An O’Beirn penalty reduced the arrears to eight points but ‘Wegians could not build on their strong start to the second half and frustratingly they had a late John Cleary try ruled out for a forward pass.

The game went ahead at the NUIG Sportsground in Dangan after ‘Wegians’ Crowley Park pitch was deemed unplayable.