Garryowen Win Limerick Derby

The opening game in Division 1B of the Ulster Bank League saw Garryowen defeat Shannon 21-3 before a large attendance at Dooradoyle.

Playing their first game outside the top flight Garryowen showed that their absence from Division 1A may be a short one after this victory.

Shannon took an early lead with a penalty from Tadhg Bennett, before Shane Buckley got in for a try for Garryowen which Jamie Gavin converted for a 7-3 half time lead

Eight minutes into the second half scrum half Neil Cronin scored Garryowen’s second try and Gavin added the extras.

Ed Rossiter scored the home side’s third try after 55 minutes and Gavin again converted.

Garryowen: Lorcan Bourke; James Frawley, Andrew O'Byrne, James McInerney, Cian O'Shea; Jamie Gavin, Neil Cronin; Peter O’Shea, Ed Rossiter, J.P. Cooney; Paul McCarroll, Aaron Closkey; Shane Buckley, Barry O’Mahoney, Josh Hrstich.

Replacements: Eamonn Costelloe, Rory Brosnan, Darren Mulcaire, Jamie Glynn, Alex Wooten.

Shannon: David O’Donovan; Mark Leonard, Shane Mullally, Ronan McKenna, Conor Cunnane: Tadgh Bennett, Dave Evans; Niall Horan, Simon Malone, Aaron O’Brien; Patrick Kearns, Sean McCarthy; Hugh Kelliher, James Ryan, Brian Downey.

Replacements: Liam Cronin, Jason Cronin, Rory O’Donnell, Geoff Ryan, Ciaran Cunnane.