In Pics: Garryowen 34 Shannon 8

Pictured above: Garryowen flanker Paul Neville has his progress halted at Dooradoyle. Neville’s back row colleague Anthony Kavanagh touched down in the second half to add to two first half tries from winger Ciaran O’Boyle, which set Garryowen on their way to an impressive 34-8 win over the reigning Division One champions.

Paul Cunningham’s side earned a penalty try in the last minute to claim a bonus point. Shannon, who were admittedly disappointing and never hit top gear, managed a try from full-back Mossie Lawlor in the first half. Fly half Dave Delaney added a penalty after the break.

Garryowen’s left winger Cillian O’Boyle, whose twin brother Ciaran scored a brace of tries on Saturday, attempts a break.

Ireland Under-21 team mates Conan Doyle (Garryowen) and Sean Cronin (Shannon) clash at Dooradoyle. Doyle’s side are now top of the table after their eleventh win in 12 league outings. They face Lansdowne (away), County Carlow (home) and UCD (home) in the run-in to the Division One semi-finals.

Eoin Cahill of Shannon is tackled by Garryowen number 8 and captain Peter Malone, whose 55th-minute sin binning failed to inspire the visitors back into the game. Shannon, now down to fourth, will have to get results against County Carlow (home), UCD (away) and Belfast Harlequins (home) if they are to confirm their place in this season’s final four.

Peter Malone claims a lineout.

Shannon hooker Sean Cronin challenges Garryowen’s Paul Neville for a dropping ball.

Garryowen scrum half Gerry Hurley, who, along with Malone and Ciaran O’Boyle, has been named in the Ireland squad for Friday night’s AIB Club international clash with Scotland, passes out of a ruck. Malone is the only Garryowen starter on the Irish team.

**All photos by Billy Stickland of Inpho Photography**