Shannon won the AIB League Division One final with a 21-17 victory over favourites Cork Constitution at Lansdowne Road today.
Shannon, relishing the underdogs tag, found the perfect start with two penalties from the trusted boot of Tommy Cregan.
The Limerick club then scorched into a 13-0 lead when Colm McMahon gained possession after bravely blocking a Conor Mahony kick. He raced from the half-way line to score in style.
But Con soon found their footing and crept into the game when Ireland international John Kelly touched down in the 25th minute.
Tellingly, however, it was Shannon who scored next. Scrum-half and man-of-the-match Derek Hegarty chipped ahead for full back John Lacey who gathered well to score and put the 1998 champions 18-7 ahead at the break.
Con scrapped hard in the second period and made Shannon work hard for their victory. Brian O’Meara slotted over a confident penalty before Joe Sheahan’s try brought the sides within a point of each other.
But Shannon refused to buckle under severe Con pressure and sealed the victory when Niall McNamara’s drop goal put them four points to the good.
Meanwhile, Belfast Harlequins defeated UL Bohemians 43-29 in the AIB League Division Two final at the same venue.
Quins took an early lead when Andy Lowe touched down but UL, reveling in the beautiful underfoot conditions, hit back through Rod Desmond’s converted try.
Neil Best and Johnny Lowe added further tries for Quins but UL had done well to remain in contention at the break. Quins led 26-24.
UL edged ahead in the early minutes of the second half after a splendid try from Keith Matthews.
But Quins held plenty in reserve and powered into an unassailable lead with telling scores from Rhys Boths and sub Andy Park.