It was confirmed at the end of a dramatic final day that Shannon will be facing a relegation playoff against Old Belvedere after falling to their 12th defeat of the season. While, UCD and Lansdowne escaped the drop.
At the top of the table, league leaders Clontarf, Terenure College, Cork Constitution and Young Munster will face off in the playoffs.
Clontarf 50-29 UCD, Castle Avenue
The league leaders secured top spot going into the playoffs with a dominant victory in a high scoring affair courtesy of Dylan Donnellan’s four tries.
Donnellan touched down for a brace early on before Brian McMahon hit back for the visitors.
Donnellan secured his hat-trick inside 20 minutes before scoring his fourth try of the game and 21st in 18 games before half time.
Paul Deeny was shown a yellow card for not retreating 10 at a penalty before Ben White touched down for UCD.
Michael Brown, who recently came out of retirement, scored the fifth Clontarf try but James Nicholson scored for UCD.
Cathal O’Flynn scored from the back of a maul but the seesaw contest continued as David Ryan went under the posts for UCD.
O’Flynn secured his brace before Mick Kearney scored the eighth and final try.
UCD finished the campaign in eighth.
Ballynahinch 17-7 Lansdowne, Ballymacarn Park
The home side went ahead through a penalty try after 19 minutes before their lead was doubled through a George Pringle try was converted by Greg Hutley.
Another Hutley penalty ended the game as a contest and meant Ballynahinch finish in fifth after their 10th win of the season, while Lansdowne finish seventh.
Dublin University 66-14 Garryowen, College Park
Dublin University swept aside bottom side Garryowen to finish their campaign in sixth with six wins on the season.
Garryowen will be playing Division 1B rugby next season after suffering 16 losses in 18 games.
Terenure College 29-17 Shannon, Lakelands Park
Caolan Dooley opened the scoring after 12 minutes and after Shannon hit back, the fly-half was on target from 42 metres out to restore the home side’s lead.
Terenure College went further ahead through a penalty try and Pete Sylvester’s touchdown.
Shannon hit back with two late scores but finished in the relegation play off place, while Terenure are the second seed in the playoffs.
Young Munster 26-36 Cork Constitution, Tom Clifford Park
Cork Constitution showcased their superiority as they ran out winners to illustrate why they are third in the standings.
There’s an outside possibility both sides could meet in the playoffs as Young Munster finished fourth.
Play-off Fixtures:
Saturday April 22nd 2023
Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division Semi-Finals
Clontarf (1st) v Young Munster (4th), Castle Avenue, 2:30pm
Terenure College (2nd) v Cork Constitution (4th), Lakelands Park, 2:30pm
Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1A Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Semi-Final:
Shannon (9th in 1A) v Old Wesley (4th), Thomond Park, 2:30pm
Old Belvedere (2nd) v Highfield (3rd), Ollie Campbell Park, 2:30pm
Ben Jaycock
I am a Sports Journalism & PR graduate from Staffordshire University. During my time at Final Whistle, I have covered the LOI National League, international games and the Women’s National League. Outside of Final Whistle, I am a researcher for World Rugby and a writer for The Rugby Paper.