Josh Costello spearheaded Shannon’s push for survival in 1A, as they produced an empathic second half performance to edge Highfield in the Munster Derby.

A year on from their promotion back to 1A, they survive another play-off to stay up ahead of the 23/24 season, a big fightback showing their class and pedigree as one of the league's most historic sides fight another day.

The boot of James Taylor was a key weapon for Highfield, but they were unable to use anymore to stop Shannon staying in 1A, as they hosts crossed three times in the second half, while Mike Cooke displayed a masterclass from 10, just two kick’s eluding the out-half of a perfect game.

It was all the way of the Leesiders early on as James Taylor notched two early penalties for a 6-0 lead, Shannon had the chance to put points up minutes later but a missed penalty from Mike Cooke kept them scoreless.

Cooke got them on the board from close range in the 24th minute, Taylor would make it a 9-3 game with his third successful kick at goal, but a smart move by the Limerick men saw Cooke sprint over for the games opening try in the 33rd minute, a conversion followed from the fly-half as they edged ahead for the first time 10-9.

Just before the break again another infringement saw Highfield awarded another penalty which Tyalor was quick to point to the posts, his fourth successful strike in a row making it 12-10, the lead the Leesiders took to the break.

Shannon were different class in the second half in the shadow of Thomond Park, just eight minutes elapsed before Josh Costello got over for their second try, Cooke with a peach from the sideline add the extras, then shy of the hour mark, thee winger again showed his pace to blitz down the right channel and cross for their third try a huge moment for the club’s hopes of survival, putting them 22-12 ahead as Cooke missed the conversion.

Highfield were battling back but the Shannon defence was strong, they almost got over in the far corner but a big tackle saw it come to nothing, play resumed from an advantage shy of the Shannon line but another big move from their rearguard saw them hold firm.

Just ten separated them as the minutes ticked by in Cratloe Road, the hosts held firm and with just five minutes left crossed for the fourth and final try as they booked their spot back in 1A next season at Highfield’s expense, the big frame of Odhran Ring crossing for the key score.