We will have a new face in 1A next season as Garryowen and Old Belvedere will meet in the 1A Promotion Play-Off Final next weekend to determine who takes Shannon’s spot next season. Shannon had their relegation confirmed as Belvedere produced a one sided win on Shannonside.
Old Wesley (3T) 21-32 Garryowen (5T), Energia Park
Garryowen could make their stint in 1B a short one as they booked a home tie with Old Belvedere next weekend following an impressive win on the road in Energia Park.
Old Wesley took the early advantage, Cronin Gleeson crossing for the opening score and Ian Cassidy converting. Garryowen hit back with seven of their open minutes later, Max Clein powering his way over and Kelvin Langan levelled the tie from the tee.
Tom Larkin restored the hosts lead in the 23rd minute and Cassidy again added extras. Garryowen would see out the rest of the half on top, Clein added a second before Gordon Wood crossed for the third, Langan converted the latter for a 19-14 lead at the interval.
Jack Oliver drew first blood for the Shannonsiders with a penalty eight minutes into the second half. Wesley replied with their third try just after the hour mark Eoin Deegan the scorer and Cassidy’s conversion left a point between the teams.
Garryowen would add two final tries to see out the contest. Oran McNulty and Jack Delaney crossed the whitewash, neither was converted but they ensured safe passage to the final for Garryowen.
Shannon (1T) 8-46 Old Belvedere (4T), Thomond Park Back Pitch
Shannon became the first team relegated via the playoffs as Old Belvedere produced a sparkling display to take a win and the team that looked unlikely to make fourth place now is in the final.
David Wilkinson kicked Belvo into an early lead with a penalty, on the ten minute mark Mike Cooke replied to level the game with a penalty of his own. Belvedere crossed for their opening try in response, Adam Howard under the posts and Wilkinson converted for a 10-3 lead.
Dan Hurley dotted down in the corner in response for Shannon, the try unconverted but the gap was down to two points. Belvedere had the momentum however to end the half with further scores. James Doyle added their second try in the corner with Wilkinson converting, Wilkinson added a second penalty of the half to increase the lead to 20-8 at the break.
It was all Belvedere on the scoring front in the second half. On the hour mark Jack Keating added the third try and a conversion from Wilkinson and a penalty put the visitors 22 points ahead.
Joe White added their fourth try in the 67th minute and Wilkinson made it four from four for conversion attempts. The Belvedere out-half tallied two further penalties before Johnny Kiely added one final kick to put the icing on the performance.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.