AIB All Ireland League Results

6th May 2006 By Munster Rugby

Shannon and Clontarf will contest the Division 1 final while Dolphin and Terenure square off in Division 2. In Division 3 Clonakilty and Suttonians will compete in the League final next Saturday

There was mixed emotions at Dooradoyle on Saturday after a superb semi final clash between local rivals Garryowen and Shannon ended in dramatic fashion. A sublime 80^th minute penalty kicked by Garryowen s Conor Kilroy looked like the winning score for the home side, putting them 20-18 ahead as the clock counted down. However, a determined Shannon came back to win the game with an 86^th minute penalty converted by Dave Delaney, breaking Garryowen hearts in the process and putting Shannon into the final. The AIB Man of the Match award was presented to Shannon second row Padraic O Brien after the game, but there were superb performances on both sides, with Conor Kilroy scoring all of Garryowen s 20 points and winger Ciaran O Boyle hugely influential throughout. Shannon face Clontarf in the final in Lansdowne Road next week as the Dublin side ended Cork Constitution s title hopes with a 26-6 win at Castle Avenue.

In Division Two, Dolphin claimed a place in the League final next Saturday with a 26-24 win over Young Munster. A drop goal from Dolphin in the sixth minute of injury time was the deciding score, putting them into the final against Terenure, who defeated UCC 55-14 at Lakelands. In Division Three, Clonakilty won their place in the final after a 24-3 win over Bruff. They face Suttonians in the final, after they defeated Wanderers 23-10 at Station Road.

All Ireland League Division 1 Semi-Finals:

Clontarf 26-6 Cork Constitution

Garryowen 20-21 Shannon

All Ireland League Division 2 Semi-Finals:

Dolphin 26-24 Young Munster
Terenure College 55-14 U.C.C.

All Ireland League Division 3 Semi-Finals:

Clonakilty 24-3 Bruff
Suttonians 23-10 Wanderers

FINALS

Saturday 13^th May 2006

Division One

Clontarf v Shannon

Lansdowne Road, 4pm

Division Two

Dolphin v Terenure College

Lansdowne Road, 2pm

Division Three

Clonakilty v Suttonians

Anglesea Road, Midday

AIB League Final Venue Change

The AIB League Division 3 final, which was due to take place as the first of the three AIB League finals in Lansdowne Road on Saturday 13th May, has been moved to Old Belvedere RFC, Anglesea Road on the same day and will kick off at 12.00pm.

The change in venue is due to the condition of the Lansdowne Road pitch which has been compounded by a very dry period during the winter leading to some surface break up and exacerbated by a very late spring growth this year.

Given the level of activity on the pitch and the requirement for pre-match training usage by international rugby and soccer teams, the IRFU has been professionally advised that the pitch would not be able take the level of stress of three games in succession and this has forced the IRFU to move the game.

The IRFU s intention to play all three AIB League finals in Lansdowne Road was always dependent on weather and pitch conditions, and in the eventuality that this was not possible, the Division 3 Final would be moved to an alternate venue.

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said, We realise the importance that players and coaches place on the possibility of playing at Lansdowne Road, but unfortunately the advice given to is that the pitch would not be able to take the strain. Last year we were able to hold all three finals in Lansdowne Road as the conditions allowed us to, but this year we have not been as fortunate .

All supporters who purchase entry to the Division 3 Final in Anglesea Road will be given automatic entry to Lansdowne Road for the Division 1 and 2 finals.