With the euphoria and dejection subsiding somewhat after the record breaking Heineken cup semi final last Saturday , attention now turns to the next Munster V Leinster clash when Shannon face old adversaries Clontarf in the AIB League Division One Final in Thomond Park this Saturday.Kick off at 4pm.
After having to travel to Dublin on five previous occasions for AIB league finals, Shannon now have the reward of a final played in Limerick. The New Thomond Park Stadium hosts this season’s finale, and while designated as Shannon’s home ground, the club have played there only twice this season, one of which was against Clontarf, so familiarity with the new ground may not be the advantage that could be expected.
 This Shannon side are chasing the club’s ninth AIB League title. The game on Saturday against Clontarf is a repeat of a fixture played on the 6th of December, when Shannon lost to the Dubliners 8-6. However it is also a repeat of the 2006 final when Shannon won on a scoreline of 30-6.
Having finished second in the league, Shannon saw off old rivals Garryowen in the play off semi final. The Limerick finalists played 15 games this season in the leage format, winning 11 and in the process scoring 318 points.
Top scorer for the club is Tadhg Bennett, who has already accumulated a heady total of 167 points, while Richie Mullane and Stephen Kelly,(also a Limerick intercounty footballer) have run in six tries a piece.
The team is coached by Geoff Moylan. Mr AIB League, is as decorated a coach as you could imagine. Shannon under Moylan are a well oiled machine. Able to win out wide as well as up front. Ginger Mc Loughlin once spoke about Shannon of old playing eight and a half man rugby, well not these days. Gerry’s sons Emmet and Fionn are part of this side and any team that can run in 22 tries is not to be messed with. Geoff Moylan, who has had spells at Buccaneers and highfield in recent times is back with Shannon for a crack at his third AIL crown. That would be added of course to his 3 Munster Senior Cups, 3 Munster Senior Leagues and 2 Limerick Charity Cups. The next level awaits for Mr Moylan I am sure.
Geoff, however, would be the first to say that this is by no means a one man show. His backroom team is made up of experience and up and coming coaches. Ger Casey is the backs coach and has played Youths, U/20 and Junior with Munster. Colm Tucker Jnr is the forwards coach. 26 year old Colm is a former Irish schools captain and was a regular on the Shannon senior side until injury halted his promising career. Both Colm and Ger have coached Shannon’s U/20 side for three years prior to taking up their senior positions. Team Manager/Kit Man is Ger Mullally, Team Masseur is Martin Flannery, Team Physio is Damian Morden and the Team Liaiso is Brian O’Brien (Former International and Munster team Manager).
With a backroom like that, Shannon are on the right path at least for glory.
So what of the players. Well, ahead of the game on Saturday there is only one really injury worry. Fiach O Loughlin, pictured above, is a doubt. He may play some part in the final, but Frankie Mc Namara will take his place at nine if needed. Frankie himself has four All Ireland League medals. Now that is strength and depth. If Fiach loses his fight for fitness, then David Quinlan will lead the team once more.
David O Donovan provides a safe pair of hands and a massive relieveing boot from full back, while Frankie Mc Namara and Tadhg Bennett will need to be watched by Tarf as these lads can break the line at will it seems. The up front grunt is provided by Killian O Neill, Mike Essex and Kevin Griffin. With the oldest in the front row being 24, you can see why Shannon keep battling till the end. The hard work and fitness doesn’t stop at the front row. In Padraic O Brien and Fergal Walshe, Shannon have two second rows that have dominated the AIL this season. Throw in Donnacha Ryan, Eoghan Grace and Davind Quinlan into that pack and you can see why Clogan and Mc Loughlin in the centres have had some good ball to work with. As mentioned earlier, Mulland and Kelly on the wings have six tries each, so this team can hurt you from anywhere.
The team for Saturday should be: David O’Donovan; Richie Mullane, Fionn McLoughlin, John Clogan, Stephen Kelly; Tadhg Bennett, Frankie McNamara; Killian O’Neill, Mike Essex, Kevin Griffin, Padraic O’Brien, Fergal Walshe, Donnacha Ryan, Eoghan Grace, David Quinlan (capt).
When you consider that this weekends squad contains 10 players who have at least one AIL medal already and that Shannon have only lost one final out of their last 29, then you can see that Clontarf are the underdogs.
Clontarf of course will arrive in Limerick bouyant from their semi final win over Cork Con in Cork. The Dubliners can also look back to that afore mentioned win over Shannon in December in Limerick. These two results show that Tarf are a great travelling side.
With players such as Phil Michael Keating, Daragh O’Shea (capt), Niall O’Brien; Martin Dufficy, Henrich Stride, Niall Carson and Martin Garvey the Leinster side are not to be underestimated.
The game kicks off at 4pm. After last week’s provincial disappointment, why not get back on the horse and get out to Thomond Park. Shannon fan or not, this one is going to be worth going to see. It is high time fans got back to their roots. If you haven’t got roots, where better to start?
Shannon to win. Number nine.
