AFTER a six-year absence, Thomond will return to the All-Ireland League next season.
It follows a stunning 23-15 play-off promotion final away win over Omagah Academicals of Tyrone at Thomas Mellon Playing Fields.
With the thrilling contest poised at 16-15, the visitors nipped in for the critical try around the three-quarter way mark with a tenth of the campaign by Jake Connolly, which was converted by the unerring Jason Kiely.
Earlier five-pointers came from Jamie McGarry (his 12th of the season) and Kian McGrath, while Kiely also landed a couple of important penalties.
“We’re extremely excited with the opportunity for All-Ireland League Rugby to return to our club,” commented winning coach Kevin O’Mahony, whose back-up included Kenneth McNamara, Eddie Fraher, David O’Halloran, Pat Sherlock, Richie Neill, JP Baggott, and Ger Staunton.
The late Jack Cosgrave too played a stellar part on the pitch earlier in the season.
Thomond: Jamie McGarry; Andrew Lyons, Josh Dillon, Jake Connolly, Jason Kiely; Eoghain Sherlock, Evan Maher; Rian Burke, Colin Slater, Werner Kruger, Joe Costello, Shane Kelly, Riann O’Dwyer, Ryain Ahern, Kealan McMahon (captain).
Kian McGrath, Seán Rice, Seaghan Gleeson, Morgan Bateman, Michael Donnelly, Colin McCarthy, Aidan Ryan, Luke Costello, Greg Bateman.
