ON THE resumption of the All-Ireland League (AIL), Division 1A leaders Clontarf had to battle all the way before emerging 24-20 winners over Shannon at Thomond Park.
Tadgh O’Brien and Luke Murphy scored tries for Shannon, while Mike Cooke kicked both conversions and two penalties.
Cork Constitution moved up into second place after their 23-13 victory over Young Munster at Temple Hill.
Rob Hedderman and Rob Jermyn scored tries for Constitution, while George Coomber kicked two conversions and three penalties. Seán Rigney replied with a try for the visitors, which Tony Butler converted, also adding two penalties.
In Division 1B, Garryowen kept their play-off places alive with a 23-10 win against UCC at the Mardyke.
Colm Hogan, JJ O’Neill, and Jeronimo Pena scored tries for the Light Blues and Jack Oliver added two penalties and a conversion.
In 2A, Old Crescent won the Limerick derby at Takumi Park on a 34-7 scoreline.
Seán Donnarumma opened the scoring for Crescent with a try which Ronan McKenna converted. UL Bohs were level when Liam Neilan scored a try and Harry Byrne converted.
Further tries from Joe Rickard, Daithi Byrnes, and Evan Creavan saw Old Crescent move to within a point of the play-off places. McKenna completed the scoring with three more conversions, a penalty, and a drop goal.
Elsewhere, promotion chasing Bruff received a set back at the Towns Park when they went down to Midleton 39-15 in Division 2C.
Paul Collins scored a try, conversion and a penalty for Bruff, with Eric Finn scoring their other five-pointer.
