RUGBY
Shannon will bump into Blackrock in next weekend’s final of the AIB Senior Cup.

Mick Galwey’s secured their place in the showpiece with a hard-earned 8-5 victory over Galwegians at Crowley Park.  The visiting side struck early, courtesy of Niall Ronan who capatilised on a good drive off a line-out on the 22, a score that proved the only one of the opening-half.

Shannon extended their lead when David O’Donovan split the posts 15 minutes from the close, before Galwegians kept their interest alive with a late try from John Cleary.  A few missed penalty attempts by Liam Bibo cost the westerners dearly.

Meanwhile, Stryker Orthopedics will host their annual fundraising fixture at their field in Raheen on Friday next, 4pm – proceeds from the occasion will go towards the Mid-West School for Hearing Impaired Children.  Later at Dolan’s Pub on the Dock Road (10pm), the fundraiser continues with a number of prizes on offer.

GAELIC GAMES
O’Neills Sports has been unveiled as the new sponsor of the All-County Hurling/Football Leagues in Limerick at a Sponsorship Launch hosted by the Clarion Suites, Ennis Road.

As one of only a handful of approved suppliers of sports wear and products to the association, this is also the first tie-up between O’Neills and Limerick.  The County Leagues are up-and-running again for this season with participation from nearly all of Limerick’s 70-clubs, in either code.

O’Neills were represented at the County Board’s Sponsorship Launch by Tony Towell.

Once again, Walter Shanahan confirmed that JP McManus was only too pleased to continue his sponsorship of the main county teams (Leonards Renault sponsor the Limerick MF side).