Ciaran O’Boyle try secures bonus-point win

FLYING Garryowen winger Ciaran O’Boyle celebrated his first start for Munster in the Magners League by bagging the crucial bonus-point clinching try in a 14-point victory over Edinburgh at Musgrave Park on Saturday night.
The 64th minute try came as an early birthday present for O’Boyle who turned 25 yesterday. O’Boyle, who has previously played for the Munster A side, has been a prolific tr-scorer for Garryowen in the AIL for several seasons.
Munster maintained top spot in the Magners League as a result of their 28-14 success over the Scottish side.
The lively Keith Earls, powerful prop Tony Buckley and former All Black Doug Howlett also crossed for Munster’s tries before an attendance of 6,500.
Tony McGahan’s men currently enjoy a three-point lead over both Leinster and the Ospreys at the top of the Magners League.
Munster’s next fixture in the competition is an away tie with the Dragons on Saturday week, March 7.
Meanwhile Ireland coach Declan Kidney will be relieved to have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s big RBS Six Nations championship clash with England at Croke Park (kick-off 5.30pm).
Kidney will name his starting XV to face Martin Johnson’s England tomorrow.
In the All-Ireland League Shannon moved up to second place with a deserved 28-10 derby victory over Young Munster at Clifford Park.
Shannon collected a precious bonus point as a result of scoring four tries before Munsters’ biggest home crowd of the season. The defeat leaves Young Munster lying in the relegation zone.
Elsewhere Garryowen recorded their seventh straight success to move up to third place in the table. The Light Blues victims on this occasion were UCD.
UL Bohemian squandered an excellent opportunity to strengthen their grip on a top eight spot for next season’s new look AIL Division One when suffering a surprise 13-6 defeat to Old Belvedere at Annacotty.
In Division Two Old Crescent continued their promotion push with a 22-9 success over Greystones. Bruff suffered a 14-6 home defeat to UCC while Thomond lost out on a 0-9 scoreline to leaders Lansdowne at Fitzgerald Park.
The semi-final draw for the AIB Cup will see former champions Garryowen make the long journey to Ballymacarn Park to face giant-killers Ballynahinch on March 21. Young Munster will have home advantage for their last four clash with Cork Con on the same day.
The final of the AIB Cup is due to be played on May 5, with the game being televised live by RTE.

Colm Kinsella