Shannon seek AIL title

SHANNON RFC will bid to extend their impeccable record in All-Ireland League play-off finals this Saturday when the eight-time champions tackle Clontarf at Thomond Park (4pm).
Shannon have emerged victorious in all five of their previous AIL final appearances, including a 2006 victory over Saturday’s opponents Clontarf at Lansdowne Road.
Shannon boast an amazing record in cup finals in the past 20 years, losing only one of 28 deciders.
Coach Geoff Moylan said the record was largely down to the players’ self-belief.
“Shannon’s record in finals is about belief,” coach Geoff Moylan said.
“The players fully believe in themselves. They have built up a winning mentality from their under-20s days. Several squad members have AIL medals from that level.”
Just seven members of Shannon’s likely match-day 22 on Saturday have AIL senior medals despite the Parish’ side’s most recent success occurring just three seasons ago.
“I was surprised that so few squad members had AIL medals. It is sure to be a motivating factor ahead of Saturday’s final,” Geoff Moylan said.
“The players are hungry.
“This Clontarf side has been around a while. They have a team of experienced players. ‘Tarf beat us at Thomond Park in the regular season. They have been in something like five AIL semi-finals in recent years.
“They are a good side and won’t lack for motivation.
“They have a strong pack, capable of beating teams up.
“But I think we have improved from the time we played them earlier in the season,” Moylan added.
Moylan, who boasts a 72% success rate from his 64 AIL games in charge of Shannon, said home advantage was a major boost to his charges.
“We will prepare for the final in our own club facilities, 20 yards from the pitch,” Geoff Moylan pointed out.
“We will walk from our club to the pitch. The players will sleep in their own beds the night before. We will not have to travel on Friday. Our build-up will the same as usual.
“The fact that we knew the final would be played at Thomond Park was a significant motivating factor ahead of our recent fixtures.
“I believe the forward battle will be key on Saturday. If we don’t win the forward battle we won’t win the match.”
Saturday’s Division 1 final will be televised live on RTE 2 - coverage begins at 3.45pm.
Limerick’s Live 95FM will also carry live commentary on the big match.
Meanwhile Munster, who secured their second Magners League title when the Ospreys failed to claim maximum match points against the Newport Gwent Dragons on Thursday night, resume league action away to the Cardiff Blues this Sunday.
The Arms Park clash has a 4.35pm kick-off and will be televised live on Setanta Sports.
Munster have won their last seven matches in the Magners League - their best run since season 2004-05.
Munster have won their last nine games against Welsh opponents since their most recent visit to the Arms Park in March 2008.

Colm Kinsella