All-Ireland League: Every club in the AIB All-Ireland League took heart as Clontarf not only exposed several chinks in Shannon's armour but made them look downright ordinary by crossing their try line five times at Castle Avenue.
Ben Gissing may have slipped down the Leinster pecking order, but he displayed his superiority at club level by crossing for the first Clontarf try. In reality, the victory was secure by the turn as the home side led 22-6.
Shannon rallied with tries from prop Tony Buckley and winger Fionn McLoughlin, but they were unable to get closer than 32-18.
Garryowen rubbed further salt in the champions' wounds by beating Cork Constitution 28-17 yesterday to go top of division one. UL-Bohemians also jumped up the charts after an 18-14 victory over St Mary's in the other delayed game.
Blackrock continued to set club records for all the wrong reasons as Lansdowne ran in 10 tries in an embarrassing 71-15 defeat at IRFU headquarters. Player-coach Brian O'Meara directed the one-way traffic from outhalf while Niall Ronan and Irish under-21 lock Devon Toner produced notable performances in the pack.
Elsewhere, Ballymena began to turn around their season with a 14-10 victory over UCD at Eaton Park. Three penalties by Dirkie Strydom dictated the result. Staying in Ulster, Dungannon beat Belfast Harlequins 17-6 thanks to a try from former Lions tourist Tyrone Howe.
The relegation battle looks set to be fought out by County Carlow and Trinity after the students were beaten 26-23 at College Park by Galwegians.
Finally, Buccaneers beat Carlow 39-13 at Dubarry Park.
