Coonagh was a place for the brave and the fainthearted as Shannon picked up their second losing bonus point of the campaign in atrocious conditions of strong wind and constant heavy rain.
Rob Hudson had St Mary’s in front with a try when he rounded off a good movement.
The visitors doubled their score when Kevin Cooke won the race for the touchdown after a long kick from halfway.
Shannon had to be content with a penalty by Rob Guerin but again they showed plenty of spirit.
SHANNON:J Loxton; M Leonard, E Moloney, W OConnor, C ODonnell; R Mullane, R Guerin; N Horan, D Casey, K Griffin; F Walshe, S McCarthy; J J Shine, M Essex. Replacements: J Cronin, G McCarthy, J Sheerin, M Cullen, M Darcy. ST MARYS COLLEGE:C Hogan, M ODriscoll, A Bourke, R Hudson, S Toal-Lennon; P Brophy, M Darcy; C McMahon, Richard Feeney, Robert Feeney; C Ruddock, G Sexton; K Hapt, G Austin, K Croke. Replacements: A Lyons, J O'Reilly, D Kellar, K Sheehan, J Burns. Referee: L Colgan (IRFU).
