All-Ireland Cup Semi-finals/Garryowen 14 St Mary's 23: St Mary's produced easily their best performance of the season when they deservedly defeated Garryowen at Dooradoyle on Saturday in the semi-final of the AIB All-Ireland Cup.

Given that Garryowen are a point off leaders Shannon in the All-Ireland League and St Mary's are in the lower regions, this looked a safe bet for the home side.

But they were knocked out of their stride by a far more determined and committed St Mary's team who were in no way flattered by their winning margin. Jonathan Sexton and Conor Kilroy, the rival outhalves, kicked early penalties and Garryowen then went ahead when flanker Paul Neville forced his way over after Donal Sheehan had won a close-range lineout.

But the hugely influential St Mary's centre Mark McHugh landed a penalty with the last kick of the half and it inspired his side to put in a stirring opening to the second period.

It culminated in a fine try for the young centre, Keith Douglas, and McHugh landed the conversion to put St Mary's 13-8 ahead.

Two penalties by Kilroy against one by McHugh left the visitors two points in front entering the closing stages when their powerful prop, Cillian O'Byrne, crashed over at the posts for his side's second try and McHugh tapped over the conversion to put the result beyond doubt.

GARRYOWEN: A Finn; F Daly, K Hartigan, P Devlin, C O'Boyle; C Kilroy, G Hurley; R Brosnan, D Varley, R Laffan, M Melbourne, D Sheehan, P Neville, P Malone, A Kavanagh. Replacements: P Humphreys for Varley (half-time); N Hartigan for Laffan (49 mins); J O'Sullivan for Kavanagh (61 mins).

ST MARY'S: P Brophy; R Smyth, K Douglas, M McHugh, J McWeeney (capt); J Sexton, J Kilbride; C O'Byrne, P Smyth, P Collins, E Keane, W Duggan, P Nash, H Gervais, A Copeland. Replacements: O McCormack for P Smyth (67 mins); M Donnellan for Duggan, B O'Donohue for Gervais (both 75 mins).

Referee: D Courtney (IRFU).