ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE:YOUNG MUNSTER remain in contention for honours after they came from 20-3 behind at one stage to beat Shannon 23-20 in a rip-roaring Ulster Bank League Division 1A game at Thomond Park last night.

Shannon finished both halves with a player in the sinbin and had a third binned a few minutes from the end. They led early with a Tadg Bennett penalty but two from Willie Staunton had Young Munster in front.

Shannon’s first try followed a delightful chip by Bennett which was gather by Paddy Butler who raced in with Bennett converting and, after a break by Luke O’Dea, Richie Mullane had a second Shannon try which Bennett converted to make it 20-3.

Young Munster dominated the scrums which led to a penalty try just on half-time to leave it 20-10. Two penalties by Staunton narrowed the gap but Young Munster had to wait until two minutes from the end for their winning try, which was scored by Ger Slattery, with Staunton converting.