But it was the visitors that were rewarded for their early industry when out-half Grey Jacob landed a penalty goal in the 15th minute. However, Co Carlow were unable to convert the possession they enjoyed into points on the board and Shannon drew level on 35 minutes when Dave Delaney successfully kicked his first penalty. However, a second Jacob penalty just helped Co Carlow into a 6-3 interval lead.

With a passionate half-time team talk still ringing in their ears, Shannon began the second period brightly and a second Delaney penalty brought the sides level at 6-6.

Shannon came within a whisker of scoring the opening try in the 55th minute, but Eddie Halvey knocked on with O'Connor in isolation.

Delaney and Jacob continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over and when Jacob landed his fourth penalty goal of the afternoon in the 75th minute, Shannon were holding on to a narrow 15-12 lead.

However, Delaney's 78thminute effort eased Shannon nerves and O'Connor's late try finally secured the win.

SHANNON M Lawlor; P O'Connor, A Thompson, E Cahill, B Tuohy; D Delaney, F McNamara; L Hogan, S Cronin, F Roche, E Halvey, P O'Brien, C McMahon (c), J O'Connor, G Noonan Subs D Keane for C McMahon, 55 mins; TJ Hickey for S Cronin, 58 mins; D O'Donovan for B Tuohy, 63 mins CO CARLOW W Murphy; R Barbour, C Moore, C Peavoy, R Jackson; G Jacob, R Jones; P Brennan, W Kerr, K Corrigan, A Mihajlovic, D Carley, D Cox (c), R Porter, S Hennessy Subs R Gallavan and T Tasola for W Kerr and S Hennessy, 63 mins; W Kavanagh for P Brennan, 72 mins Referee O Trevor (Munster)