The Students had led 21-10 at half time, their centre Fergus McFadden converted his own try to add to scores from Kevin Croke and Vasily Artimiev. But Shannon were back in business soon after the break when Stephen Quinn scored in the right-hand corner before further tries from Sean Cronin and David Quinlan sealed the win.

A terrific long-range penalty goal two minutes into extra time from the prolific boot of Eoghan Hickey helped Garryowen to secure a dramatic quarter-final victory over a battling St Mary's College side at Dooradoyle.

St Mary's College looked a good bet when leading 13-7 with less than 10 minutes of normal time remaining - all of St Mary's scores came from out-half Jonathan Sexton - but Hickey rescued Paul Cunningham's side with penalties on 72 and 76 minutes before slotting over the winner.

Elsewhere, Belfast Harlequins enjoyed a 22-19 win over Galwegians while a 31-22 victory saw Clonakilty qualify for the last four at the expense of Terenure College.