AS dramatic an afternoon as one could hope for. Holders Shannon relinquished their hold on the All-Ireland League trophy at Coonagh, despite scoring a 22-19 bonus-point win over a tenacious Dolphin side. Shannon failed to make to semi-finals by virtue of Garryowen's slightly-superior scoring points difference at the end of a 15-game season.

When Tony Buckley crashed over for Shannon's bonus point try in the 82nd minute, it looked like the holders were on their way to the semi-finals, but their hopes were ultimately dashed.

Dolphin, with Munster stars Tomas O'Leary and James Coughlan in their ranks, avoided the drop by virtue of securing a precious bonus point.

Two penalty goals from outhalf Barry Keeshan helped the Cork side into a 6-0 lead.

Dolphin increased their advantage in the 21st minute when full-back Aidan O'Shea intercepted a pass and ran from the Shannon 10m line to score. Keeshan's conversion had the visitors 16-0 ahead.

A smashing try from centre Pat O'Connor, following excellent work by Fergal Walsh and Lawlor cut the Dolphin lead.

Thompson's conversion left nine points between the sides.

However, another Keeshan penalty goal in first half stoppage time saw Dolphin into a 19-7 interval lead.

A brace of tries from the inspirational number eight David Quinlan in the 55th and 66th minutes saw Shannon draw to within two points of their opponents.

Dolphin were clinging to their precious lead in injury time when Buckley powered his way over, but Shannon were left to rue what might have been, despite their win.

SHANNON M Lawlor; Pat O'Connor, A Thompson, J Clogan, A Finn; T Bennett, F McNamara; L Hogan, TJ Hickey, T Buckley; P O'Brien, F Walsh; Phil O'Connor, C McMahon, D Quinlan Subs S Cronin for Hickey, 52 mins;

G Noonan for Phil O'Connor, F Roche for Hogan, both 69 mins DOLPHIN A O'Shea; E Mills, J O'Mahoney, E Moloney, K Lynch; B Keeshan, T O'Leary; J O'Sullivan, K Murray, F Gately; R McGrath, D Harty; G Finn, J Coughlan, D Murphy Subs A O'Driscoll for Murray, 65 mins; S Heffernan for O'Sullivan, 78 mins Referee J Carvill (Leinster)