Cork Constitution finished on top of Division 1A for the fifth successive season after Brian Walsh’s side claimed a final-day 33-16 victory over Blackrock College at Temple Hill.
Cork Con had converted tries from backs Simon Zebo, Richie Lane and Duncan Williams while Gerry Hurley did most of the damage with 18 points from the boot.
The defending champions now move on to a home semi-final against Young Munster.
Old Belvedere secured a home semi-final after they staved off a comeback from Dublin rivals St Mary’s, whom they beat 25-19. They will now switch their focus to a semi-final clash with Division 1B table toppers Clontarf in two weeks.
Meanwhile, Shannon secured their Division 1A status for another season with a 28-18 bonus point win over Dolphin at Coonagh. Colm Tucker Jnr’s men roared into a 21-6 interval lead thanks to tries from out-half Gareth Quinn McDonagh, No 8 David Quinlan and winger Luke O’Dea. Marcus O’Driscoll added a fourth try after the break.
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Young Munster beat Garryowen 23-18 to earn the third play-off spot in Division 1A, leaving their opponents to face a relegation play-off against Buccaneers. Garryowen managed to break into a 12-0 lead thanks to the boot of Declan Cusack.
But Young Munster, fired up by Mike Prendergast’s half-time words, came out a transformed team in the second half. They made inroads thanks to a penalty from Alan Kingsley and then a try from Craig O’Hanlon.
Scrum half Kingsley landed the conversion and another penalty to edge the home side in front at 13-12. It was up to the Light Blues to respond and they did, once again through the boot of Cusack. Nevertheless, Munsters were carrying more of a try-scoring threat and a touchdown from powerful centre Matthew Costelloe, which Kingsley converted, settled their nerves. Out-half Willie Staunton tagged on a drop goal for the Cookies and although Cusack responded with his fifth penalty success, Young Munster deserved winners.
In Division 1B yesterday, table-toppers Clontarf were beaten 17-11 by a determined Bruff outfit at Kilballyowen Park. Lansdowne sealed the second automatic promotion spot behind Clontarf with a 15-0 home win over Buccaneers on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium. Tries from replacement Craig Ronaldson and centre Eamonn Sheridan wrapping up the victory.
Dungannon were beaten 32-11 at home by UCC, while Galwegians secured their Division 1B spot for next season with a 37-18 triumph over UL Bohemians.