The Light Blues, who had been challengers for the title before falling away, had their pack to thank for this latest victory in difficult weather conditions.

The wind and rain dictated play for the most part, with Garryowen’s back row of Thomas Anderson, O’Mahony and David Sherry proving particularly effective in both defence and attack.

The visitors took the lead when their pack drove up close to the Dolphin whitewash and flanker O’Mahony managed to get the touchdown for new out-half Andrew O’Byrne to convert.

A break from Danny Barnes lifted Dolphin briefly and although Barry Keeshan got them off the mark with a penalty, O’Byrne replied with three points after the hosts’ blindside Rob O’Herlihy was sin-binned.

10-3 in arrears, Dolphin improved after the break and a 46th minute penalty from out-half Keeshan brought them closer on the scoreboard.

But Steve Ford’s men failed to capitalise on good approach work by replacements Cian Bohane and Brian Slater, as Garryowen decisively added a second try.

It was a pushover effort with half-an-hour remaining, O’Mahony dotting down once again with O’Byrne unable to tag on the extras.

The worsening weather impacted on both sides’ play during the remainder of the game, with Garryowen’s hard grind over the first hour enough to see them claim a deserved away victory.

Dolphin 6 Garryowen 15

Munster’s Barry O’Mahony scored a try in each half as Garryowen secured a league double over Dolphin at Musgrave Park.

Scorers: Dolphin: Pens: Barry Keeshan 2

Garryowen: Tries: Barry O’Mahony 2; Con: Andrew O’Byrne; Pen: Andrew O’Byrne