Darin Classin's side lost out 33-18 to their South Dublin opponents.
Tullamore Rugby will once again be tilting at AIL promotion this season according to their manager, Darin Classin.
The Offaly club are currently working their way through a challenging pre-season in the Leinster Senior League.
After a heavy defeat at the hands of Malahide, Classin's side had a tricky trip to South Dublin to take on Blackrock yesterday evening, that game finished 33 to 18 in favour of the home side.
The AIL season starts in five weeks with a home game against a Galwegians side who have dropped down from Division 2B.
The Tullamore boss says another promotion run this season isn't a given: