For the first time in their history, the students of St Michael's College in Enniskillen lifted the Hogan Cup in Croke Park today after a game that went right down to the wire with Naas CBS.
After sailing into a comfortable lead during the second half, the Ulster side appeared to have one hand on the cup, but a late surge from the Naas students had the eventual champions sweating heading into the final minutes of the encounter.
Michael Glynn was top-scorer for the MacRory Cup winners on the day, scoring seven points for the Fermanagh side and ultimately claiming the man-of-the-match accolade from broadcaster TG4.
A goal from St Michael's Darragh McBrien just before half-time also proved decisive as the Northerners held out for a one-point win that could have easily finished level if not for some intense defending from the the first-time champions.
Eoin Conneff and Mikey McGovern starred for the Naas school, but despite a late purple patch they left themselves with too much to do coming up towards the final whistle.
Is iad @St_Michaels_Ekn atá ag tabhairt Corn Uí Ógáin thar nais go Fear Manach leo@St_Michaels_Ekn 1-12@CBSNaas 1-11@FermanaghGAA @UlsterGAA @MasitaIreland @PostPrimaryGAA @BBCSPORTNI #HoganCup pic.twitter.com/A2kxCU4zhh
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) April 6, 2019
Meanwhile, earlier in the afternoon, Roscommon CBS claimed the All-Ireland Schools Senior 'B' final after another tense finish in the decider.
As in the subsequent 'A' final, the Connacht champions and their opponents, Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, were neck and neck heading deep into additional time but it was James Fitzpatrick who became the hero on the day, nailing a sensational score in the eight minute of additional time.
The Roscommon school had already made history this year on the rugby pitch, making a first appearance in the Connacht Senior Cup. Claiming the Paddy Drummond Cup in Drumcondra, however, is sure to trump all other achievements for now.
The winning point!!!!
What a finish to an unbelievable match
Buaite ag Fitzpatrick do @cbsroscommon @RoscommonGAA @ConnachtGAA @GAA__JOE pic.twitter.com/4xUE9R8bky— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) April 6, 2019
