17/03/2014 MacRory Cup Final & Schools' Cup Final

This is the St Patrick's Day showpiece for Ulster colleges. The

Sun is trying to break through but I know one man who expects things to

heat up considerably later on. Here is our weatherman, Barra Best, with

a special forecast. Temperatures are set to soar at

1:15pm. Climate change has given rise to a unique

seen the hazy tank of maroon cloud crept steadily from Tyrone. It is

seen the hazy tank of maroon cloud and white cloud cover nudging its

way onto the radar from the south Derry area. We anticipate these will

impact over Armagh city and our satellite suggests that will

converge in one big belt at the Athletic Grounds. For the rest of

the afternoon, it is likely to rain goal and expect thunder and

lightening on the terraces. We know the 2014 MacRory Cup

campaign has been one of them was competitive for years and today is

an opportunity for the boys to become men.

Welcome to the Athletic Grounds in Armagh for the 2014 Danske Bank

MacRory Cup Final between the holders, St Pat's Maghera and Omagh

CBS. The match coming up live on BBC Two from 1:15pm. Great colour today

from both sets of travelling school Two from 1:15pm. Great colour today

flags to badgers to face painting. Too excited sets of supporters

hoping this will be the day for their school this afternoon. Omagh

hoping they can add a fifth title to their roll of honour and there was

hot tea, coffee and sandwiches all round as well. That is a trophy. The

MacRory Cup. Beautiful piece of silverware for post primary students

and the cream of the crop when it comes to Gaelic football in Ulster

and here come the challengers. Omagh, their ninth MacRory Cup

Final. They are managed by Keiran Donnelly and then Ian Moriarty.

Their first final was back in 1973 and are captained by a very young

foot on a cold Mickey Harte. Ever heard of him? They will hope that

today they can turn things around. -- footballer called Mickey Harte.

We go into all games as underdogs and it has worked for us and going

under the radar is not always a bad thing. There was going to be nerves

and I am sure there are a lot of big players, guys who have won last

year, and they will be feeling a little bit nervous. It is hard to

win twice. In past years we would have been expected to win but there

has been a drought so hopefully we can change that this year. History

does not matter to them, they are a very unique group and they don't

have to worry about past games. They are modest, they aspire to be the

best athletes they can be. They are modest, they aspire to be the

is what comes of it, the minors last year, that pressure. But we are

striving and we have to perform. You set the example and that is what we

hope to do on St Patrick's Day. It especially, it is an honour to be

the captain of the team, something I have always dreamt of. And the

silverware would just top it off for me.

They are a team with real belief, Omagh CBS. What about the champions?

In the blue and white of Maghera, they are getting ready to take to

the field. They are hoping for back-to-back titles in 2014 and

those are the supporters, who have big expectations. St Patrick's are

the reigning MacRory Cup and All-Ireland college champions. Can

they put back-to-back titles together today? Several players are

appearing in their third MacRory Cup Final in a row. They are managed by

a Tyrone man, Paul Hughes. Dungannon won back-to-back in 2008 and 2009

And St Colman's did that in 2010 and 11. They would dearly love to win

the double this afternoon. You just run out and you hear the

crowd. It is packed. You have been dreaming about this all of your

life. Every child has a desire to be on that stage and let us being

fortunate enough on that stage and let us being

say, if I can get in there, there is every chance I could be on that

stage also. My mother and father would watch me every month. It is

great. I want to win here. I tried not to watch the first one but last,

I watched that once and it gave me extra, knowing I did not want that

feeling again. Every week I have been watching it, last year. That is

only because you were Man of the Match! The final whistle was a great

feeling. It gives you extra. The champions are on a mission. Let

us talk to past winning cup captains from both schools today. Roman

MacRory Cup Omagh CBS from 2005 and Connor Cardinal, who lifted the

trophy 12 months ago. Nice memories? It is a very special day. It is

always special, your whole year in upper sixth form and it builds up to

the MacRory Cup. We can see pictures of you lifting the cup. You one by

one point, narrowly, but you did when. We were lucky, I dropped one

into the net. It is all but winning on the day. It is a very big

occasion and they hope these lads do not let the occasion get to them and

just enjoy it. Will they let it get to them? Maghera have played in the

last two so they will have the edge and the experience. Omagh, they have

got lots of minor players who were on drugs mark last year, so they

will be ready for this also. -- who were in Croke Park last year.

later, looking back on that success, it must be a very nice memory? I was

talking before the game about the build-up and I do remember the

school and getting the boss and it went to the replay. Do you remember

collecting the trophy? Not so much but I remember that night even

better! It was a great time. You beat simply from Kilkeel. That was

very special? -- Saint Louis. We beat Kilkeel before in the McCormick

cup so we knew about them. Your old school is up against it because St

Patrick's Maghera either defending Ulster All-Ireland champions. I was

chatting to Keiran Donnelly in the week and it is nothing new for these

guys, they come in as underdogs. Will you do this? I think St

Patrick's Maghera. They are confident. Let's go to the sideline

reporter, Thomas Kane. This is a massive occasion for the players and

the fans and Mrs redstarts, underneath the stand at the Athletic

Grounds. St Patrick's Maghera in the left and Omagh CBS in the right.

They have this wall of noise. They look around, they look a band might

see their family and friends and they make their way across here.

Martin, you were here 12 months ago. It was different, the weather was

different but the same occasion and the same price. Massive day for both

schools. We mention some other and fans, you must remember the

management. This is a very big day. Behind me, hundreds of fans from St

Patrick's Maghera. They are starting to make noise. All day, this man has

wanted one thing. He once is selfie! to make noise. All day, this man has

for a lot of them, even though some players were here 12 months ago, it

is new for a lot of them. This side of the stadium is dominated by Omagh

CBS. Who should we be looking for? Ronan McHugh. Can you do it? Yes!

Omagh CBS! A very big competition on the pitch and even bigger in the

stands to see who can cheer the loudest. Thomas Kane here on the

BBC. Don't forget the rugby is coming up from 3pm, Methody against

Campbell College. Let us talk about the Man of the Match, he lifted the

MacRory Cup Final in 2006. Kevin, is it nice to be back? Great to be

back, I have not been to the finals since the day we won this. Nice to

see all of the Conor and the noise and hopefully the boys will do

themselves justice. Was lifting the MacRory Cup the thing that

kick-started your career? Definitely, it was a massive

platform. Very lucky to win that on the day. We are training as a

pundit. What does your gut tell you? It says St Patrick's Maghera. Omagh

CBS are moving well, so it is a very big occasion. St Patrick's Maghera

will be used to this. Massive crowd, hopefully both teams can settle

down. OK, we will wish you luck. We will talk again at half-time. This

is the MacRory Cup Final live on BBC Two. Our commentary team is Conor

McManus, alongside Mark Sidebottom. Thank you very much and happy St

Patrick's Day. Welcome to Armagh. And the Cathedral of Ulster college

football and Conor McManus. You are looking forward to

is a very special day. Let us look at the teams, we begin with the

challengers. The class of 2014. Greater than the sum of its parts.

Patrick O'Neill is the keeper. And the cornerback, McQuaid. 38 Agro is

the captain. Midfield, Darcy. And Joe Colton is the vice captain.

Aidan McSorley and Ronan McHugh on his East and West.

Mac cloy is the keeper here. McNeil and Hegarty. The two McNeils know

where they should be. Significant sway for the Maghera

support here. Not quite there in the numbers, but none theless, CBS

chasing a title. New rules apply here. Black cards and there will be

six sucks tuTS. -- subs tuTS. Connor, this might be as good as it

gets for some? When you look through any of the finals, some of the key

names that are featured have all gone on to greater things.

You are listening to the voiS of Connor who played for Monaghan.

We're up and running. A little bit of a bump there. They've been asked

to play on. Maghera getting a bit of hands on

there. There's the captain there. Still over the sideline and it will

be a sideline ball for Maghera and I'll bring Connor back in. It's been

taken quickly and it's Danny tallon. Should have been, he knows it. The

crowd knows it. Brilliant thinking from the ball. You take it from

here. It was a great chance and would have been a very good start

for Maghera. Danny tallon's straight through and probably should have

finished, but unlucky. To be far to McCann, Omagh's full-back and

captain he did just about enough. He gives a nudge. He got a hand on it

and made it that wee bit more difficult. Maybe even a foul?

Possibly. He knows that they should have scored.

experience of the past campaigns into account.

There's the opening score of this MacRory Cu. He blasted his way. That

is a fine score and settle the nerveses early. Very good goal

there. Great start for Omagh and it should settle them down easily. They

were converging on them at a rate of knots. The distinction of the first

score in the 2014 Cup Final goes to your man there. They are greater of

the sum of their parts. McHugh there. He's arguably one of the

standout men who you would have expected to stand out. Maybe that

brings its own pressure? Surely, Mark. Probably should have done

better on that occasion. Again, pressure there.

The shot has come off Jack Doherty. He draws them level. Just 16 years

of age, Connor, the baby of the team. He call him the gym jockey.

He's never out of the gym. Very good score there. Patient with the ball

there. Great finish. There may be fairness, he took the ball nicely.

Paul Hughes and Derry there. Dermot there in the middle. He played back

in this Cup 30 years ago. Such a wealth of football expertise at St

Pat's Maghera. This is going to be a close one.

Cassidy's ball there. Well fielded. Gunning couldn't hold on to it

there. Coulton there. Good tackle there.

I like the composure about them. This is a corner. McQuaid giving it

out there. Needs a bit of support there. McSorley has gone to ground

and he has held on to that. Good call. Just interesting to see, both

teams are operating fairly defensively. They are floating

things out. Six of one and half a dozen. The call went against him.

Meantime, it's free. Taken quickly. McNeill wants the support.

Meantime, it's free. Taken quickly. keeper does well there. Maghera

could have keeper does well there. Maghera

minutes, but as it is they've keeper does well there. Maghera

shot wide and then it was Convery. Warn signs. Very good. In fairness

to O'Neill, great save. Maghera could really have missed chances

now. Mullan is doing the tackling and

lovely ball there. Cassidy there. Second point. They lead for the

first time. They are working hard for the scores, but they do have

such movement upfront, Connor? A lot of movement going on inside there.

Connor Cassidy very composed there. The dummy to James Darcy. I would

say this is the first time there is an Armagh man on the grounds who

wants a Tyrone side to win! Yeah, no, finnian there. Will be hoping

for the trophy. Finian a teach at CBS.

Fine ball in there. They come forward. He claims that. It's

McElduff. He's over. Six foot three and 14 stone and he used his

backside to good effect. Very good score there. Showed very well early

on. Got out and kicked a great score with the inside of the left foot.

It's a good start for Omagh. McSorley with a good ball. It's now

in the arms of Corless. McElduff with the ball over on the sideline.

Maghera, for the record 15 starting players drawn from five clubs. CBS,

15 starters drawn from across ten clubs, so maybe it would suggest

there is a little more understanding or tightness among the Maghera.

He's going to have a pop from that angle and it's tight. It's a fine

score. You would be proud of that? You would be happy. Good score. In

fairness now, the pair are showing very well inside there. And a fine

score from a fairly tight angle. Significantly, Connor, all three

Maghera points from different sources and all three from open

play? It's a fairly good open game. No sleepers and no dropping off, so

very much man for man and it's a fairly exciting game.

The keeper also doubles up as a free taker. 17 years old, from terrible

Kieran. -- Errigal. He will attempt to sit justice. He tried to handpass

that over the ball -- over the bar? Play continues with Corless, he has

been doubled up upon. Back to Samir. Belcher! Absolute belter! The fans

are out of their seats. He converted that and he deserved that? Very good

school, very direct foot fall from Omagh. -- football. Great finish.

McGrath was closest to him. And it is working. You talk about his size,

it is definitely working for him at the minute.

This is all about Omagh CBS, but very early stages. One thing St

Patrick's Maghera will not do is panic. It has been instilled in

them. Cassidy. His father played in the final last year. Parole,

intercepted by McHugh. He will have a shot. What was impressive about

the is he wanted that and he made that himself and Omagh CBS should

not have coughed that up as easily? He won that ball back himself and he

took that on. Massively impressive scorer from a very tight angle

again. Little bit casual, anything but casual was Samir. Very good

school. He was given in a lot of space.

The Danske Bank MacRory Cup Final, 2014. The referee has blown his

whistle. Conor Glass, he had that and lost

it. Aidan McSorley. His ball will be cut out and intercepted. Mulholland.

Very comfortable on the ball. Intercepted by Samir. Gives it back

to Ronan McHugh. Good, low ball from Joe Colton.

Causing difficulty for McElduff. And he has single-handedly made life

impossibly difficult. McGrath tried to play that from the front?

Definitely a foul. They have given him some high balls. He is proving a

handful for the full-back line. This will be taken by Gavin Slane. From

the Greencastle club. This will be the first free kick of the day.

Contrary done. 1-0. We are labouring this, but it was McElduff who you

must credit for that? He is winning that in front. He is proving very

much a handful. Early to talk about Man of the Match but no one from

Omagh CBS has ever won that. As things stand! Is a very long way to

go. He is putting his name forward for that at the

go. He is putting his name forward in the middle. Joe Colton. Omagh CBS

Burgess winning those breaks, they seem to be more hungry. -- Omagh CBS

are just winning. The keeper should come for that. He did not want to

collect too early. It is quite hard at their, it'll be difficult to

judge at times, especially for keeper? There is a lot of bounce.

Paul McAtamney, Jack Docherty. Samir, playing much deeper than his

number would suggest. I was in both dressing rooms before this and St

Patrick's Maghera were very relaxed, coming from the fact that many of

these men are in their third consecutive final. And that means a

lot, they have been here and done it. They can enjoy it more.

Gavin Slane. Cassidy being held up by McGale. They are just probing.

Looking to get one of their faster men on the ball, this is the

captain. Very good school. And St Patrick's Maghera needed that. Omagh

CBS were taking over a little bit. It was Ronan McHugh who was closest.

But that was a very good score. They look relaxed. They have seen a lot

of MacRory Cup Rumack. -- MacRory Cups. They are not strange to the

To be fair to the referee, it was big occasion. Paul has a voice

To be fair to the referee, it was the right call. This has not been

difficult to referee and this was the reason. It was a free kick. In

fairness to Branigan, he gave him the advantage and let him play

through. He could not go any further. He is very strong on the

ball, Mulholland? Yes, very pacey. This is Gavin Slane, his father is a

technician in the school and his mother is the secretary. Omagh CBS

were wise to that. He takes the shot! Glass! The man inside was just

temporarily held up. The full forward is protesting that he should

have a penalty. We might get another look, but Samir was on the overlap

and he was protesting with the referee, just as the ball was

off-loaded, he was impeded. Omagh CBS, Joe Colton. He has a sweet left

foot. With the off-load. Aidan McSorley. Confronted by his opposite

number. Glass, a moment ago he was in the full forward line giving off

the ball. St Patrick's Maghera have created three goal opportunities and

have taken none of them. Their captain again. Conor Glass, looking

for the run outside. That is very good cornerback play. It was McQuaid

who got the intended tackle. Really belong rightly. -- moving along.

Darcy. He has given up to Aidan McSorley. He has a man outside,

looking for his second. It has just gone wide.

looking for his second. It has just comes in and look at the full

forward, Danny Tallon. On the run. Was he dragged back? He could have

been. It would not have been a penalty. 13 yard free. He was right.

He is saying to the referee, I was pulled.

Well taken by Conor Glass. That is the reason -based unions are after

him. He is a commentator's dream with that thatch of bright red hair.

-- the reason the Australians. He just took a heavy knock on his back.

He is just 16. Andy is the same weight of you -- same weight as you,

78 kilograms. I would be about 81! That is the bench. He has played in

more MacRory Cup Final 's and I have had hot dinners. -- than I have had.

A great shock of the finest. That was well played by Samir. Given away

to McSorley, his ball was hotly contested and it was won by McNeill.

He spots the man on the overlap, Cormac O'Doherty. This is good

football from Ciaran McCloy. Cassidy, up to the corner. Well

marshalled. He does enough to lose him. He did not quite get his

bearings right. He did everything else right,

bearings right. He did everything could not get the finish. Yes. St

Patrick's Maghera are isolating Conor Convery. They are looking to

get the early ball. In this part of the double-header, the Schools' Cup

rugby final is also coming from Ravenhill in the company of Gavin

Andrews, that is after this with Methody and Sullivan Upper. A double

date of sporting delight brought to you confidence of BBC Northern

Ireland. -- brought to you courtesy of BBC Northern Ireland. At the

minute, they are all chasing McGrath. He has given it back to

Cormac O'Doherty. It is nigh with Jack Docherty. Hegarty. -- now. Very

methodical. Whatever happened to kicking the ball? ! St Patrick's

Maghera seem to be content to just keep the ball and work it up the

field. They are holding possession quite well. But for the last 60

seconds, the ball has not moved 20 metres. I will go for 22 passes and

they are still in their own half. Kicked, and this time it is from

McGrath. This has been coached into them. No comment on the teams, this

is the way they have been coached? Everybody seems very comfortable on

the ball. It was kicked away. McElduff. He comes deep, looking for

ball. This is the man you want on it.

ball. This is the man you want on Cassidy. He was held up. That was a

good ball in from Samir. Paul Gunning. Conor Convery. They are

comfortable winning possession. Paul Gunning. I think sometimes they are

looking too much for that killer pass. This is Samir. He worked hard

and he got it. That is a very good school. Downey and Conor Convery,

they played very well for that. He shook his man. And a great scorer

from his left foot. The sides level. He could not have got any tighter,

it was just good football. Very comfortable on the ball. All from

the Glen Maghera club. The entire full forward line play for the Glen

Maghera club. They know each other intimately and intuitively. There's

that understanding that translates to this club squad also. Into the

middle. Cassidy. Maghera look to take the lead. Tallon increasingly

exerting a greater effort. Five shirts around him and Tallon did

keep possession, but Hegarty pushing there. O'Doherty is being closed in

by Corless. Can he do enough? Yes. The overlap. Gunning there. Glass!

Back in the midfield there. McGale is there. Space down the right flank

from McCann and the captain. He cuts back into traffic. Coulton popping

out. Sammir is keeping is. Murray. back into traffic. Coulton popping

He's back on him. In the minute he's trying to get one, so he's forced to

go low and a high one, but underneath it. And it is lost. They

were two -- there were two goal opportunities in as many seconds and

somehow Maghera have contrived. This should have been the first of them.

Great save from the Maghera goalie. Great defending. I think the keeper

got attached to the shot here. It was the keeper. Number 12 there.

McGrath there. I thought it was Gavin. I thought it was McCloy. In

any event, it was a combination of both and they kept them out for what

looked like a certain second goal. Certain. Omagh have gone quiet

there. Ten minutes since the last score. That's the benefit of having

him in your arsenal. More of them can do it and so too can he. Great

score from McNeill. It's a huge matter to a team. You need to pull

it off and score them when you are wearing pink boots. Maghera did

well. Back into the lead go Omagh. Glass did well. High tackle. That

was high. The referee didn't look to his book. Glass wanted to take this

one quickly. The cornerback has lost it.

Corless is in possession and he has two men there. McElduff is calling

for it on the edge of the square. two men there. McElduff is calling

quality of ball and for one moment I thought they were probably taking

too much out of it, but a very well-worked score. Perfectly timed.

What about the ball? Brilliantly patient ball there. Kept probing it.

Great pass across. Great finish. The quality of the ball, then coming on

to it at speed. Chipped over the top and they lead by two. Having gone

ten minutes without a score, they've now stuck over two in the space of

90 seconds. There will be one minute of time to be added on. Coulton

there. I wouldn't worry. Shean could have given it back to

him. Hegarty there. -- Slane could have given it back to him. Hegarty

there. McHugh now. Wants to get on the scoresheet. Not quite. We are

into the one minute of time to be added on. It's been a good first

half? Fairly exciting. Goal chances at either end. Maghera would

probably feel they could have got at least one if not two goals. You feel

there's a goal in Maghera yet. McCloy 6 - 3. The which Isle goes.

It's been eventful and it's a game which has yielded up-to-date just

one goal and that is the man who got that goal. He could have had a

second. Maghera could have had two or three. Half-time here in the mac

Rory cup. It's the holders St Pat's Maghera who are in the lead. Don't

forget still to come at 3.00pm rugby with

forget still to come at 3.00pm rugby but not all one-way traffic here in

Armag. Omagh leading the champions Maghera by two points. Over now to

Kevin who has been watching the first half and reflecting on. We

knew Maghera were the team to beat, but Omagh believe in themselves

there? Definitely. I watched them in the warm-up and they seemed sharp.

Settled early and a little bit of confidence. They are causing a lot

of hassing. Quality balls in there. Great start by Omagh, but Maghera

seem to be on the prowl and a couple of chances could have been a

different game. Omagh were described before this as a team, a real team,

not individuals and we are seeing that? I think they've had two tough

tests. They are digging deep for each other and the backs are pushing

forward. You can see the team could withstand the second half. If this

match comes down to misses will the champions regret the missed goals? I

think. They've had two, but the double save by the keeper for Omagh

was crucial too. A couple of good balls in. The keeper he come out for

one brilliantly, but the chances were good, but not gilt-edged.

Unlike Maghera to miss? Good chances. All three Glen lads seem to

be creating loads of space. The keepers have been impressive at both

ends? Definitely. The Omagh goalkeeper had a great time. Doing a

lot of good work. We can hear he's orchestrating the defence and

producing the defence. What about the chance? Tallon and Glass? Was

there a suspicion of a potential penalty? Slight pull, but if a

penalty was given -- You would be jumping up and down? I think so. I

don't think it's a penalty. Maghera weren't able to take their chances

so far. Omagh got one and boy, did they take it? Definitely. The

full-forward has caused a lot of hassle. Great ball. The high ball

in. Have you been impressed and gets it well. But he can finish.

He is going to cause problems. McElduff has impressed you so far?

Very good. His movement, he's got a sweeper in there for him, which

people don't see at home, but he's a handful and a great finisher. What

should Maghera do? Change who is on him? What do you do? I think that's

what they've been doing, to bring number 12 forward and the sweeper,

but there might be a wee bit more pressure and Omagh seem hungry. The

keeper pulled off two great saves? He did. It could have been five or

six. It would have been a great lead, but the keeper, such a great

save from the flick and then to get up again. Fantastic. Great double

save. A good ball in, causing problems. Super save. I think

between himself and the number 12 they kept it out, but it could have

been a different game. Omagh will be excited at half-time in the sense

they know there's fruit to be had inside? I think from going into the

game they maybe didn't think they would have got as much out as

they've had with the sweep going in. If the ball is going in it doesn't

have to be great, but maG are going to come out with more fight.

Briefly, what do the champions need to do to turn this around? We can

see Conor Glass getting a good run and close attention from the two

midfielders. Young Cassidy has to kick a point. If they get Glass on

the ball they can get in there. They are making great movement and the

chances are there. Tallon seems to be a good marksman. Kevin, thank

you. We'll show you highlights of the curtain raiser here. It was the

final here in Armag. Two Donegal sides contesting this.

had no chance. It could have been a second goal one minute later, but it

was wide. Three minutes in, and it was almost a goal. O'Donnell

charging through, but it trickled out for a 45. The first point came

from Hume. The first point from play came after 13 minutes. This score

leaving the opponents just two points behind.

The deficit was reduced thanks to this wonderful score from McBride.

This score from Sean Hume gave a one-point lead.

Drama hit the grounds. Niall owe done knell was fouled inside the

area, so penalty. Two points behind, there was a pressure on McDaid, but

he finished perfectly. O'Donnell was hit off the ball.

Perhaps a strange blessing in disguise with time almost up, as he

picked up the ball and hit this wonderful insurance point. The final

whistle blew. Joy for Letterkenny. Disappointment for the opponents.

Conor O'Donnell lifted the Cup. The benefit of being here is the

fact that all The benefit of being here is the

smiling since the final whistle. You were the captain, what did it feel

like? Unbelievable. It was better than what you dreamed. Best thing

ever. It's great to leave the school on a high. You got off to the

worst-possible start? Yeah, but I think we knew how to react. We got

that in the quarter final. I think we knew how to react and reacted in

the right way. Neil, you are the manager, Donegal schools haven't

been that successful in the past, but can you kick on from this?

Hopefully we can. In 2007 we won the Cup last. And this year, six or

seven of these boys are there next year and if we add a couple of

players we can kick on and 2007 was a surprise, and nobody gave us hope,

but we got through to the semifinal and they still beat us that night,

but we have learnt a lot. Success for the county team influences the

young players going up? These boys came in as Michael Murphy left and

you can see the pictures on the wall and even the success with the

schools level, Michael has won everything. Certainly, the success

of the Donegal 2012 is bound to have helped. You are going to a Donegal

school again? Yeah. Hopefully we can go all the way, but we'll not think

past Saturday. We have to play and hopefully we play better then. We

have played against them down the years and we have played against

many other teams so it will be a good game. Enjoy yourselves. I'm

sure you'll have a fantastic St St Patrick?s Day.

It is nice to see these schools do well. It did not happen when we were

at school, seven or eight years ago. well. It did not happen when we were

through who put the well. It did not happen when we were

map. I saw them in action, there were three men marking him, no

different to today. It is good to see them, the under 21 is going

well, it stands them in good stead. Come back here, Omagh CBS leading.

Sometimes it does not work out that the team in the lead when is it.

Yes, when you see games by that it can pass teams by, I am not saying

that has happened but all of a sudden, 20 minutes left, the game is

chasing away from you. I think Omagh will be quietly confident. They have

experienced heads in the backroom team. Euro midfielders so I know you

will be watching the midfield battle. Conor Glass is a talented

guy. He will have two more years after this. Do they need anything

more from him? He is getting a lot of attention, every time he seems to

make a run forward he is getting contact, which is acceptable. Here's

a marked man. To think he is only a 50 year and people are expecting so

much from him. -- fifth year. I would not be surprised if he rattles

them in in the second half. A lot of effort has gone into what the fans

are wearing. There are painted faces, they have been given thunder

sticks as well. There is one person who stands out, and fittingly, on

Saint Patrick Day, the best dressed reporter is the man himself. --

supporter. I don't think anybody has had more

photographs taken than you today. Everybody wants a photo with you.

Talk us through this outfit. The inspiration behind it, put a

Talk us through this outfit. The fixing it up for me, a lot of work

was put into it but it has all paid off in the end. What is it like in

the stands? Obviously a massive occasion. Looking behind you, most

of the previous winners are in the stand. It is fantastic for them. It

is something else. It's a great occasion for the college. Can you do

it in the second half? No bother. Give your team a blessing. I

probably won't. You've also won a prize. Congratulations.

A vote of confidence for the champions from Saint Patrick. Who

will win the second half and more importantly, the trophy? Can the

champions turn it around? I think in the first half there was a bit of

wind. It is settling pretty good here for a good second half. I can

see it being very even, the battles in midfield... I think if they get

the ball in early, it will be nip and tuck. Is that the key for you?

Yes, if they can stop McElduff, it should be enough. Tyrone or Derry,

who are you going for? Tyrone. Vote of confidence. Thank you very much

for that. Any of the action you have missed today, you can see on the BBC

sport website later on. If you use Twitter, we are on that as well.

Back to the commentary team. Omagh are leading.

Thank you to the colourful Saint Patrick alongside Thomas. He is off

to find himself a hill. draw, they always bring that to the

game. It is a great occasion, Saint Pat Day. There is great colour and

great atmosphere in the stand. Little man wearing his Brian

O'Driscoll hat. We have received a tweet from a guy in Twickenham, who

claims to be the brother of Patrick O'Neill. He is a student in

Twickenham. Thanks for listening in, and if you're watching, there is a

goal for you. -- goal. It is snack time. You are on. They

are making their way from the tunnel. Even though we said this

side were greater than the sum of their parts, it is worth pointing

out that they are no slouch is. Yes, there are 1213 on the team, they are

definitely no slouch is. They have proved more than a match so far for

Maghera. They are being kept in the dressing room, I expect they are

engaging in a little mind games. I know there is not a finite time you

can stay in the dressing room, you can probably pick up a fine, but why

do managers do this? I'm not really too sure. Maybe trying to get an

edge but I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference. They are

going to bunch in until Omagh come out. I know you have asked me not to

ask you, but do you fancy Maghera to get back into this one or do you see

Omagh get back into this one or do you see

there is more to come get back into this one or do you see

think if they get a goal, they are going to be the team to beat. I saw

a man in a blazer go down the tunnel, and whenever you see that,

you know the civil service has gone to open doors. Outcome Omagh CBS,

they take to the field. It will be interesting to save McElduff comes

out, and there he is. He is there go to man. If he can have another

second-half when he had in the first half they will be hard to beat. I

feel there is more to come from Maghera. The thoughts of Conor

McManus, one of the finest of Ulsterpos-mac current crop of

footballers. The Danske Bank MacRory Cup

second-half is underway. An early opportunity with just a few

seconds of this half on. Good start from Maghera, they went straight

down the field and they will have a chance now. He was a substitute last

year, his brother captained the team in 2012. He has another brother on

the bench. He is six feet and 18 years of age.

I think the gift you. It is a confidence that courses

in the veins. Then you get to 35, 40, there is nothing but nerves.

There is no shortage of confidence out here.

Testing ball for Conor Glass to get onto. Ships it out. They are level.

Great scorer. Conor Glass on the burst again. I've seen him one twice

on the burst through the middle in the first half. Great scorer there.

He probably got the call but they were making the point you have made,

about that. Line of play, they just instinctively know, the way they can

work in that neat little triangle is proving really difficult for Omagh

CBS to content with. That looks like something they have done before.

It is the first MacRory Cup that John has missed since 1843.

Congratulations to them. We are level. Omagh CBS have been involved

in quite a few games over the years. They have taken the lead. It looked

good. He knew it the moment it had left his foot, Cormac O'Doherty.

good. He knew it the moment it had Line. They are moving very well

know. It is a great start to the second half for Maghera. Maghera

back into the lead. The break is on. Who is the

hungrier? The ball has gone out, it is a

Maghera ball. Do you know what I think? They stayed in the dressing

room too long. This is Danny Tallon, he has drawn

the foul. I thought he got a hand to the ball, but in deference to the

referee, he is much closer. That tackle was OK but I think he had

blown prior to that. He had given the advantage. Maghera would be the

happier of the two sides in the second half, they have settled in

the second-half a lot better and they are starting to impose the

game. Yes, this is potentially a fourth consecutive score without

reply. He has got it. Very good score from Conor Convery. Cool as

you like, over the bar. Fourth of the second half, they are into

double figures. the second half, they are into

by two and they remain switched on -- champions lead by two. I wonder

what point Omagh begin to think about introducing a few of their

own. Down the line to Jack Docherty. Good

running off the ball. I thought he was foiled but the referee allowed

play to continue. Omar need to score just to settle themselves. They have

been totally overrun in the first five minutes of the second half.

They have gone eight or nine minutes without a school hence the wearing

of the slightly worried look on the bench.

Well fetched in the middle by Cassidy. Cassidy cutting back

inside. McGale. He could not hold on to that. It was a decent ball but a

little behind him. Conor Convery. Good play by Danny Mullan. He had to

be strong. Mullan has picked up a little knock off the ball. Branigan,

his brother played in the 2008 final. He is trying to keep it in

the family. Good defending their from Mullan. Very good defending. It

was an important ball to win because it was one-on-one. I

was an important ball to win because head. I am sure he will shake that

of. Keeping it in the family. O'Neill. His brother watching in

London. I trust you are enjoying St Patrick's Day whether you are and

wherever you are watching. The rugby schools final to come from

Ravenhill. That has gone wide. Omagh CBS needed

that. They need to get a score to settle themselves down and get back

into the game. They are only two points down. I have watched enough

and you will have played enough to know that games do ebb and flow. The

opening ten minutes of this second half has been all Maghera. There is

only two points in it so it is still all to play for. A well-placed

kick. Good running of the ball. Mulholland. He is going to go all

the way! He has the man over. Cut back inside and I think he should

have taken it off his left foot. A good chance for Maghera. Why didn't

he put it over with his left? He probably could have got the shot

away himself. He had run 50 or 60 yards. Give credit to McQuaid who

did close him down quickly. You can see that in your peripheral vision.

He just did enough to put him off. Again, it is the break which is won

by Maghera in the middle. Danny Tallon playing at full forward

and sticking inside and they are getting ball to him. He is such an

intelligent player. He peeled off his defender there. It was a great

pass from Conor Convery again. Keiran Donnelly, a fine foot falling

brain -- footballing. He has been a router run. A great score. He went

all of 30 yards there. McNeill. They call him biceps and you can see why.

A very good score. It puts Maghera three ahead now. He is a quiet man.

17 years of age. It is his first final and he loves the gym. It is

getting away from Omagh CBS. There is still only three points in it but

you get the feeling Maghera have turned over -- taken over in the

middle of the field. Conor Glass. Omagh CBS just need to get a grip of

this. Gavin Slane is after it. Still doing well. Gavin Slane needs a bit

of support. He will get it eventually. Ronan McHugh has been

quiet by his own standards. It has been filtered all the way back.

Murray gives it to Darcy. Full of running. Conor Glass. That is class.

A brilliant score. Omagh CBS needed that and it should settle them down

in the second half. If the game was to end in a draw,

there would be a replay. It will not go to extra time.

Danny Tallon. Good football. Danny Tallon. Of the line! Brilliantly

stopped. Danny Tallon does it. It was coming. It was as inevitable as

St Patrick's Day. A brilliant score from Danny Tallon. And good

refereeing because he allowed the advantage. He was being pulled back

here. I am not sure who cleared the ball. Just watch the left-hand

coming in, there is the shirt tug. And the follow-up. Well finished.

Fantastic follow-up. Let's just check if there was a double bounce

in here. Was there a foul in the build-up to this? There was a

suggestion that he double hopped the ball. One. That is the double

bounce. That is a foul. The shop has coming. It has come of

Doherty, it has gone wide. The referee did not spot it. He allowed

play to continue. And referee did not spot it. He allowed

It is McGinn. Maghera have really picked on in this second half. He is

telling the referee, I think. Off-camera. Here it is. Here is the

foul. One bounce. Two bounces. They can see it on the big screen and the

rest will know it should not have stood. But it has done. And it will

be unfortunate if that goal, ultimately, is the difference. Conor

Glass. Maghera rampant. Thence the brakes.

Sometimes they go with you, sometimes they go against you.

Sometimes I wonder when the referee is wired for sound too busy lines

men, how can six or seven or eight thereof eyes not spot it? We did not

initially because we were following the play and that is what happened

to the referee. It was hard to see what happened. You would have

thought maybe the linesman would have seen it. Gavin Slane. This is

Ronan McHugh. They need it. They have got it. A big score for Omagh

CBS. Things were starting to get away from them. It just keeps them

in touch. Despite the fact that he was

arguably man of the match in the first half, Michael Duff -- McElduff

has been quiet in the second half. He has been

has been quiet in the second half. Cassidy. Great support. Through the

middle he goes. Darcy. He did brilliantly to get back there. Paul

Gunning. Brilliant. What was good about that was that Danny Tallon was

screaming for it but Paul Gunning decided to take the initiative. He

took it on himself under pressure and it was very impressive. The

Maghera front line has looked very impressive all day. The tackle broke

kindly for Paul Gunning and he did the rest. They are not making any

mistakes. When they get half a chance, they are taking them. Five

points between them, 48 minutes on the clock. 12 to go. Omagh CBS need

a goal, of that I am absolutely sure.

Paul McAtamney has had a very good second half. A great ball to Conor

Glass. He might well spot that the man inside is Doherty. He gets the

break. Doherty. Well worked. They really are impressive when they are

in full flow. They are playing very good football upfront. They are

using the ball well. They are a handful for the Omagh CBS defence.

They look worried but I suspect they should not be.

About 11 minutes to go plus whatever injury time there might be.

Corless. McElduff. He has gone to injury time there might be.

high. Well one. I thought Omagh CBS could have had a bit more

conviction. They seemed to stand of it. Cassidy. The difference in the

second half has been Maghera scoring, although one of the goals

should not have stood. Danny Tallon. Conor Glass. The tackle was high. I

think it was the fullback and captain. He has just been told to

cool it down. They are going to make a

substitution. Peter has been out of the game for

five or six months. Good to see him back. I think he picked up a

hamstring. They had been some worry in the Omagh CBS camp, a lot of

their boys picking up hamstring injuries. Moriarty and Donna Lee.

There is something in it because there does seem to be a lot of

injuries been picked up. Maybe. Nine minutes to go. Looking to put

together back-to-back titles and they are ten minutes away from doing

that. Cormac O'Doherty. Danny Tallon in space. Such an intelligent

footballer. And in space. Such an intelligent

Paul Gunning. Well ripped off him. It was stolen from him by Danny

Mullan. Not a great deal of urgency about Omagh CBS but they need scores

quickly. Calling for it is Gavin Slane. He was fouled, I thought. He

sees the ball spill. He has kept it in! He could go lower! Surely! He is

lying prostrate and in agony and in disbelief because I don't know and

he does not know how that one stayed out. A big chance. It would have

brought them right back into the game. Was there a foot block? If

there was, that should have been a penalty. That should have been a

penalty. As he takes his shop, no, it was a hand.

Well, that was a food block. -- foot. Technically, when does that

become a penalty and when does that, block? I thought the initial tackle

by Peter Hagan had been. This is a grey area. This is unquestionably a

foot block, which is illegal in the tackle, but there is six metres

there. I don't know. I really don't know. The referee has obviously

interpreted that as their, but on occasions you have seen penalties

given for that. It would probably be harsh. But you could see them given.

It is not going to stay in play, and on the field of play is Brian

Cassidy, he is a 50 year. -- fifth year. You have to say they have been

influential, the wingbacks for Maghera. Very good getting forward.

I'm just glad there is more than three points in it, ruling out that

contentious goal. We still have a few minutes to go, it is not over,

but... It feels like they are running down

the clock, doesn't it? Yes. He has conceded the 45, and the

umpire off camera agrees. There are talking points. There have been no

shortage of talking points. Should this goal has stood? The antigen

that is it should not. I don't know about the penalty.

The race is on, and it is going to be one. He did not know where the

Looking for his second of the he has rotated 360, and

Looking for his second of the second-half. And other brilliant

goal from Darcy. You can see him there, he made his ankle as he was

running. He has done his town proud. I know that neck of the woods, my

wife is from there. I once took her out to the field and you would think

a spaceman has landed. Three to go. Looking to put together

back-to-back victories. He has given it to his captain,

Peter Hagen. Two minutes remaining. I can tell you the man of the match

in the 2014 as the back MacRory Cup is Danny Tallon. There is a man down

and injured for Maghera. Play will continue. It is Gavin Slane. They

need a goal and they needed quickly. It has gone wide. You can tell what

he was doing. He was having a go and if it dropped short, he would have a

team-mate underneath it. To be fair, no better man to be underneath

it. I think that is Peter Hagen. He's had a good game. He battled

hard, he has taken a knock. Padraig McGirr is coming on. They

will drop him in midfield, hope he wins possession and hoof it forward.

So, we are just about to ebb into the final minute, four points

separate the teams. It will be a difficult day for the

referee because he will know that he has made a mistake and he is human.

Mistakes happen. It is difficult to get it right. The difficulty is, it

would be a much more nervous conclusion and in some respects you

ask yourself about that. It is hypothetical, we are where we are.

We are one minute from the final whistle.

Conor Convery is alongside there. Comfortable in possession.

The guy that has been brought in for CBS, Padraig McGirr, his hamstring

has gone off on the side. They are down a man. Gavin Slane... Gone

wide. Unfortunately, Padraig McGirr has had to go off having just been

brought on. Hugely disappointing for him,

brought on. Hugely disappointing for an impact, having to go off. It is a

sad day for Padraig McGirr. On and off. Consoling pat on the back. Four

points of different, we are into the second minute of time added on. Even

though Danny Tallon is man of the match, Conor Glass has pushed him

all the way. Very impressive in the second half.

We are on the cusp of seeing them get a 14th title, back-to-back. The

reigning all Ireland Champs. The referee has checked his watch,

you will know that time is just about up. This is Conor Convery. He

gives it to die talent. He has pulled a hamstring, I think. He is

in possession, he wants to hear the whistle.

Nearly into the third minute, there is the whistle. It has gone. Conor

Glass hoists it into the crowd. They will hoist the MacRory Cup aloft,

they have done it, they have won it, and it is because of their superior

start to the second half. That was the difference. They really came out

in the second half, when they threw it up and went straight down the

field, there was only one team in it. Hugely impressive. Confirmation

of the Final Score, Maghera are back-to-back champions.

You are struggling with cramp but I'm sure you

You are struggling with cramp but not. I forgot all about it,

You are struggling with cramp but unbelievable. How does it compare to

12 months ago? Same again, even bigger achievement, back-to-back. I

cannot believe. Were you a little bit fortunate with the goal with the

two bouncers? I did not notice it, I thought it was. My instinct was that

was a double bounce but we got it. Congratulations. You either man of

match. Well done. -- you had the man of the match. Danny Tallon is the

man of the match, let's talk to the winning manager, Paul Hughes.

Whatever you said, it worked. I think it is all these eulogies, the

half-time team talk is, I basically at the boys to be honest. A lot of

them are breaking the ball in the middle, we let ourselves down, so we

said to them, you made a promise at the start of the game that you were

going to win that battle. We said they need to work harder in the

second half, it worked for us, we pushed Danny Tallon higher up the

pitch, you worked very well, and he enjoys playing there. I great,

honest club. I thought we got more control of the ball in the second

half, it gave us more opportunities, we made better use of possession. I

think we bring people into the game. He is honest and hard-working. He

was determined to get the second one. That is back-to-back titles,

I'm sure you would like to win more. We will let you go to the

presentation. Well done. We will go to the presentation with Mark

Sidebottom. The man with the microphone there. A great big mix of

blue and white. The man who is about to

He is wearing the mud and muck of the Athletic Grounds. The trophy

will be handed over by Danny Stanton of Danske Bank.

Let us listen for the rower. Back-to-back, Maghera once more. The

Dragon gets his hands on the trophy, the MacRory Cup -- Peter Hagan.

It is a Derry hand, and it is back to Austin O'Callaghan. As the rain

falls, the 14th MacRory Cup success, Peter Hagan begins his

acceptance speech, and that is when we will take our leave. The rugby is

coming up very shortly. It is live from 3pm right here, but today was

the day that belonged to the blue and white of Maghera, they have

back-to-back titles, now they will head to the all Ireland series and

save they can make it back-to-back cup successes as well. From

everybody here, goodbye. congratulations to St Pat's and

welcome to Ravenhill, the home of Ulster Rugby, and the Schools' Cup.

It is Methodist College versus Sullivan Upper. The second oldest

competition in world rugby. There is a new face for this old arena, a

ground with almost a century of stories to tell.

For 90 years, it has been the finals home, a great arena where young

players battle. A new face for an old ground, the pitch the same to

ground and pound. With bones rattle. 70 minutes for history to be made,

hiccups, colour, banners and noise. A day to remember for all that were

here. The whole school behind their boys. New you rose to immortalise on

the school walls, expects sweat and blood and no room for fears. The

clock will quickly take away as the young warriors consolidate their

years. It is that time again.

Cup final. Paddy Wallace is here and a European cup winner who knows a

thing or two about this occasion. A finalist in 1993. Special

memories? The highlight of my schools rugby career, even though

the result did not go the right way, but it was momentous. And 21 years

ago Paddy Wallace was watching that in the stand. That was my first

final, attending as a spectator, and it gave me a taste of what it means

for the schools and the supporters. Unfortunately, I got knocked out in

3/4-finals so disappointing never to taste this day. Let's take a look at

the two teams. It is the big guns against the underdogs. Methody going

for their third win in a row. From their point of view, this is a big

day in their school's history, never mind the rugby side of the history.

They have scored a fair amount of points on their way here. A very

well drilled pack, everybody knows what they are going to bring to this

occasion. A fine set of forwards and then equally adept set of backs.

Let's meet the team, the Holywood school. They are known for producing

some world-class athletes. For them this day is extra special.

Every dream begins somewhere. For the players and coaches of Sullivan,

that dream begins here, the town of Holywood. It is with success has

reached an international scale. And as our history grows, so does

the pressure. 137 years we have waited, but we are

here now. This is one of the greatest moments

of my life. It is in our genes to stand up against the best. People

talk about is making history, but that is not what motivates us. We

want to win for each other. There are many ways to remember and

honour the past. But nothing sweeter than seizing the present.

They have waited a long time for their big day out. In complete

contrast to the opposition, who have played in more finals than any other

team, they have one more school cuts than any other team, they are simply

the Methody machine. I think success is defined as

setting up goals which you achieve. Our goal is to win the Schools' Cup.

Achieving your goal, which you have built towards throughout the year, a

successful athlete sets high goals and does everything in his power to

achieve those. Defining success is achieving your goals so we aim to

win the Schools' Cup. That is what we set as a goal. Getting that goal

is success. Achieving your aim or goal, which for us is winning the

Schools' Cup on St Patrick's Day. rugby player dreams of.

Methody once again are the Schools' Cup winners.

Ross Kane holds Irish rugby's oldest trophy aloft.

I think we have a different mindset to everyone else. We fight for each

other on the page, we do it as brothers, we do it as a team. We

come to rugby every day and we fight for each other and that is why we

have been so successful. I think it is the environment we coming to in

the first year in the school. The rugby Andy winning environment. You

build on that as you go to the school. The dedication and attitude

towards training is what sets the foundation for achieving your goals.

It is the combination between the coaching, the facilities and the

players themselves. From an early age, we focus on winning. From the

first year to the other sex, the goal they have set themselves in the

first year is to be in the first team. -- upper sixth.

In Methody we have a team coping with expectation. Sullivan are

coping with a massive occasion. The coach will be embracing that

underdog tag. It is nice when ever you are playing in a big match to

have a chip on your shoulder and Sullivan will certainly have won

today going against the Giants that are Methody. It is such a big day.

Willie Anderson, everything he buys into, he believes 100%. I have no

doubt that these Sullivan side will be highly prepared. They might even

have a trick or two up their sleeves. We know that Methody have

beaten them twice this year already. Methody tend to wrap it up

whenever it comes to Schools' Cup time. Sullivan will be

whenever it comes to Schools' Cup history to one side? I am sure they

have enjoyed the last couple of weeks. The town is buzzing, or the

shop fronts are covered in Sullivan colours. It is dealing with back --

pressure. There is massive expectation on Methody as well. If

Sullivan can get into them early and put points on the board, it is how

Methody deal with that because they probably have not faced being under

the cosh so far. Let's go and soak up some of the atmosphere pitch

side. We are just in front of the Sullivan

supporters and they have not stopped cheering since they set foot inside

Ravenhill. This can always attracts former students back to support

their teams. I am joined by a Sullivan old goal. Why was it

important for you to come here today? It is absolutely huge. It is

the first time Sullivan have ever been in the Schools' Cup final. I

have literally just come back from the States, all my friends are here

and I wanted to support the gang. A lot of the supporters broke out into

cheer. You have got quite a reception. It is unbelievable. It is

so good to be back in the country and have support from everyone back

home during the Olympics was absolutely insane. Just to be year

is amazing. You have got a lot of media attention. How is life? Pretty

casual, just the same as always. It is pretty crazy having the odd

person say to me in the street, well done at the Olympics. I am mind

blown by the support. You are not going near a commentary booth today,

are you? No, I am here just to enjoy myself with my friends. Lovely to

see you. Thank you very much. It is a special day and all the

colour we can see. It is important for both sets of teams to enjoy

this. That is what it is all about. Obviously they want to win, nobody

be the last occasion many of them get to play at Ravenhill. It is an

intimidating arena. I don't into Stephen Ferris and he said it was

pretty big. That may play into Methody's favour. They have won the

last two competitions. That adds the pressure of being successful like

the teams that have gone before them. Sullivan, it is a day out for

them, they are not used this, so they can embrace this and enjoy it.

And the standard of rugby, they are all big boys now. One of them is

over six foot seven and 100 kilograms. Looking at the Ulster

side, they have not produced any big home-grown guys so I imagine David

Humphreys and the rest of the Ulster guys will be year having a close

look at who can possibly transcend and make it through. With a new

academy system in place, there is a natural progression into

professional rugby, the really good ones. There is, and that is why

Leinster have been so successful. They schools system. They produce so

many good players and the Academy has the pick of them. It makes life

easier to transition into professional rugby when the talent

rises to the top. It is the moment they have all been waiting for.

Let's go and join our commentary team.

The celebrations in Paris went on long into the hours of the morning.

It is nice to see Ross Todd, the Sullivan skipper, with a smile on

his face. He is a school head boy as well. A lot resting on his broad

shoulders. There is a genuine sea of green and black year and I have a

funny feeling there is not a single person left in Holywood. We saw

David Jeffrey, soon-to-be former Linfield manager, supporting his old

school. This is a huge moment for this school, which has never

school. This is a huge moment for alone the most important day in

school. This is a huge moment for schools rugby. I think we could do

without the smoke grenades, because that is not going to make life

easier for anybody. The poor steward trying to take it off. Sullivan

already in place and waiting for their much vaunted opponents, the

most successful side in the history of the Schools' Cup, Methodist

College, Belfast. This is their 63rd cup final. Well ahead of Belfast

rivals RBAI will stop but they are in pretty determined mood to make

today count. Methody, because they won the opening semifinal, are

designated as the home team. Sullivan will have the away dressing

room and that is why they are out first. Methodist College in white

and navy blue. They take the field. Five of the pack played as Medallion

shield winners three years ago. They have experienced players behind the

scrum. They have all played for Ulster schools. Methody have had to

make a late change in the front row. The skipper has moved across. It is

still a very formidable pack. Conor McKee is one of two players making

his third final. Such is the strength of the panel but a number

of these boys are already playing. Not too many

of these boys are already playing. has not picked up

of these boys are already playing. man who is refereeing there.

Sullivan Upper to get this game underway. This was first competed

for in 1876 when our Manor Royal where the winners -- Armagh Royal.

It is not a bad kick-off. Tallest man on the park, Alex Thomson, get

it away. That first tackle will encourage

Sullivan. I think we will encourage a very physical game here. You saw,

when the teams ran out, Methody straight up to Sullivan. I think we

will see a lot of early collisions. Probably some nervousness early on

and we will see a couple of mistakes, but whoever settles first

will to dominate early on. Not a bad opening scrum.

He is tall for a scrum-half. A little bit of the old-fashioned

elbow. Will be interesting to see what difference this makes, normally

he is a loose head, but vastly experienced. Sullivan are a very

heavy pack. experienced. Sullivan are a very

often in Schools' Cup finals that Methody are outweighed up front. The

idea was right, the execution was not. Sullivan still in that half.

Goods, flat passing. The referee is forced to defend.

Some of these passes are flat and no more.

This time it is the turn of Methody. They will be happy with that

defence. You can see them get off the line very quickly. They are

coming up hard, trying to snuff out any attack. Sullivan have a couple

of pacey enough backs. Methody will make sure they get on top of them

early on. Methody came through in the third round. In the semifinal

they came through 17-12 against Wallace High School. Sullivan did

the double, then in the semifinal, it was cold rain -- Coleraine.

Good reply, well covered by Josh Bingham.

Good reply, well covered by Josh retained possession. Good defence by

the county down side. Across the Sullivan ten metre line for the

first time. Nudge forward, it will be a Sullivan scrum. It is exciting

to see them move the ball, you will notice from the semifinal that

Methody struggled, Wallace were particularly good there. There were

a number of progressive brakes. Met right on the game line by the

skipper, and Sullivan get the first penalty of the afternoon.

Well-organised. Methody pride themselves on being organised over

the ball, they work hard to pilfer possession and force penalties, and

Sullivan are pretty good at that themselves. You can see Willie

Anderson's stamp all over this side. That back row, very impressive.

Well taken at the back. Got a bang on the need, was a bit doubtful but

has made it through OK. That is going to be a penalty

has been their strength and has taken them through to the final.

Chris Griffin is down injured. How very efficient that is. They have

done it in previous rounds, when things are not working out they go

back to the basics. They attack the opposition. They are very well

organised. This is what makes the encounters so fascinating, they were

good on a number of occasions in the semifinal, driving them back 30, 40

yards. It will be interesting to see who gets the upper hand. Whoever

does will go a long way to deciding the outcome of today.

Methodist College will be delighted. They decided not to go

for the post. That is not a bad kick. It puts Methody in a very good

position. There is a strong breeze behind them. The flag is indicating

that Methody have a strong wind behind them. That is a good take.

Sullivan will need to be very alert. Good drive. Waiting for the ball.

The referee is having a really good look. Picked up and driven by

Methody, which is their trademark. It is still there. McKee is over, as

he got It is still there. McKee is over, as

Antartica simple as that. Conor McKee,

Antartica simple as that. Conor final, has got the opening score.

Clinical is the word you need to use. That is then down to a tee.

That is what they do well. Producers of one-off runner. They had

committed a huge amount of runners. He took a very good line. I think he

was halted a little bit short but the momentum carried him over. Josh

Bingham has added the points, with eight minutes played. What a start.

7-0 to Methody. Sullivan need to try and get straight back into this.

They need to back themselves. They have been very good in the lead up,

they have not had much possession yet. They will want to retained

that. That is nightly done -- nicely done

by Sullivan, who need to respond immediately. Huge roar from the

supporters. Second year of captaincy. Dave Cave takes it

forward. Good covering across the park by Methody.

The referee is good to bring them back for an infringement, and I

think it might have been a Sullivan knock forward, advantage to

Sullivan. That is what they want to do. He gave his runners an

opportunity to compete for that ball, they manage to get the ball

and it is the most important thing, in an event like this, get all the

boys to get their hands on the ball, a bit of confidence going. Good

scrum by Sullivan, support by his blindside, who has made more than

decent ground. Can Sullivan respond in kind?

Certainly doing their best. Methody have got their hands on the ball.

Methody nearly pinched that, but the referee has given a penalty against

Methody. Interesting decision for the captain to make. I think he is

going to pop it into touch and he is going to try and do an NCB on MCV.

Correct decision? -- MCB on MCB. I do not doubt that he would have the

yards on it but he may be fancied the momentum. They have got to get

the throw, all those facets of the line that went backwards. It is all

right. The momentum was lost slightly. Taken on by one of the

centres. Nudge forward, did not happen for Sullivan and Methody. The

head coach will be pretty pleased with that bit of defence. A bit

scrappy from Sullivan, it all stemmed from the line-out not being

efficient. This Methody side are very difficult

defenders are going to be up hard. Penalty against Sullivan, driving

forward. There might be a little bit of a

Catt somewhere. The loosehead prop, Conor McEvoy. There is nothing to

worry about. Coming up to 30 minutes gone. Methody with a penalty and

conversion. Exactly where they want to be on the scoreboard. Josh

Bingham does not make a lot of ground. It was interesting that the

Irish team that finished the game in Paris had Chris Henry and Iain

Henderson, both of whom played in the Schools' Cup final. It is a

great starting point. Absolutely. And so many have come through. A

number in the Ulster management as well and they are memories they will

never forget. Good defence by Sullivan. Well away to Josh Bingham.

The pass from outside the 22 but Josh Bingham has kicked cleverly.

Betts moves it wide. Chris Jordan found himself red

carded in the semifinal. The red card was missing did. A chance now

for Sullivan. Good support play. The first time they have had their paws

on the ball in this final. Good driving work by the Sullivan pack

but the Methody pretty clever and well organised.

Charlie McEwen get it away. That is an interception. This could be

interesting. This is going to be heartbreak for Sullivan. Can you

believe it? Connor McKee has gone over again. You take your chance and

he did take his chance. Last time out it was close range, this time no

mistake. Sullivan will be desperately disappointed with that.

They were playing some very good rugby in the lead up to that. He

gets a fingertip to it. He took his opportunity well. Sullivan just

looking to get their noses in front, I thought, from the way they were

trying to play. They managed to get into wider channels. That is just

unfortunate for them. Now it is an appeal battle for them, and we are

only 15 minutes in. The Methody fans are pretty pleased about that.

Connor McKee is wearing 12. He is down in the match day programme as

13. Methody have not got the right men in the right jerseys but they

probably don't care. He made a hash of that. But what a start by the

holders. And what a start for Connor McKee. He took his chance. You see

the likes of Andrew Trimble doing that regularly for Ulster. If he had

missed it, Cave had that in his hands and was away. Can Sullivan

respond from that major setback? They are going to have two. They

have got to be much more protective of the ball. Methody now with the

proverbial bit between their teeth. of the ball. Methody now with the

fine. Josh Davidson. His uncle Jeremy played here twice.

You can see exactly what is happening here. And the message

Willie Anderson will be trying to get onto his players. In the

semifinal against Coleraine, they were able to run on their own but

now they are getting isolated. Methody are getting two or three men

on that ball before Sullivan get their and that means they are

forcing the turnovers. It is either going to be slow ball or penalties.

Sullivan have got to get one or two to latch onto the ball carrier. You

have got to get your hands away from the ball instantly. The referee

brings them up to the mark. Five men in the line-out. They take it well

at the back. Wallace has got to dig it out

himself. Josh Bingham will have a go from there. There was half a gap. It

was well closed. Wallace. Michael Lagan. Wallace did well. Taken on by

McKinney, the openside flanker for Methody. Sullivan's ball. There is

not much out there in the way of room so they have got to come back

inside. That was well done by Chris Jordan. This time the penalty goes

against Methody at the breakdown. Chris Jordan did well. He realised

he would lose support if he went wide. But some of the Sullivan

players were slow to react. Three or four Methody

players were slow to react. Three or well against RBAI. But they are

playing well here today. The scoreboard is testament to that.

McMaster. Charlie McEwen. Cave. Well read by the Methodist College

defence. A wonderful pass. Here is the

captain. He needs a bit of support. He has got support. He has to give

it. A great chance for Sullivan! He has made it. What a dive. Chris

Jordan in the corner and the referee is straight up in the air with the

hand. What a finish. What a clever midfield break. Chris Jordan talk a

bit of a thumb on his way to the line. What a SuperDrive. That was

great play. A great initial break. They recognise the space well. A

very well worked try and that is exactly the sort of reply Sullivan

needed. 12-0 down, things were looking a bit difficult, and if

Methody had got the next score, it would have been a big ask to come

back. But they will feel a lot more settled after such a wonderful try.

You could have heard the roar in Holywood.

I wonder if I went down to my favourite bar in Holywood I would

get a pint of Guinness if they won this. Not a bad effort at all by the

Sullivan skipper, Mark today. They look pretty happy, I have got

to say. Willie Anderson will be a They look pretty happy, I have got

happy man right now. That is exactly what they needed. Hopefully Chris

Jordan will be OK. It did look as if he had to twist and turn.

They kept that low into the breeze. It is going to be interesting to

save it stays there or thereabouts how well Sullivan use the wind in

the second half. What is nice to see at the moment is the type of rugby

being played, particularly by Sullivan in that last passage. You

sort their rugby brain coming to the fore. It was not structured, they

looked up and saw what was in front of them and reactive. That is what

you want to see at this level. This is Sullivan's first ever final.

Wallace gets it away. Taken on by Steven Weir. Wallace away. Into the

line comes Kelly. He was playing on the wing a year ago. Knocked forward

by the holders. A Sullivan scrum. Connor McKee the focus of attention.

I am not sure I would want to tamper with him. He is a sturdy looking

individual. Just hassled into touch. Nothing much in that.

Coming up to 23 minutes played. Three tries. 24 Methody, one for

Sullivan. Charlie McEwen got that away well. Here is the try scorer,

only a youngster, but he knows how to go forward. Cartmill was in

No way through. What's their he has been. A good

No way through. What's their instruction there? I it was

accidental offside. -- obstruction. The Methody nine has shut them off

very quickly. You can see that he knew the option was not available.

That delay meant there was a bit of obstruction. You can definitely see

Sullivan have settled into this. They look a lot more comfortable on

the ball and they are starting to retain possession a lot better. The

word has got on to be a little bit quicker to the ball on the ground.

It is certainly set up now for a cracking game. I am not sure

Sullivan's try scorer is going to be able to continue. It looks as if he

has done something nasty to his left shoulder. Sullivan will have to

bring on a replacement. Some of the Sullivan replacements don't have

numbers so we are going to rely on our excellent floor manager on the

far side to tell us exactly who is coming on. That is very unfortunate.

You score a try in the Schools' Cup final and you get yourself injured.

Harry Harper is coming on. He is wearing number 16 which is the

replacement hooker's Chertsey. There will be all sorts of shenanigans

with shirts here. Not a lot of marks to the respective schools with their

shirt organisation. Another penalty against Sullivan for illegal

scrummaging. Trying to take advantage of the late change in the

Methody front row. But that is twice they have done it and it is going to

cost them territory. It is an area Sullivan are looking to target, in

that scrum. They probably push a Sullivan are looking to target, in

by that. Psychologically, they will still see it as a slight advantage.

St Patrick's Day Mr be doing his very best to turn up the warm side

of the stone. The sun has come out. Well taken at the back by Methody.

Josh Bingham, a nice run. Tries to get outside his opposite number. It

is going to be a third try. The Methody centres are the centres of

attention at Ravenhill. McIvor has scored. Just when you thought

Sullivan were getting back into this game, all that tradition comes

through, and they execute the perfect Schools' Cup final try. The

foot of the gas slightly by Sullivan. It all started by Connor

McKee. Sullivan let themselves down as they failed to reset. They were

short in numbers. It was very good footwork. A very good finish. Nicky

Wells will be very pleased. It was the break by this boy, Josh Bingham,

which started it. Eat cannot convert it. Methody bleeding with ten

minutes until the interval. This Methody side look completely

different to the one that played in the semifinal. I think they realised

they were not happy with the performance, they have certainly

stepped it up couple performance, they have certainly

Well taken by Sullivan. Taken on by Chris Griffiths, the prop. Good

off-load. Could not quite do it. The referee

has got his hand out. Is that a scrum or a penalty? Still playing

advantage. The referee has given a penalty. At this stage of the half,

right in front of the post, do you take the three points? I think you

need to. I think they need to. I hope they do for their own sake.

They want to narrow down the points difference. Yes, you can see that.

He is a very accomplished kicker, it should be very straightforward for

him. They will still have plenty to play for if they can score. Coming

up to 28 minutes, and there has been fought tries. -- four tries.

Methodist College going for their fifth.

Oh dear. Off the post. The gap remains. He snatched at that. When

you rush it, you invariably hook the ball. That looks like exactly what

he did. Methody have made a mistake. One thing I will say is, what a

cracking day, whether -wise. I played in a game and it was freezing

cold, rain, played in a game and it was freezing

different conditions to today. I think I commentated on that. You

commentators on the 1950 final. I have to say a lot of people I know

extremely well are sitting not far-away from us, it is the team of

Campbell College, who played a scoreless draw back in 1964.

Methody get across, defend pretty magnificently. The referee is happy

enough, nothing illegal as far as the referee is concerned.

Have they stolen that in the Break Down? The referee is happy with

that. It might have been the big second row. Alex Thomson who got in

there, he was the one. The biggest man I've seen in a final since

Jeremy Davidson himself. It is a chance for Sullivan to do something.

As a little look, changes his mind. Nicely wide. This is a good chance.

Conor Kelly came across. Sullivan will be desperate to force a

turnover. Again, Methody are very composed. This time, they get it

away. That was very well done, read the situation well, got across

quickly and managed to get away from the touchline. Wonderful pass. That

was beautiful. Nice little chip through. Did everything right. Very

enterprising. It would have been easy to run into touch. Conor Kelly

got ten easy to run into touch. Conor Kelly

away. What a game it has been so far. Conor McKee, and then again.

The interception made it look as if Sullivan's Mass was going to be

extremely difficult, but they responded very well. Scoring the

try, you did pretty nasty things to his shoulder. Look at Josh Bingham,

you stood his man up, the pass was inch perfect. Well taken by

Sullivan. The referee has blown the whistle.

They need to come back, and I don't think that was altogether straight.

Little mistakes like that will cost Sullivan. They are in a good

attacking position and they must make the most of these

opportunities. The line-out has been outstanding in this competition and

they will want to manage this. Once they get there, I fear that they

must come away with a try, if not penalties. They need to stay in

touch in this game. When Sullivan have tried to put pressure on the

Methody scrum they have been penalised. They must be patient.

Well picked up in the back row. This Methody side are playing a very

clever game. They are keeping it as tight as possible.

David Wilkinson has his flag up, and it will be a line-out. Good work by

Sullivan. That was good work, Methody at the ball and he managed

to get the turnover. He has looked good taking the ball there, delaying

the passes, unfortunately not the right option. Not enough room. That

was a good take. Methody trying to move away. He is

in the middle of that. The man who made a very good tackle.

The job is only half done. They are doing very well when they have the

ball, turning them over, this is where they need to maximise that.

They need to capitalise on turning that ball over and convert this into

some sort of points. They need something from this pretty good

position because remember schools rugby is only 35 minutes each way

and they have nearly played 34. Penalty against Methody. There is

time for the line-out. Into the corner for what should be

the last set piece of what has been a cracking first half of schools

rugby. Moving to the back of the line-out.

Good take. coaching team. Methody scrum, there

is still time but if this goes in, the way the clock is going, Methody

will just need to make sure it is dead and that is the end of the

first half. Methody will have a very short scamper back to their dressing

room. 35 minutes gone, Fraser Wallace.

Great chance now for Sullivan to claw back some precious points, and

they really need them by the interval, but Methody have defended

splendidly. Here comes Methody again, doing the holding up job. Can

they get it down? The ball is down, it may well be headed up, and there

is not time. Unfortunately for Sullivan, that is the last chance of

the first half, and Methody will be mighty relieved. Absolutely

delighted to finish that half 17-5 up. Sullivan had all the played for

the last ten minutes or so. They put a lot of pressure on that line. The

field to get over. They needed to score. Been fairly evenly matched

throughout that first-half. Four tries scored, Methodist College 17,

Sullivan Upper, five. Are you impressed with what you have seen in

the first half? Yes, the standard has been very high. Sullivan tried

to move the ball wide. Possibly they went to ground to quickly. The

turnover try has put a little bit more space between the teams than

was in the game to start with. Straight up, we spoke about it

before the game, the Willie Anderson factor. Yes, it is reminiscent of

him standing against New Zealand. factor. Yes, it is reminiscent of

not been as efficient. All about the psychological edge. Some schoolboy

jostling. Almost like being at the bus queue in the morning. Of course,

Methody took off, and they got going quickly. Yes, they spoke about that

experience factor, they settle into the game better. Sullivan guilty of

tackles early on. They did not make mistakes. Two great tries to get

clear. You can see this, as they are put in trouble from a defensive

point of view. Josh Bingham looks like he has been there and what the

teacher, he controlled the game very well in the first half -- purchased

the T-shirt. The second one here is unfortunate, the Sullivan out half

decides to go down the blindside and possibly should have held onto the

ball. He has thrown it at an inopportune time. It shows that

Methody are willing to sit there and exploit mistakes. They have done

that, they have won a number of turnovers from that. On that

occasion they were happy to keep within the structure of their

defence and wait for a loose pass which they spotted. They came back.

They scored the best try of the match so far. That was a nice

off-load, big territory here, the ball comes back down the blindside,

and it is Dave Cave. He shows good attitude to get to the corner.

Unfortunately injured after that. He did very well. Created the line

break. The defence on the black -- back foot. It was another

break. The defence on the black -- third try came off a line-out.

break. The defence on the black -- was. Just seem to be overlap, then

it was a good ball, then busted the game line by five or ten metres.

That was simple, and very efficient. That got them over the gain line.

Sullivan's defence would not yet set in time they were on the back foot.

Ruthless efficiency by Methody. I think we know what Alex Thomson is

saying. Keep it going. Absolutely. Methody have a 12 point lead. They

did not play all the rugby but they have been efficient. Sullivan will

need to throw caution to the wind in the second half to chase points. We

have seen what happened in the first half, they got picked off at the

wrong time. Methody look very efficient. Big day for the boys. I'm

joined by someone who high tailed it with training at Ulster. Darren,

compare your nerves today to when you are lining up? I was a bit

nervous for the boys. I trained with some of the boys, but for me this is

pretty special and it's great to be here and see so many people

supporting. Give us an idea what the rivalry is like among all the

players in the Ulster squad once this Cup comes around. I know Andrew

Trimble is in the mix? It's a bit of good banter for us and I think the

good thing for me is that everyone seems to hate Methody, so I've got a

few of the boys shouting for me. I don't think the game's gone yet and

I'm looking forward to it. Can you sum up for what

I'm looking forward to it. Can you this is only the second semifinal

and the first final, the Cup has a proud tradition in education and

hockey and others areas, it would be brilliant to get the Cup to put us

on the map. Enjoy the second half, if you can. Thank you. There's a man

with a keen eye. It's great to see some of the Ulster boys. You don't

forget your school days? No, you don't. There is the banter between

the squad. Enthough half played rugby in South Africa. It brings

that out in you. Can Sullivan get back into it? I think so. We have

seen big glimpses and more so as the game has gone along. They've had

territory. Methody are more efficient and have taken their

chances. I think it's important they get the first score in terms of the

second half. I think so. They'll be enforcing how much good rugby they

played and it's to be more efficient. Hopefully they'll have a

bit of luck in the second half. They are looking ready. The fans haven't

screamed themselves out just yet. Over to Bryn and Jim.

Good support play into the hefty tight head. Quicker ball there.

A little support from McMaster, who just overran. Well covered from

Conor Kelly. Caught on the ten-metre line, but it's available for

Wallace. Bingham. Thompson couldn't quite take the ball. Referee playing

Wallace. Bingham. Thompson couldn't very little. Max Clarke. The referee

has given a penalty against Methody and I'm pretty sure Mr Adair will

want to put that in the corner. I think so. They'll want to keep the

pressure on now and get down. As the guys said in the studio, it's about

amassing some points here. As Willie Anderson will have said, listen if

you play well then you will be right in there. Just hold on to the ball.

Don't panic, hold on. Stoppage there for the Sullivan loosehead prop

Conor McEvoy. He has only missed one of the 21 matches.

Much better. Well taken in by Max Clarke. A couple of meming diboys

are around there. Clever work. -- Methody boys are around there.

Clever work. Made the initial catch and they've picked up a bit of a

head of steam and can the Balcombe back and the answer is no. That's

clever defending by Methody. Something they're very well drilled

in, clearly. Their defensive line-out there. Unfortunately,

whenever Sullivan took that ball, they didn't get the support players

around quickly enough and Methody got two or three on the ball. Even

if Sullivan are driving forward, as long as the ball is off the ground.

if Sullivan are driving forward, as They're not under that much

pressure. There's the captain, Michael Lyon. A

whole bunch of the 1974 Methody school team were back. That's the

first game in charge for Davie Wells and his son, Nicky, now is the man

in charge. Did Methody pressure. A little bit flat and making a forward

pass and Methody are playing a smart game. They are press rising Sullivan

and they know they want to move the ball. It's McKee who is putting the

pressure on. Initially, a good tackle there, but McKee is coming up

quickly and forcing them to pass the ball and forcing the mistake.

Sullivan just have to be a little more patient and one thing they

don't want to do is chase the game early. Herdman is off the field and

is replaced by Ryan Cullen. On the back row. He'll add an extra little

bit of height. Herdman has plenty of pace and a fair bit of bulk. Cullen

is a tall, young man. McKinney, the flanker. Wallace and

Bingham. Mac Iver there. wee bit of space, but well covered

been Betts and he goes for the fair catch. That will mean unless he

keeps it infield it will be a magician diline-out. He gives it to

Adair. -- a Methody line-out. He gives it to Adair. Well caught.

Pushed back into his own half. Good defending by Sullivan. Wallace,

Langham and does well, the captain. Wallace in quickly. This is big Alex

Thompson. Wallace again. Looking swift now. Good pass. Jordan there.

This is the first time he's had his paws on the ball.

Pishent build-up by Methody. -- patient build-up by Methody. Kelly

is outside. Again, they are being patient, I

have a feeling? Good tackle in the end, but Methody are starting to

look very, very cavitiable. If anything you can see Sullivan are

starting to tire. One or two guys down with a little bit of cramp. It

happens at this level and they are starting to get a little narrow in

defence and Methody are recognising this. They are starting to use some