THE holders, St Patrick's, Maghera, earned a tilt at Kerry school Killorglin in the All Ireland Colleges football final on April 28th, by impressively defeating Good Counsel, New Ross, in yesterday's semi final at Navan. The Derry school were inspired by a magnificent performance from wing forward Gerard Cassidy.
The Ballinderry youngster grabbed 1-7, which included the game's decisive goal nine minutes from time.
Maghera were the better side throughout and went in 0-10 to 0-3 ahead at the interval.
The Derry side were without three first choice players following the much publicised suspensions after incidents in the MacRory Cup final; but the newcomers did well, and Maghera will now be fancied to retain their title.
Good Counsel rallied in the closing stages with final quarter goals from David Shannon and Paul Sheehan. But Maghera always looked comfortable.