NORTH-MONASTERY from Cork reversed a first-half deficit to capture the under-1 9 A All-Ireland schools league title with an eight-point victory over Patrician, Newbridge at the National Arena in Tallaght yesterday.
The Cork college trailed by three points at the break, but their coach, Roger Kelliher assigned Kevin Ready and Emmet Neville to man-mark Newbridge dangermen Morgan O'Sullivan and Liam Cunningham. The tactic paid dividends, with Ready also managing to contribute 29 points in the 72-64 win.
In the under-19 B final, St Malachy's of Belfast, who led Crescent College Limerick 32-16 at the interval, almost succumbed to a second-half onslaught. They fell behind in the last minute of the match, and had to rely on Eamon McIlhinney, their captain, for a dramatic winner two seconds from time to leave the scores at 47-45.
The under-16 A final was a more one-sided affair, with Colaiste Eanna defeating St Fintan's High School 57-45 in what was the third final to be contested between the sides this season. Derek Kelly scored 19 points, helping his side to add an All-Ireland victory to their Dublin league win.
. Colaiste Eanna's Dara O'Connor (number six) and Karl Treanor (four) lead the celebrations after their side defeated St Fintan's High School in the Under-16 A All-Ireland Schoolboys final at the National Arena in Tallaght.
