St. Ronan's, Lurgan 1-9
St. Mary's, Magherafelt 1-7
St. Ronan's. Lurgan have been crowned MacRory Cup champions for the first time after Oisin Smyth's early goal from a penalty paved the way for a narrow victory over holders St. Mary's, Magherafelt at the Athletic Grounds.
Rioghan Meehan also kicked three second half points in a man of the match performance as the Armagh school captured the blue riband of Ulster Colleges football in what is only their third year in existence. Eoin McConville's injury-time free sealed the historic win.
The winners made a dream start when Smyth slotted home a second-minute penalty after Conall Devlin was penalised for a foot block on McConville. The Sarsfields clubman tagged on a point before St. Mary's got themselves back into it with points from Liam Quinn and Devlin.
Devlin was fouled for a penalty in the 25th minute which Daniel Bradley converted before points from Adam Connolly (two) and Tiarnan McAteer gave Magherafelt a 1-4 to 1-3 lead at the break.
It was tit for tat throughout the second half, but St. Ronan's weren't to be denied and can now look forward to an All-Ireland semi-final against Munster champions PS Chorca Dhuibhne in Abbottstown on Wednesday week, March 28.
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