'A tremendous achievement'

Mr Adams praised the team and the school community for what he called a 'real team effort'.

He said: "Last Wednesday was an exciting day for the school, we had not won the MacLarnon Cup for seven years.

"St Michael's has had a good record in the competition since it entered in the 1970s when we became co-ed.

"We have entered good sides in the previous years which is a tremendous feat when you consider that we are actually quite a small school."

St Michael's overcame holders St Pius of Magherafelt and went into the St Patrick's Day clash at Casement against St Patrick's of Keady as favourites.

Mr Adams continued: "There was a big turn out for the game and the travelling support was in fine voice.

"In the first half the team were a little bit nervous and that came through on the pitch - but in the second half they pulled away.

"I'm not sure what coach David Wilson said in the changing room at half time - and he's refusing to tell me - but it worked wonders."

St Michael's now go into the B All-Ireland semi-finals to compete for the Noonan Cup and face Sligo on Saturday.

"It will be a big game for us," said Mr Adams, "the school has never won an all-Ireland title - it would be a major achievement for the school.

Mr Adams said the success was down to a team effort across all the school.

He concluded: "Any level of success is great for the school, it helps to raise the spirits and builds confidence and self esteem and that fuels back into the rest of the school.

"There is a real close relationship in the school among the players, the staff and the pupils and the success ripples out and gives a real feel good factor.

"It also helps to inspire the younger boys for when they reach years 13 and 14.

"Once again the coaching skills of David Wilson and his team have nurtured the talents of our students and produced a fine group of lads - it has been a real team effort.

"Niall McConville got the man of the match on the day but the whole team did tremendously well to succeed over the series of games which took them to the final."