St Michael's eyeing the MacRory Cup

St Michael's coach David Wilson responded with a statement of intent after his side lifted the MacLarnon Cup at Casement Park last week.

The school overcame a resilient St Patrick's, Keady side 1-13 to 0-8 to record an impressive St Patrick's Day victory.

It was St Michael's seventh cup success and the first time they had lifted the trophy in seven years after success in 2003.

"We were confident going into the game," said David, "but the first half was like the opening rounds of a boxing match, both sides were sounding each other out.

"The fear was that it was St Patrick's first time in a final and they might have had more desire. But although St Michael's had won it before it was my guys' first final and they did fantastically.

"At half time the lads came in and we talked a few things over, about what we needed to do and they went out and showed great composure in the second half.

"It was a really good victory for the school and a fantastic achievement for north Armagh football."

St Michael's now go to the all-Ireland B stages to compete for the Noonan Cup. They will head to Tempo, County Fermanagh to face St Attracta's from Sligo.

"They are a huge school and very talented from what we have heard. We will need to be on the top of our game.

"With the games being close together I think my guys won't have trouble getting carried away with the MacLarnon Cup win.

"I know it's a cliche - but we will be taking everything one step at a time."

David was a member of the St Michael's side which lost to the last kick in the game in the MacLarnon Cup final in 1994. He was also a coach when the school last lifted the trophy under the guidance of Seamus Heffron.

He said: "That's one you don't forget playing in a final and losing, but coaching the side to the final and winning is something else.

"Seamus helped develop some good sides for the school and I have built on his work.

"Following the final whistle on Wednesday the guys were euphoric, for me it was more satisfaction.

"All the guys and the coaches have worked hard throughout the year and they have deserved it - it was a team effort.

"We have a great set of lads, some have won the All-Ireland with Armagh minors. And nine of those who started on Wednesday will be staying with us for next year.

"Our desire is to give MacRory Cup football a real good go next year."