The Abbey under 16 basketball team travelled to Antrim Forum for their Ulster final against St Patricks College Dungannon. The Abbey were the underdogs in this match having already been beaten by St Patrick’s in a previous league match. St Patrick’s came out very strong scoring 20 points in the first quarter with the Abbey unable to sink the baskets despite winning rebounds, the Abbey boys were having great difficulty in making the hoops, scoring only 4 points in the first quarter. St Patrick’s had a very comfortable lead going in to the second quarter but the abbey came out fighting, scoring 14 pts, 6 of which were made by team captain Paul Quinn, making St Patricks work hard for their 11 points. The Abbey had found their feet in the game. The third quarter saw the Abbey score 19 points to St Patrick’s 8, with Paul Quinn, Jonathon O’Hare, Sean Fearon and Henry McLaughlin sinking some strong baskets.

By the start of the fourth quarter the Abbey had closed the gap on St Patrick and were now only 2 points down. A nail biting final quarter saw the Abbey match St Patrick’s basket for basket, with newcomer Donal O’Neill finding the net twice. The clock was ticking with only 45 seconds to go and St Patrick’s number 23 made an excellent play intercepting an Abbey ball and making a fast break with St Patrick’s number 20 scoring a vital basket. With only 20 seconds left on the clock St Patrick’s played a full court press and denied the abbey any chance of getting near the basket. The whistle was blown with the Abbey down by 5 points in what was an exciting game. Final Score St Patrick’s College 60 – Abbey Grammar 55. The Abbey were presented with their medals by Adrian Fullerton, the Ulster Schools Basketball Coordinator who was impressed by the determination of the Abbey players. Paul Quinn 14pts (Capt.), J. O’Hare 12pts, S. Fearon 11pts, H. McLaughlin 10pts, P. O’Hagan 4pts, D. O’Neill 4pts, D. McGovern, C. Murphy, C. O’Reilly, P. Doran, R. Cull, P. Delahunt. Coach Mrs. P. McClean