Two goals in the final 15 minutes - the second right on full time - earned Abbey CBS the MacRory Cup football title in Davitt Park, Lurgan, yesterday.

It was the first time in the 70 years history of the competition that the game was played on St. Patrick's Day and it was also the first ever meeting of the two Newry schools in the final

As 14 times and the reigning Hogan Cup holders - they won the Ranafast Cup last year to qualify for the All-Ireland race - St. Colmans were warm favourites.

Yesterday, however, there was no disputing the sterling second half performance of the 'Abbey'. Facing a tricky, swirling breeze in the opening half, they were forced to defend desperately, thanks to the power of the St. Colman's midfield and were fortunante enough to be only 0-5 to 0-0 in arrears at the break.

It was actually eight minutes into the second half before Abbey Corner-forward Terence McCreesh scored from a free, which was cancelled out almost immediately by St. Colman's sharp shooter James McCartan, 16-year old son of the former Down start of the '60s.

In all, young McCartan scored four impressive points but failed with a glorious goaling chance when he shot straight at the Abbey keeper only seconds before half time.

It was the second half switching of centre half-forward Tony McMahon to full-forward and the sending in of the elegant Eoin Hamill for the midfielder Eamon O'Neill, that wrecked St. Colman's hopes. Another point from McCreesh signalled the long haul back and by the half way stage, the Abbey had drawn level.

McCreesh it was, who set up Tony O'Hare for the first Abbey goal and two quick points by McMahon left the sides level. It was at this stage that Abbey showed their own power and pace and although the sides were level again five minutes from the finish, a point from O'Hare and then a goal from Silverbridge footballer, Hamill, clinched the issue.