On Wednesday 1 March, St Paul’s were knocked out of this years MacRory Cup at the semi-final stage, following a 1-11 to 0-13 defeat to St Mary’s, Magherafelt.

Only one point could separate both teams over 120 minutes as last weeks semi-final finished 1-12 a piece, with the reply taking place last night at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh.

St Paul’s started brightly and eased into a 0-04 to 0-01 lead with points from Richard Keenan (3) and Conor Clarke, however St Mary’s got into the game and only trailed by the minimum at the half time whistle, 0-07 to 0-06.

With 15 minutes to go, St Paul’s lead by four points, but the game changed as St Mary’s half forward found space in behind the full back line and slotted the ball home to reduce the scoreline to a single point.

St Mary’s then levelled matters before a free edged them in front.  Shea Loye tied the game once more, but St Mary’s then went up the field to go ahead once again, before Liam Kerr slotted over a 14 yard free to tie the game with four minutes injury time played.

But there was drama at the end as St Mary’s won a free and full forward Kevin Small made no mistake sending his side through to a St Patrick’s Day decider with St Colman’s, Newry.

St Mary’s Magherafelt: O Lynch, C Devlin (0-1), S Kelly, M Loughran, D Cassidy, C McCluskey, E Kelly, K McCann, T Donaghy, A Connolly, L Quinn (1-0), S McErlain, D Bradley (0-5, 4f), K Small (0-2, 1f), C Murphy (0-2).

Subs: T McAteer (0-1) for Kelly, M Rodgers for McCann

St Paul’s Bessbrook: R Daly, J Bennett, D Loye, C Magennis, D Hanrahan (0-1), E McCabe, C Clarke (0-1), Z Burnickas, R McGuinness, R Keenan (0-4), L Kerr (0-4, 2f), C Cosgrove, N Magennis, S Loye (0-3, 3f), R Hughes.

Subs: A Davidson for C Magennis (black card)

Referee: N McKenna, Monaghan