​Purple reign for Ulster champions St Mark’s High School

​St Mark's High School's U15 Gaelic team claimed the Ulster School's Treanor Cup last week, with a 3-8 to 0-5 victory over St Ciaran's, Ballygawley.

The Warrenpoint side had a nervous start, but two points from Sam Murdock and one from John-Joe O’Hare settled the team early on.

Things got even better when Gavin Barry received a long kickout from Adam Sloan and ran through the St Ciaran’s defence to bury the ball into the net.

Some great defending, tackling and intercepting from the St Mark's midfield and defence ensured they stayed on top in the game.

A beautiful outside of the right boot point from Dylan Kelly got the scoreboard going again - and from the resulting kickout, Jimmy Haughey won the breaking ball, tried a delightful effort from 50 yards and it bounced over the keepers head and into the net.

St Mark's had a commanding 1-5 to 0-1 at the half-time whistle But they had to battle really hard in the second period, playing into a strong breeze and struggling at times to get scores and break down the opposition defence. But an unbelievable save from Adam Sloan and a goal line clearance from Shea Clerkin ensured they only scored four more points in total.

And St Mark's had more in the bag when a patient build up, mixed with some great hand passes split the St Ciaran’s defence and the ball fell to Paidi Fitzpatrick on the 14 who riffled to the top of the net.

That was more than enough as when the referee blew the full time whistle and St Mark's were Ulster Champions.️

The school congratulated the squad of players who have worked tremendously hard all year and thoroughly deserve this trophy which means that another St Mark's team will be playing in the highest rank competition next year. They thanked coaches, Mr O’Hare, Mr Kilgallon and Mr Magill who have guided and supported the lads all year, the supporters who made the journey to the final and created such an atmosphere and sponsors Murdock Hardwood for their continued support.