We couldn't have asked for any more from them - Abbey VS manager, McGurrin

Stephen McGurrin was involved with both Abbey VS teams that contested Ulster finals on Thursday and Friday and despite defeat by three points in both games, he was upbeat about the fact that his school were now competing at the top level.

On Thursday the U-16½ side lost out to St Pius X, Magherafelt in the Rafferty Cup final by 1-12 to 1-9 at Celtic Park, Derry and then on Friday at Garvaghey, the U-14½ side lost out to an impressive Dean Maguirc College from Carrickmore, in the Loch An Iuir final, also by three points, 1-15 to 3-6.

McGurrin was joint manager of both sides and while disappointed, was pleased with the way his charges had performed.

“It was a disappointing two days, but like you say it’s a great level to be at, a great level for the school to be playing at .

“We couldn’t have asked any more from the lads today, and the lads yesterday as well,” said Stephen McGurrin.

After a slow start, a cheeky goal from Dáire Slevin, got Abbey back in the race and by half-time they were just trailing 1-8 to 1-5.

Abbey VS suffer defeat in Loch An Iuir final against excellent Carrickmore side

Two late penalties put a better look on the scoreboard as Dean Maguirc College were the superior side on the day

“We were happy enough, even going in at half-time when we were only three down and we felt we hadn’t really got going. But yeah, they are a brilliant outfit, with good players all over the pitch.

“They  had a few wee small corner-forwards who did a lot of damage, but the ball into them was top class as well.

“At this level, it’s top quality stuff. You need to be at 100 per cent in every position. Yeah, just disappointing now, but not far away.”

Dáire Slevin in action for AVS Picture: Thomas Gallagher

McGurrin knew what they were facing in the final as the sides had met earlier in the campaign.

“We played each other in the group stage, so we knew a wee bit about each other. And we were actually happy enough. They had an excellent centre half-back, who ended up playing full-back there, which we were happy enough to see. He was obviously taken out of it.

“But obviously Tomas (Carr) is an exceptional player. He got extra attention, he was doubled up on a lot when he got going.”

The side included a number of very young players who did very well for Abbey. “There were three First Years pulled in and they were outstanding. Dáire, especially in the first half, was leading the charge in fairness to him.

“Conor Griffin started as well and Finn Gillespie came on and I thought he added a lot to the game when he came on after half-time.

“We will be back,” said McGurrin.