Ard Scoil Ris from Limerick will enjoy this victory, especially given what happened in the club final when they went badly down to Killester. But at schools level, it has finally come right and in the words of Tom Hehir, their coach, they really made the grade yesterday at the National Areana.

Ultimately this was a testament to the mental toughness of youths International, Kevin Meaney, who took Marian College to within five points of their opponents despite playing through the second period under extreme duress.

Meaney, their teak tough captain had an unfortunate two days having missed school on Tuesday with flu and then with barely a minute gone on the clock, Marian's most influential player turned awkwardly on his ankle.

Sideline attendants worked tirelessly to get him back on the court but in the meantime, Ard Scoil Ris took full advantage, building up a sizeable lead with M.V.P, Jonathan Darcy, penetrating Marian's defence to good effect.

The early stages pointed to a close encounter and a Barry Glover basket left Marian just four points adrift at the break.

But vital interceptions then saw Ard Scoil Ris forge ahead with Meaney's defensive qualities badly needed at that stage.

When he did arrive, Meaney twice shot crucial three pointers but frustratingly for Marian, costly infringements saw Limerick's Scott Ross finding the range with five frees before the end.