THE POWERFUL right boot of winger Cathal Connolly fired St Mary's College into the Leinster Schools Junior Cup final at Donnybrook yesterday. After beating Belvedere 21-20, they now meet Terenure College in the final.

With three minutes of normal time to play, Connolly struck a magnificent penalty to deprive Belvedere. In a fascinating six try match, St Mary's led 13-10 at the break. Belvedere's points came from two Simon Nagle tries and a Connolly penalty, while Belvedere's came from prop John O'Shea and full back Barry McArdle.

St Mary's out half David O'Sullivan crossed in the 36th minute for an 18-10 lead. Belvedere hit back with a Cormac Hynes penalty and his conversion of Martin Garvey's try gave them a 20-18 lead. However, Connolly's ice cool nerves proved decisive in the frenzied finish.