Clongowes Wood College:  Where do they go after St Patrick's Day? The Irish Times delved into the archives to see what became of the Clongowes Wood College side that confounded expert opinions to lift the senior cup in 2000.

Most of the players went on to play under-20s at clubs or in university, while three still play in the All-Ireland League - captain John Smyth, wing Stephen McGee and prop Jason Moran, who is on a semi-professional contract with Leinster.

Injuries kill off many aspirations and such is the intensity of the schools game it is not uncommon for players to have overdosed on rugby by their early 20s. Also, some realise their limitations and concentrate on their chosen career path.

In hindsight, Clongowes were destined to vanquish all-comers that year, their path to the winner's podium at Lansdowne Road a journey to adulthood in many respects.

The discipline instilled by coach Vinnie Murray, who passed away in December 1999, stood to them. The premature death of the man responsible for putting Clongowes on the highest plane in the schools game was a tragic event.

Murray's achievements with such a small crop of players was nothing short of extraordinary. A rucking style had been developed, similar to Jim Telfer's methods with the Scottish national side, which ensured larger packs were cleaned out quickly and moved around the paddock at a pace that eventually saw gaps appear in the most airtight of defences.

Sounds like a straightforward science but it requires a work ethic and intensity that few opposing schools could live with over 70 minutes.

"The secret was we worked incredibly hard that year," said Smyth. "The excellent trainers and coaching was in place so it was largely up to the lads. It was a professionally run set-up and we trained every day like professionals."

Noel Murray, who had been assistant coach for several years, and Rob Taylor stepped into the breach with a team that lacked the traditional schools superstar. Granted, in Smyth, Philip Treacy and David Clavin they had talent out wide but they were still expected to crash against the rocks of inevitability at the quarter-final stage.

"Vinnie's death was never actually mentioned," explained Noel Murray. "Before the first match the team lined up and also there were black diamonds stitched into the sleeves of the jerseys. We didn't feel the need to say anything as it might have made them nervous. They knew anyway."

Smyth picked up the thread: "It was always in the back of peoples' minds, especially in bringing on his high standards in training. He was a really remarkable coach. Well beyond his years in terms of technical coaching. My father played Gaelic football in Westmeath with him and he said even back then his thinking in matches was well advanced."

A late revival from Wesley College in the first round focused the minds and they easily brushed CUS aside next - a game with a certain resonance for number eight Aidan Proctor and hooker Matthew Kelly as they arrived from the Leeson Street school two years previously.

Next came a cataclysmic encounter against Blackrock College. Their physically superior opponents struggled with the forward mobility and once in front Clongowes proved they are the best exponents in recent times of defending a lead in the face of a late offensive.

A novel pairing came in the semi-final against Kilkenny College, where another late comeback ensured Terenure College were favourites for the final. After missing the CUS and Blackrock games with a broken thumb, Smyth made a try scoring return in the two-point victory.

In the final, the defensive performance went up another notch in seeing off the late surge from Terenure. The spark arrived via a brilliant individual try by Treacy. At the death, Terenure outhalf David McAllister's penalty sailed the wrong side of the post and Clongowes' sixth title was secured. No matter what walk of life they move on to this achievement will remain untarnished.

Centre: John Smyth (captain)

The maturity Smyth displayed in paying tribute to Vinnie Murray on receiving the cup marked him out as a potential leader in the professional game. Never quite reached that level but is still a highly-rated centre/wing with Lansdowne in the AIL.

Also, played for Gordon RFC in Australia during a gap year immediately after school.

Played Leinster schools, and minor football for Westmeath, but was overage for Irish schools.

Full back: Philip Treacy

A Leinster schools representative. Despite an excellent cup campaign, especially his second-half try in the final, he only made the possibles on the Irish Schools trial - missing out on the tour of Australia.

Studied business at the University of Limerick where he played for UL Bohemians but is now on the Old Belvedere firsts playing AIL Division Two rugby.

Wing: Stephen McGee

The highly reliable team kicker and Irish schools trial probable, also missed the cut for Australia. McGee went on to play at Trinity, where he broke an ankle playing in the Colours match against UCD two seasons back. Studied business in DIT.

Centre: David Clavin

Had a canny ability to break the first line of defence. Post-school his rugby interest nose-dived due to a succession of injuries, in particular the shoulder. Played under-20s for UCD and lined out for his home club Tullamore RFC. Currently in Australia.

Wing: Paul Berkery

Played for the Lansdowne under-20s for two years, winning a league medal, but injury hindered further progress. Doing an accounting diploma at DCU.

Outhalf: Matthew Britton

Like many an Old Clongownian based in Dublin, his Jesuit roots drew him to Old Belvedere, where he played three years of under-20s, acting as captain for one season. Rugby has been put on the back burner as he pursues a career with KPMG.

Scrumhalf: Conor Matthews

Also joined Old Belvo where he played under-20s rugby. Now back studying business in the NCI.

Prop: Jason Moran

Went to UCD and is under a part-time contract with Leinster. Made his senior debut for the province in January 2004 in the 32-30 victory over Ulster at Donnybrook and has won five caps since.

At just 22 he is still in the infancy of his frontrow education so may yet make it at the highest level.

Hooker: Matthew Kelly

No longer playing but coached rugby at Mount Temple having played for Clontarf under-20s. Knee cartilage problems slowed things down after school and he is now out in Australia.

Prop: Derry McKeown

After stints with Old Belvedere and Wanderers, he is no longer playing. Studied transport logistics and works in the family business.

Lock: David Hickey

Hails from Kilcullen in Co Kildare. Another to duck out of the game after under-20s, with Wanderers, and now works in event management.

Lock: David Lynch

A knee operation stalled his progress after school but returned well in recent years, even captaining the Trinity seconds last season. Studied business at Dublin University and works for Deloitte and Touche.

Flanker: Robert O'Toole

Part of a hugely effective, if lightweight, backrow. He studied commerce at the University of Galway and represented Connacht at under-20. Still plays rugby with Buccaneers.

Flanker: Mark Rooney

Played with Old Belvedere under-20s and firsts before packing rugby in. Now works on the family farm in north Dublin.

Number eight: Aidan Proctor

Played with Clontarf after school but injury hindered his progress - a broken bone in his hand went undiagnosed for several years. Works in the family pub. First roundbeat Wesley College 21-14

Second round beat CUS 31-10

Quarter-final beat Blackrock College 18-11

Semi-finalbeat Kilkenny College 19-17

Finalbeat Terenure College 13-11