Nerveless Neary finds range as St Vincent’s stage comeback

Phillip Neary showed composure that wouldn’t be out of place in the Nivea for Men SuperLeague as his last-gasp basket helped St Vincent’s claim U19C All-Ireland Schools Cup glory yesterday.

His side were four points down to Tallaght Community College but levelled things with 20 seconds to go, before MVP Neary went to the line with six seconds on the clock and calmly converted to secure a famous 47-45 victory in front of a raucous National Basketball Arena crowd.

Our Lady’s Castleblayney claimed a thrilling U19B Girls’ title courtesy of a 53-52 overtime win over St Angela’s Ursuline Convent Waterford.

The Monaghan school finally edged the win despite the best efforts of 14-point Claire Leavey, who put in an excellent display for the losing side.

Niamh Brennan scored the first two points of overtime with 30 seconds on the clock to give Castleblayney a slight advantage, before Elaine McKernan’s free-throw proved decisive.

St Columbas Comprehensive School Glenties defeated Colaiste Pobail Setanta in the final of the U16B tournament, greatly aided by MVP Ethan O’Donnell.

Glenties pulled off a remarkable comeback, running out eventual 25-23 winners, at the end of a game in which they had trailed from the outset.

Clonaslee Vocational School secured the U19C girls’ title after a well deserved 58-27 victory over Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine Kenmare.

The Laois school were dominant throughout and had MVP Niamh O’Donovan to thank for 34 of their points in a magnificent display.