LORETO Community School, Milford did it the hard way on Wednesday, but they eventually saw off Abbey Vocational school by 0-12 to 0-9 to collect the senior schools ‘A’ title.

Adrian Doherty’s team were below-par in the first half, but they were much better after the break, and had fine displays from Aaron Reid, Rory O’Donnell, Johnny McGroddy, and Manus O’Connell.

Doherty – who was part of the victorious Donegal Masters team this season – was happy with his side’s triumph even if they didn’t make life easy themselves.

“We seem to do that a lot. I remember a couple of years ago we were six or seven points down against Abbey, and we came back.

“We were four down today and managed to win, but we didn’t really play much in the first half.

“We said to them at half-time that there was no real urgency, and we weren’t breaking the tackles.

“But in the second half we had players all over the field who really stepped it up.

“I have to give great credit to our defence. They only conceded one point in the second half and we turned over a serious amount of ball.”

Doherty is assisted by Joe McBride from Moville and they are putting in a big effort this year as they step up to MacLarnon Cup football.

There will be four Donegal teams in that competition this year and Loreto, Abbey, Carn CS, and St Columba’s Stranorlar are all in the same group, while St Eunan’s College are playing MacRory football this season.

Loreto have won Ulster titles in both the last two years at Under 16 ‘C’ grade, and they believe they are capable of stepping up at senior level.

Doherty has recruited outside help from Christopher Barrett (Milford) and Andy Connor (Downings) and they are investing a lot of time and effort into training the team.

“Yeah it’s the first time ever that the school will be in the MacLarnon,” said the Urris clubman.

“We’re looking forward to it and we have been training hard.

“We actually play the Abbey again in two weeks’ time in the MacLarnon.

“While we’re delighted to win this cup, our focus is on the MacLarnon this year.

“We have stepped up a level, but I have no doubt that these boys can play there.

“They are putting in the work and we are looking forward to it.”