Yet when fortune decreed that Dermot Thornton was to be the name on everyone's lips as they left Healy Park, Omagh yesterday the player himself had thoughts only for someone who had been dealt a cruel blow.

"To be honest, while I was delighted to get the last-minute call into the side, I felt desperately for Sean McKillion who had to miss this MacRory Cup Final. They don't come round too often and when they do you want to be involved," said the quiet-spoken St Patrick's Academy hero.

His stunning second-half solo show when he potted six frees to complement another score from play has already earned him a place in the annals of Ulster Colleges football history.

But the mantle of triumph rests easily on his shoulders, tempered as it is by his acknowledgement of the huge input of his colleagues.

"I thought every one of the boys was fantastic, particularly in the second-half when we staged that comeback. For me to have got the scores was obviously a big personal bonus but for the Academy to have won the cup is a massive triumph. We're absolutely thrilled and now we want to go on and build on this in the All Ireland Colleges' semi-final," added Dermot as he was engulfed by well wishers.

His sentiments were echoed by Ciaran Gourley, the joint coach of the Academy side and a member of Mickey Harte's Tyrone squad.

Ciaran, who assisted his club Rock in the All Ireland Junior Club final at Croke Park recently, observed: "I thought the way the boys kept their heads in the second-half and fought their way back into the game showed their character.

"St Michael's were undoubtedly the better side in the first half but a lot our players have won things at lower levels during their time at the school and their desire and character certainly surfaced in that second half. Obviously I am very proud of them for what they have achieved thus far. We'll enjoy this and then look to the future"