BASKETBALL/All-Ireland Schools' Cup finals: The All-Ireland Schools' Cup finals got under way yesterday with eight teams vying for silverware and glory in front of a bustling National Basketball Arena yesterday.

Travelling support greeted their sides with Mexican waves and cheers as four games of thrilling basketball resulted in cheers for many and tears for others.

Abbey Vocational from Donegal lined up on court in the first encounter yesterday morning as they faced St Conleth's from Ballsbridge in the Boys' Under-16 C final.

It was the perfect curtain raiser with St Conleth's dominating for sustained periods but a dramatic twist saw Abbey take the lead in the penultimate quarter.

St Conleth's flew out of the traps in the final period and were soon level with scores from Cian McCormick and Mark McCoy.

Jordan Carty rounded off a splendid performance for the Donegal side with two points to confirm Abbey as the champions, 36-30.

In the second final of the day St Nathy's of Ballaghaderreen, claimed the Under-16 C Girls' title after a dramatic comeback against St Mary's, Charleville.

Susie Enow was instrumental in the St Nathy's revival, netting 12 points to dash the dreams of the St Mary's fateful, winning out 27-24.

However, St Mary's spirits were soon lifted when they captured the Under-19 C title against Carrick-on-Shannon Community School.

St Mary's were in the driving seat for the majority of the game and Fionnula Dore was in sparkling form, netting 15 points and picking up the Most Valuable Player award in their 37-34 triumph.

Finally the Under-19 C Men's title now belongs to Sligo Grammar School after a wizard performance from Spanish native Thomas Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, who joined the Connacht school at the beginning of this term, netted an impressive 21 points to cap a dramatic comeback in the final quarter to wrestle the cup from the grasp of Coláiste Cholm of Tullamore.