Spearheaded by influential contributions from Ciaran McManus and Brian "Beano" McDonald in the centre of attack, UCD advanced to the final with a hard-earned victory over their gritty northern opponents at Walterstown, Co Meath, yesterday.

Although Offaly countyman McManus shot two of his six points in the opening three minutes, St Mary's got into the game and edged ahead by the end of the opening quarter. But they failed to make enough use of the wind advantage in the first half and actually played better after the change of ends.

The Dublin side took their scoring chances better and led by 1-5 to 0-6 at the break. The goal came after 27 minutes with McDonald netting from close range to complete a move involving McManus and John Hanly.

John Haran turned in a powerful display for the Belfast college at midfield, where Meath All-Ireland winner Nigel Crawford failed to sparkle. UCD overcame the absence of four regulars, notably Dublin county forward, Colin Moran.

Crawford's centre field partner, David Hannify, sent over a well-struck point immediately after the resumption and two points was as close as Mary's got after that.

UCD: G McGill; B O Hannaidh, M Breathnach, N Maguire; M Wright, D Murphy, D Breen; D Hannify (0-1), N Crawford; S Lucey, C McManus (0-6), J Hanly; J Fallon (0-2), B McDonald (1-2), J P Casey (0-1). Subs: O O Hannaidh for Wright, J Lynch for Murphy, A Lynch for Casey.

ST MARY'S: S Featherstone; J Heaney, J McKeever, D Harte; B McMahon, P Toner, C O'Hare (0-1); J Haran (0-1), C Meenagh; L O'Hare (0-1), S O'Neill (0-3), O Doherty; M Harte (0-4), K Coary (0-1), K Beagan. Subs: C McElroy for Doherty, P Harte for Toner.

Referee: S McCormack (Meath)