Managed by former Mayo footballer, Maurice Sheridan, NUIG led at the interval by 1-6 to 1-3. Matthew Fitzpatrick netted an early goal for St Mary's, but NUIG responded impressively as half-time approached. An Owen Gallagher goal ensured NUIG went in protecting a three-point advantage at the turnaround. Three St Mary's points in a row in the ten minutes after the restart restored parity, and with the game delicately poised entering the final quarter, the Belfast college finished strongly.