By Michael McMullan

THE knock-stages of the MacRory Cup will be finalised when St Mary’s Magherafelt meet on Friday in Emyvale (1.30pm).

If they Derry school avoid defeat, they will finish second in their group ahead of St Joseph’s Donaghmore who they beat earlier in the competition.

Reigning Hogan Cup champions St Patrick’s Maghera and beaten MacRory finalists Abbey VS of Donegal are two of the schools to top their group.

Tyrone schools Omagh and St Patrick’s Dungannon are the others.

The knock-out stages are due to be played next week with the quarter-finals taking place after Christmas.

Play-offs (w/c 8 December)
1 Abbey Donegal v Cathair Dhoire
2 Omagh CBS v Patrician Carrickmacross
3 St Patrick’s Dungannon v South West Donegal
4 St Patrick’s Maghera v St Paul’s Bessbrook
5 Our Lady’s Castleblayney v St Joseph’s Donaghmore/St Mary’s Magherafelt
6 Abbey Newry v St Patrick’s Cavan
7 St Joseph’s Donaghmore/St Mary’s Magherafelt v St Michael’s Enniskillen
8 St Colman’s Newry v St Patrick’s Armagh

Quarter-finals (6-10 January)
A 1 v 7
B 2 v 8
C 3 v 5
D 4 v 6

Semi-finals (21-24 January)
B v D
A v C

Final – Sunday, February 8