DE LA SALLE College grabbed senior league glory for the first time since 2001 in this pulsating encounter at Monasterboice.

Goals from Christopher Lawson and Patrick Reilly sealed the title for the Dundalk school, the culmination of a long and arduous league campaign that commenced in October.

The game started in a frenetic fashion, with no real pattern of play settling. It took ten minutes before the match had its opening goal opportunity, with Daniel Kerr and Leo Gallagher combining well on the right-hand side to set up a half-chance for Reilly, which was snuffed out by a resolute Kells defence.

DLS dominated the remaining exchanges, with Kevin O'Hanlon and Andrew Hurley carving out further openings,and Lawson safely shackling Sami Obembe, the Co Meath team's main creative influence.

The breakthrough came on 23 minutes.

Excellent work by Conor Culligan and Barry Carr released Reilly down the right where he was fouled by an onrushing defender.

Lawson's sweet left foot deftly despatched the 25-yard free kick to the top left-hand corner of the net.

The goal knocked the wind out of Kells and further chances were created by Kerr, O'Hanlon, Reilly and Carr.

It was in the 40th minute that Kells threatened the De La Salle goal for the first time, with Robert Sansom saving with his feet.

The second half opened with Kells resolutely attempting to draw level.

The equaliser came just three minutes in. Sloppy defending allowed Kells a freekick which was headed home.

The winner arrived on 75 minutes. Kerr was released on the right wing to send in a rapier-like 40 yard pass across field to the tireless Reilly.

He dragged his marker to the left of the goal before carefully placing his shot to the right of the defender and keeper for an exquisite finish.

The Dundalk team held on to record its 12th FAI Schools North East League title, and its fifth in the Senior competition.

Meanwhile, manager Declan McGrath was celebrating his 6th North East League title.

The college go forward to represent the region in the FAI Schools Leinster Champions League, which will commence in early March.