Expectation was always going to be high, built on the back of a league campaign that promised so much. There was a sense that this group could carry that momentum deep into the championship, but as the weeks unfolded, the reality became clearer. The absence of key men like Tom Hoare, Conor Hayes, Conor O’Sullivan and Jack Savage left holes that couldn’t be fully filled, while the march of time caught up with others who had carried us for so long.
The opening round win over GG looked like the perfect start, but even then the warning signs were there — a ten-point cushion cut to just four before we steadied ourselves to see it out with two points to spare. Winning was the ultimate goal that day, and that was achieved, but the cracks were visible.
Then came last week’s debacle at home to Gneeveguilla. Taking nothing away from the victors, it was the defeat no one saw coming. The margin of it was a devastating blow, not only to our chances of progressing but also to the morale of a group already stretched thin.
Today’s game was a shot at redemption. A slow start, with the aid of a stiffish breeze, left us five points to nil down after just eight minutes and the portents were not good. But this group wasn’t about to fold. Gearóid Dillane, Tomás Kennedy, Barry John and Darragh O’Connor had other ideas. By half time, not only had we wiped out the deficit but we were two points to the good, thanks to fine two pointers from Tomás (2), Darragh (2) and Gearóid. Darragh added another brace before the break to leave us 0-12 to 0-10 in front at half time.
The fightback from Beaufort was never going to be long in coming, and so it proved. Yet, with Donagh, Jake and Gearóid to the fore in defence, we kept our noses in front, 0-15 to 1-11, with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Unfortunately, that was to be our final score. Beaufort, with their superior fitness and slicker passing, took control down the stretch and eased clear.
It was 2-14 to 0-15 in the 55th minute but 3 additional minutes on top of the 60 saw Beaufort pilfer another 1-04 to finish deserving winners on a final score line of 3-18 to 0-15.
The scoreline probably does not reflect the effort and sheer manliness we displayed in the game. For long stretches, we stood toe to toe with Beaufort, trading blows and refusing to wilt. In the end, their fresher legs and slicker play saw them home, but the spirit we showed was undeniable.
The management and team are to be commended for their sacrifice and commitment in what has been a long year. Though disappointment will linger, they can take pride in their efforts across both league and championship. This was a campaign that may not have delivered the glory many hoped for, but it was fought with heart and resolve.
Then came last week’s debacle at home to Gneeveguilla. Taking nothing away from the victors, it was the defeat no one saw coming. The margin of it was a devastating blow, not only to our chances of progressing but also to the morale of a group already stretched thin.
Today’s game was a shot at redemption. A slow start, with the aid of a stiffish breeze, left us five points to nil down after just eight minutes and the portents were not good. But this group wasn’t about to fold. Gearóid Dillane, Tomás Kennedy, Barry John and Darragh O’Connor had other ideas. By half time, not only had we wiped out the deficit but we were two points to the good, thanks to fine two pointers from Tomás (2), Darragh (2) and Gearóid. Darragh added another brace before the break to leave us 0-12 to 0-10 in front at half time.
The fightback from Beaufort was never going to be long in coming, and so it proved. Yet, with Donagh, Jake and Gearóid to the fore in defence, we kept our noses in front, 0-15 to 1-11, with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Unfortunately, that was to be our final score. Beaufort, with their superior fitness and slicker passing, took control down the stretch and eased clear.
It was 2-14 to 0-15 in the 55th minute but 3 additional minutes on top of the 60 saw Beaufort pilfer another 1-04 to finish deserving winners on a final score line of 3-18 to 0-15.
The scoreline probably does not reflect the effort and sheer manliness we displayed in the game. For long stretches, we stood toe to toe with Beaufort, trading blows and refusing to wilt. In the end, their fresher legs and slicker play saw them home, but the spirit we showed was undeniable.
The management and team are to be commended for their sacrifice and commitment in what has been a long year. Though disappointment will linger, they can take pride in their efforts across both league and championship. This was a campaign that may not have delivered the glory many hoped for, but it was fought with heart and resolve.
