Goals win games — and the three that Beaufort notched proved decisive in this entertaining Barrett Cup final played in Milltown on Sunday. They eventually ran out five-point winners on a final scoreline of 3-12 to 1-13, a result that just about reflected their second half dominance. 

Beaufort’s first goal midway through the opening half was perhaps the most crucial, arriving as it did in the 15th minute as we had built up a 0-06 to 0-02 four point lead. 

The goal not only kept them in touch but injected renewed belief, narrowing the deficit and ensuring they trailed by just 0-11 to 1-02 at the interval.

Conor O’Sullivan was our stand out player in that first half, bagging 7 points, two 2 pointer frees plus 3 points from play - brothers, Sam (2) & Jamie McCarthy and Ben O’Brien were our other scorers, all from play.

We defended well, often getting plenty of players on their attackers with strong play in particular from Jordan Foley and Brayden Pierce - veteran Rory Molloy showed all of his experience as he often cut out dangerous attacks.

We struggled for parity in midfield and an injury to Fenton Collins was a big blow - however, we were alert to the breaks often gaining possession around the middle.

The second half had entered the 10th minute and we were still in the ascendancy having conceded just one point, but two goals in four minutes had us on the back foot and with Beaufort now enjoying more possession they had raced into a five point lead with just 5 minutes remaining. 

We fought our way back and Conor O’Sullivan goaled from a penalty following a foul on Daniel Nix, but try as we might, we could not bridge the gap and Beaufort ran out deserving winners.

Great credit is due to the lads for their efforts, especially the younger players such as Seán O’Mahony and Brayden Pierce, who showed tremendous determination as they poured forward throughout the second half, their energy and work rate helped keep Beaufort on the back foot.

Conor O’Sullivan was our main attacking threat as he constantly probed and looked for openings - he finished with an impressive tally of 1-08. 

Team: Seán Collins, Stephen Nix, Barry Foley, Jordan Foley, Seán O’Mahony, Rory Molloy, Brayden Pierce, Ben O’Brien, Fenton Collins, Sam McCarthy, Seán Griffin, Gearóid Hartnett, Jamie McCarthy, Daniel Nix, Conor O’Sullivan.

Subs: Aaron Horgan, Sam Pituch, Gearóid Meehan, Keelan Crowe.