They say when one door closes another one opens and that’s how it has been for Cathal Beacom.

Released by Ballinamallard United last summer he had decided to go back to playing Fermanagh and Western football with Enniskillen Santos but when Fermanagh manager Pete McGrath came calling he found the invitation to join the squad to hard to turn down.

And the Coa O’Dwyers man has obviously caught the eye of the management, coming on to good effect in the McKenna Cup game against Tyrone and then marking his league debut against Down last Saturday night with a fine point after coming on in the second half.

“When the call came I thought hard about it, would I give it a go or would I not give it a go. We had a child not long ago and it is a big commitment to be involved in the county squad so I had to take that all into consideration as well. But at the end of the day you are able to work round all that and I suppose you don’t often get the opportunity to represent your county so I decided to go out and give it a go and see how things go. I have to say, I’m really enjoying it and I’m delighted that Pete gave me the opportunity to join up with the squad,” he said.

Beacom has been used to good preparation and training with Ballinamallard but he feels that it is another step up with Fermanagh.

“Training wise there is a big difference. It is really a professional standard, you go up and everything is laid out for you. There is no standing about from the minute you arrive at training everything is organised,” he commented.

Due to his previous soccer commitments, Beacom admits that he has not played as much gaelic down through the years as he would have liked but he feels that there are a couple of factors that are helping him improve all the time.

“Because of the soccer, I haven’t played consistently for years. I was training the odd time and playing games here and there but I was never consistently at it. It is a massive step up from playing Division Two club football with Coa but training two or three times a week is helping to bring my game on and the fact that I’m playing and training with top players all the time is also a big help.”

On the soccer pitch, Beacom was known for his ability to create and score goals and he is trying to bring a similar style to his play for Fermanagh as he looks to make his mark.

“I have just been saying to myself that when I get a chance just get on the ball and try and make something happen. Make the right choice when you have the ball and just be confident in everything you do,” he said.

Ballinamallard have started to climb the Danske Bank Premiership table in recent weeks and Beacom says he still retains a keen interest in their progress.

“I had two spells at Ballinamallard and I really loved the club. You always look out on a Saturday for how they are doing and in particular you want to see the local lads like James (McKenna) and Shane (McCabe) do well.”

For now though, Cathal’s focus is solely on Fermanagh and he is eager to keep working hard and improving.

“I’m new in the door and for me it is about continuing to work hard at training and trying to do better at every session and then when I do get a chance, just do my best,” he stated.