“The best feeling in the world” was how Enniskillen Gaels captain Eoin Beacom described winning the Ulster Minor Football Tournament at St. Paul’s on New Year’s Day.
Beacom was awarded man of the match as the Gaels battled their way to a 1-06 to 0-06 victory over Derry champions Ballinascreen and after the game he was understandably delighted to have clinched the title.
“This is the best feeling in the world, there is no feeling better than this,” said an elated Beacom. “It’s unbelievable, it’s like turning a dream into reality.”
This was the Gaels third tilt in a row at trying to win the tournament and the captain feels that this year they have shown the quality that they possess.
“We came here last year and we were outclassed by Burren who went on to win it but we have worked hard to prepare for this competition and we showed what we are capable of. We were in a tough side of the draw, St. Eunan’s were tough opposition in the semi-final and today we played another good side so to have been able to see it through and come out on top is really pleasing,” he added.
On a difficult surface in tricky conditions it was always going to be a day for rolling up the sleeves, working hard and digging in whenever it was required and Enniskillen showed that they have that side to their game.
“Ballinascreen were in our face from the word go, they kept coming at us and they are a good side but we went to war and we showed good character to come out on top. There is a real togetherness about the squad and we had belief in ourselves that we could win this and thankfully we were able to go on and finish the job,” he stated.
There was a large Fermanagh crowd at the Shaw’s Road venue for the game and Beacom was full of praise for the travelling support.
“The support up here was unreal. I’ve played for Fermanagh minors in big games but I haven’t ever felt an atmosphere like that,” he said.
With some talented young players coming through, Beacom says the aim is now to make a mark at senior level.
“We’ve been in Division Two for a number of years but hopefully we can now start to push on at senior level,” he added.