Beara boost: U21 footballers reaching county final lifts the division

It was far from pretty but Beara’s semi-final win over Valley Rovers has qualified the region for the U21 AFC county decider.

A heavy pitch, fading light, and quality opponent couldn’t stop Beara from reaching this year’s U2 final. The opposite side of the draw needs to be teased out, but Beara won’t care even though they don’t yet know who they will be facing as Bishopstown await the winners of Aghada and Ballinora’s quarter-final.

Tom O’Connor’s goal was the crucial score in a three-point semi-final victory over Valleys after extra-time in Enniskeane. Without a senior divisional representative team, reaching an U21A county final is a huge boost for Beara football.

“It is absolutely fantastic,” Beara coach David Harrington said.

“Beara football, the last couple of years, with the senior team not being around, this win is a huge, huge lift for Beara football.

“We have some good club players coming through. 

Leading 1-4 to 0-2 at the interval, Beara and Valleys struggled to get going in a semi-final. O’Connor’s goal would prove crucial. The latter could only manage one score in a disappointing second half in which Valleys added six points to take the semi-final to extra time.

There, Beara fell a point behind before kicking for home in the second additional period and running out 1-9 to 0-9 winners.

“First half, we did well, moved the ball and took our scores,” Harrington added. “Second half, we were a bit disappointed in ourselves (only scoring one point). We didn’t play to our full potential. In fairness to Valleys, they really kicked on in the second half.

“We had them defended well, but they kicked some outstanding scores. They were kicking points from 45 metres out. Credit to them, they are a very strong team. They could have nicked it right at the end but for an outstanding Killian Murphy save.

“We really dug deep in the second half of extra-time and finished strongly, kicking three points which shows great character.”

HEART

Beara captain Fintan Fenner played his part in their semi-final win. Kicking three points, the midfielder also provided the assist for O’Connor’s first-half goal.

“It is a great feeling because we are back to where we want to be,” Fenner said.

Reaching an U21 final was our goal when we first got together as a group. They are a fantastic bunch of lads and management. That was one hard game though.

“We didn’t score from play until late in the second half of extra-time after kicking one free in the second half of normal time. We know ourselves that this wasn’t our best performance.

“We weren’t happy with most aspects of our game. This group showed our heart and have done the last few years. I am proud of every one of thems.

“Beara football has taken a bit of a hammering the last few years with our senior team not being able to field. It is tough for us as a young group because everyone wants to play for Beara. Look back at the county teams that won county titles in the past.

“I believe playing senior is going to benefit everyone in Beara so hopefully, we can push towards that.”