Eoin Beacom was deservedly awarded man of the match and the Enniskillen Gaels Club captain showed the large crowd at St Paul’s Belfast on New Year’s Day that a revival at senior level for Enniskillen Gaels is surely not far away.

After a tensely fought battle the young Gaels celebrated a great triumph not just for the Enniskillen club, but for Fermanagh football in general after many barren years.

This victory hasn’t come from the nowhere though. For many Enniskillen players this was their third Ulster minor championship campaign. They know how bitter defeat can taste and after the full time whistle captain Beacom gracefully picked up a number of downhearted Ballinascreen players as they fell to the ground distraught. 

Enniskillen Gaels had bridged a 30-year gap with the win and Eoin Beacom was almost lost for words afterwards.

“It’s just an unbelievable experience and the best feeling in the world. To come up here now three years in a row and finally win it is just an amazing feeling. We have always had the belief and thankfully this year it finally all clicked into gear for us.

“At the full time whistle I was just over joyed and was just speechless. I must admit I did feel sorry for the Ballinascreen players as I have been in their boots before, I know what its like to lose up here, but to lose a Final must be the hardest feeling in the world. There can only be one winner though and thankfully its us this year.

“No words can describe the feeling, I have grown up playing with all these players and to win an Ulster title it really is a special feeling. Game by game we have grew and as the tournament went along each game stood for to us. We pulled through them and showed a lot of character in the Ramor United and St Eunan’s games in the earlier rounds.

“It’s a very unique competition, the Ulster Club, because it’s so hectic. It does certainly help having that experience from previous years. I am now finished with minor football and I really am leaving it on an absolutely high.”

When Beacom speaks, he does so with such authority. A huge future awaits the big midfielder. For now he can bask in the glory of winning a precious Ulster Minor champion medal.