Solicitors Edge Thrilling Encounter Against the Bar of Northern Ireland
The Belfast Solicitors Association (BSA) football team secured a hard-fought victory over the Bar of Northern Ireland in the latest instalment of the now twice-yearly fixture between the two sides.
The match took place on Friday afternoon, 6 March, at Rosario’s impressive Ulidia Sports Facility, played under clear early-spring skies in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
The Solicitors began the brighter of the two teams, displaying confident and composed football following their victory in the previous meeting six months earlier. Despite their strong start, they were fortunate not to fall behind early on, with goalkeeper Chris Renwick producing two outstanding one-on-one saves in the opening 15 minutes to keep the scores level.
Against the run of play, the Bar opened the scoring in the 18th minute when a scuffed shot from outside the box fell kindly to Eamonn Donnelly BL, who calmly finished from 12 yards.
The game was soon turned on its head by a remarkable spell from the Solicitors, who scored three times in 12 minutes.
The equaliser arrived in the 25th minute courtesy of a superb individual effort from Michael Allison. Collecting a pass from Andy Morrow in his own half, Allison surged forward, beating three defenders before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.
Just three minutes later the Solicitors took the lead. A precise cross from the right by Matt McCusker (Madden & Finucane), who delivered an outstanding performance throughout the match, was headed across goal and into the net by Kevin Hegarty of Tughans, who marked his 40th birthday in style.
Hegarty struck again before half-time to extend the lead to 3–1, curling a right-footed effort into the top corner following another assist from Andy Morrow of MTB.
The Solicitors created several opportunities to extend their advantage early in the second half, but the Bar reduced the deficit when Thomas Thibodeau BL converted a penalty following a hotly contested decision involving Conor Moylan.
The game remained fiercely competitive, with the Bar striking the post and missing another opportunity when it appeared easier to score. However, with seven minutes remaining, the Solicitors restored their two-goal cushion. Conor Cunningham won possession in midfield and found Andy Morrow, who delivered his third assist of the afternoon by sliding the ball through to Allison. Allison beat a defender before delicately lifting the ball over Turlough Madden in the Bar goal to make it 4–2.
The Bar continued to push forward and almost found another goal when Conor Leonard looked certain to score from close range, only for Chris McCann to produce a crucial last-ditch tackle.
A late headed goal from Sean Devine BL, scored from a corner deep into injury time, proved to be only a consolation as the Solicitors held on for a deserved 4–3 victory.
Defensively, Reece Lyttle, Cormac Rice and John McCloskey delivered commanding performances at the back, while Sean O’Neill (Civil Service) and Karl O’Hagan (JMK) worked tirelessly along the flanks. Up front, Allison and Hegarty posed a constant threat, with Conor Cunningham named Man of the Match for his relentless energy, composure on the ball and leadership in midfield.
In addition to the competitive action on the pitch, funds were raised in support of WAVE Trauma Centre, the Belfast Solicitors Association’s charity partner for the year.
The Belfast Solicitors Association also wishes to extend its sincere thanks to Achuman, whose generous sponsorship supported the event and helped make the fixture possible including by the participation of Mr Andrew Currie on the solicitor team!
The next instalment of this fixture has already been scheduled for 11 September, when both sides will meet again in what promises to be another competitive and entertaining match, with further fundraising planned. If you would like to participate in future footballing success please contact the BSA Committee.
BSA Team
Chris Renwick (Herbert Smith Freehills)
Matthew McCusker (Madden & Finucane)
Conor Moylan (Madden & Finucane)
Chris McCann (Sara Edge Solicitors)
John McCloskey (DWF)
Reece Lyttle (KRW)
Sean O’Neill (Civil Service)
Cormac Rice (MTB)
Andy Morrow (MTB)
Michael Allison (MTB)
Karl O’Hagan (JMK)
Conor Cunningham (Padraig O’Muirigh Solicitors)
Kevin Hegarty (Tughans)
Andrew Currie (Achuman)
Ruaidhri Currie (Finucane Toner)