The two sides met on Friday afternoon at Rosario YFC’s impressive Ulidia Sports Facility, playing under clear early-spring skies in front of an enthusiastic crowd, an insider told Irish Legal News.

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 of Herbert Smith Freehills 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 MTB’s 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 of Madden & Finucane Solicitors, 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, also of Madden & Finucane.

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 of Sara Edge Solicitors 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 of KRW, Cormac Rice of MTB and John McCloskey of DWF delivered commanding performances at the back, while Sean O’Neill of the Civil Service and Karl O’Hagan of JMK worked tirelessly along the flanks.

Up front, Allison and Hegarty posed a constant threat, with Conor Cunningham of Ó Muirigh Solicitors 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 BSA’s charity partner for the year.

The BSA extended sincere thanks to Achuman, whose generous sponsorship supported the event and helped make the fixture possible, including by the participation of 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,” the BSA said.

“If you would like to participate in future footballing success please contact the BSA committee.”