It was an emotional return to action for Westport United to action following a tough couple of weeks for the team as they took on Carbury FC in the refixed Connaught Cup tie.

The game was played in the most horrendous of conditions with an ice-piercing gale and driving rain that would have tested the resilience of an experienced yachtsman, never mind footballers.

Carbury FC quickly sprung from the traps and only a fine save from Gary Cunningham early on kept United in the game. The visitors should have scored when a back post header flew just wide.

The main talking point of the first half was on 27 minutes when the referee, Jimmy Cawley paused the game for a minute's applause in memory of the late Adam Mulchrone. It was such a moving moment to see everybody in United Park taking part in unison and it was a fitting tribute to the late footballer, so sadly taken away from us.

When the match resumed, Carbury forced another save off Gary Cunningham and David Hoban had a half chance with a header before the visitors broke through the Westport rearguard to finish nicely to go 1-0 up moments before half time.

Carbury continued where they left off in the second half and hit the side netting. Gary Cunningham had to make another superb save to keep United in the tie while Philip Keegan was denied by a save and a block, David Hoban had a chance screaming wide and a free kick from James O'Donnell was intercepted by the winter tempest and the ball nearly ended up in orbit as a result. United cleared off the line but Carbury added a second when Gary Cunningham saved well from the initial shot but the ball fell to the incoming striker to put away.

Carbury were comfortable 2-0 winners but on their Twitter account, they posted "Great result but football is insignificant compared to what Westport & the Mulchrone family have faced in the past few weeks. Best of luck for the new season & the Fai (sic) Junior cup." The tweet was accompanied by a photograph of a poignant and heart rendering pennant from Carbury FC. Carbury now travel to Galway to face West United on the 10th March. For Westport, it's the awaited Trip to Tipp to take on Peake Villa in Thurles on Sunday.