Downings 2-18 Red Hughs 2-22 AET
BY RYAN FERRY
RED Hughs produced a performance full of heart and determination to see off a Paddy McElwee-inspired Downings on Saturday and seal a spot in the Under 21 ‘C’ Final.
The men from the Cross were the better team in normal time but their discipline let them down and McElwee took advantage, scoring a remarkable 2-13 out of the 2-14 Downings amassed in the first hour.
The Mevagh men pushed ahead in extra-time but the Red Hughs boys were on a mission and Daithi Scanlon’s goal sparked wild celebrations from their dugout.
Downings had finished top of their group which meant they secured home advantage on Saturday, while Red Hughs had to play one game extra and got the better of Naomh Brid by one point in their quarter-final.
Downings won the toss and opted to go against the breeze.
Despite that, it was Anthony Boyle’s charges who opened the scoring through Paddy McElwee.
Cathair Browne and McElwee swapped frees before Liam Carlin curled over an exquisite two-pointer for Red Hughs.
Adam Doherty tagged on another score for the away side but Downings were patient when they had the ball and worked a neat point for Daithi McGroddy.
Conor Gallagher, who was part of the county minor squad in 2025, boomed over a two-pointer for Red Hughs and Ryley Stewart also scored.
However, they were living dangerously at the back and goalkeeper Thomas McMenamin made a good save from Dylan McGlone.
Liam Carlin pushed Red Hughs six ahead with a two-point free but they finished the half poorly.
McElwee notched a placed ball and Downings then won a penalty.
Paidin Shiels earned himself a free and the midfielder caught his opponents out with a quick tap and go.
He was then brought down as he was about to shoot..
A penalty was awarded and McElwee coolly dispatched it to the net.
Red Hughs felt they should have been further than 0-9 to 1-4 ahead at the break but they made a strong start to the second half.
They dominated possession and worked two good scores for Cathair Browne.
However that hard endeavour was undone in the space of three minutes as McElwee curled over a brace of two-pointers, the second of which was brought up fifty metres when a free was delayed.
Browne pushed Red Hughs ahead but McElwee continued to punish them with two-point frees as he put his side into a 1-14 to 0-12 lead.
It wasn’t looking good for Red Hughs against the elements but they rallied.
Oisin Muldoon and Alex Doherty got points before Cathair Browne’s shot landed into the top corner.
Browne followed up with a free and the away supporters were ecstatic when Liam Carlin produced a stunning two-pointer into the breeze.
That had them in control but a defensive mishap saw Cathal McMenamin haul down Ronan Pasoma and McElwee converted his second spot-kick to send the tie to extra-time.
Downings had the breeze for the first period of extra-time and Callum Cullen kicked a two-pointer.
Stewart and Cullen then swapped points to leave the home side 2-17 to 1-18 ahead at the changeover.
However, Red Hughs still had energy left in the legs and Browne scored twice while Liam Carlin also fired over.
McElwee levelled once more in the 77th minute but that was as good as it got for Downings.
The key score arrived seconds later when Daithi Scanlon flicked into the net after Carlin’s effort dropped short.
Bryan Irwin then produced the insurance score for a delighted Red Hughs team.
Teams
Downings: Kyran Gallagher; Gavin McBride, Alex Gerwatowski, Domhnall Sweeney; James Travers, Ronan Pasoma, Stephen Shevlin; Paidin Shiels, Callum Cullen (0-3, 1tp); Oisin Sweeney, Dylan McGlone, Shay Harkin; Daithi McGroddy (0-1), Paddy McElwee (2-14, 5tpfs, 2fs, 2pens), Owen Bamforth. Sub: Conor Gallagher for Gerwatowski (68 mins).
Red Hughs: Thomas McMenamin; Caolan Burns, Cathal McMenamin, Ronan McLaughlin; Killian Rushe Gallinagh, James Doherty, Adam Doherty (0-1); Conor Gallagher (0-2, 1tp), Liam Carlin (0-7, 2tps, 1tpf, 1f); Bryan Irwin (0-1), Oisin Muldoon (0-1), Ryley Stewart (0-2); Shea McMenamin, Jamie Gallen, Cathair Browne (1-7, 2fs). Subs: Alex Doherty (0-1) for S.McMenamin (47 mins), Daithi Scanlon (1-0) for J.Gallen (57 mins), Luke Doherty for Muldoon (71 mins).
Referee: Daniel Carlin (Naomh Padraig, Lifford).
Man of the Match: Cathair Browne (Red Hughs)
It may seem absurd to over-look Paddy McElwee given his place-kicking exploits but in open play, Browne probably had a greater influence and was outstanding for his team. Liam Carlin, James Doherty and Conor Gallagher all stood out.
Turning Point: It appeared that penalties might be needed to declare a winner between these teams until Daithi Scanlon flicked the ball to the net in the 78th minute.
The Whistler: Carlin drew the ire of the Red Hughs management team for bringing forward frees in the second half but it was poor discipline from the side in red and black which led to the calls that were made. In general, the Lifford clubman had a solid outing over eighty plus minutes.
Talking Point: This was a super game of football and it could have went either way. Red Hughs were a better balanced side but McElwee’s shooting and the local knowledge almost pulled it off for Downings. The Pairc Aodh Rua men were well beaten by Kilcar during the group stages but they have momentum now and will be hoping for an improved performance in the final against the side from Towney.
What’s Next: Red Hughs advance to the Under 21 ‘C’ Final where they will take on Kilcar.
