Hugh McFadden powers Killybegs into SFC preliminary round quarter-finals

Killybegs wrapped up the group stages on two wins after a fully deserved victory in Father Tierney Park on Saturday evening.

Their attacking power and physical dominance was deployed to maximum effect against an Aodh Ruadh side who grafted hard, but who were only able to produce patches of good football and that wasn't going to be enough to get a result here.

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The first half was real roller coaster stuff with the elements making conditions very difficult for both sides.

It was first blood to Killybegs with Hugh McFadden giving notice of what was in store, thumping over four minutes in. A minute later it was all too easy for the Reds as McFadden broke through to put Christopher Mulligan in on goal and he coolly rolled home.

Aodh Ruadh finally got off the mark eight minutes in thanks to a Diarmaid McInerney free. Killybegs continued to dominate though, Christopher Mulligan belting over well against the breeze.

Somewhat against the run of play Aodh Ruadh got back into it, a dropping ball from Shane McGrath being palmed neatly to the net by Matt Gillespie.

Killybegs nudged back in front courtesy of a Hugh McFadden free, Christopher Mulligan following that up with an unopposed point with 14 minutes played.

Aodh Ruadh rallied to rattle off two quickfire scores. First Shane Delahunty divided the uprights with a well taken effort, then David Dolan followed that up with a rasping shot just over the bar

That was matched by a colossal two pointer from Killybegs keeper Josh Colyer, although it was a followed by the exit of Edward McHugh on a black card.

Aodh Ruadh looked like they might make hay against the 14 men, Diarmaid McInerney hitting a free and Nathan Boyle powering over an outrageous two pointer from well over 50 metres to level it at 1-6 each.

Killybegs made light of that though, Gavin Doherty finding the net to get the big Killybegs support rocking.

Aodh Ruadh came back with a great response though, Jack Gallagher working the opening well before lacing a goal of the month contender to the top left corner.

That was the last action of the first half, and it was advantage Killybegs heading into a wind assisted second half.

They took early advantage with Hugh McFadden, Odhran McGuinness and Jack McSharry all on the mark with early points, however Aodh Ruadh showed they were up for the fight, Nathan Boyle with a laser-guided pass to Shane McGrath who slammed a shot to the net from well out.

The visitors took that in their stride though, Gavin Doherty lofting a long ball into the square where Hugh McFadden fielded and leathered to the roof of the net four minutes in.

Two minutes Killybegs dealt out another body blow, Jack McSharry skipping through to find Hugh McFadden who coasted past his marker and thumped to the back of the net.

When Evan Broderick sent over a fine point in the 40th minute to make it 4-10 to 3-6, the visitors had this one by the scruff of the neck.

Diarmaid McInerney landed his third free just before being subbed off, Nathan Boyle sending over trademark pearler moments later.

The sides then swapped points in the 48th minute, Evan Broderick and Jack Gallagher both on the mark. Gallagher then exchanged scores with Jack McSharry as time started to run out on the Ernesiders.

Aodh Ruadh had to chase goals now, and with two minutes left Jack Gallagher carved out a great chance, dropping his shoulder and unleashing a stinging shot, but he had to settle for a point as the crossbar was left rattling.

Killybegs capitalised on that let off as Hugh McFadden slotted a free and Jack McSharry pointed in injury time to settle it.

The last scoring say went the way of Jack Gallagher who capped a good personal showing with a fine point, but James Connors long whistle sounded on a fully deserved win for the visitors 4-14 to 3-12 the final score.

Killybegs ruled the roost up the middle of the pitch. Evan Broderick called the shots in the middle third, with Jack McSharry's range of passing regularly tearing holes in the Ballyshannon cover. Chris Mulligan did big damage before being subbed off, but man of the match Hugh McFadden was in unmarkable form and he really went to town in the wide open spaces of Father Tierney Park.

For Aodh Ruadh Shane Delahunty and Kyle Murray both soldiered well in the defence. Further up the pitch Eamonn McGrath worked hard, while Jack Gallagher and Nathan Boyle were the most effective operators in the final third.

Aodh Ruadh scorers: Jack Gallagher 1-4); Shane McGrath and Matt Gillespie 1-0 each; Diarmaid McInerney 0-3,3f; Nathan Boyle 0-3, 1tp; Shane Delahunty and David Dolan 0-1 each.

Killybegs scorers: Hugh McFadden 2-4, 2f; Christopher Mulligan 1-2; Gavin Doherty 1-0; Jack McSharry 0-3; Josh Colyer 0-2, 1 tpf; Evan Broderick 0-2; Odhran McGuinness 0-1.

Aodh Ruadh: Peter Boyle; Kyle Murray, Conor Patton, Ryan Keenaghan; Eddie Lynch, Johnny Gethins, Shane Delahunty; Eamonn McGrath, Matt Gillespie; Darragh Flood Dolan, David Dolan, Niall Murray; Jack Gallagher, Shane McGrath, Diarmaid McInerney.

Subs: Mark McGlynn for Johnny Gethins (15),  Nathan Boyle for Niall Murray (24), Colm McGloin for Conor Patton (40), Damian Weber for Diarmaid McInerney (44), Cian Dolan for David Dolan (54).

Killybegs: Josh Colyer; Ben Conneely, Cillian Gildea, Niall Carberry; Charlie Breslin, Eoghan B Gallagher, Edward McHugh; Evan Broderick, Seamus Og Byrne; Rory Colyer, Jack McSharry, Odhran McGuinness; Gavin Doherty, Hugh McFadden, Christopher Mulligan.

Subs: Joe McGroary for Ben Conneely (HT), Eoin Mulligan for Gavin Doherty (40), Mark Finnerty for Christopher Mulligan 

Referee: James Connor (St Eunan's)