Red Hughs pull off big away win over Downings in U-21 C semis

Red Hughs are looking forward to an Under-21 C championship final following Saturday’s semi-final away win over Downings, in Pairc Na Dunaibh. 

Cathair Browne and Daithi Scanlon scored the goals in a cracking and highly entertaining contest that went to extra-time against a highly fancied Downings side.

Corner-forward Browne capped a good performance with seven points while Liam Carlin, Conor Gallagher, Bryan Irwin, Oisin Muldoon, Adam Doherty and Alex Doherty kicked the points for the men from the Cross. 

Paddy McElwee was in top form and ended the game with a personal score of 2-14, including five two point scores and the last gasp spot kick that tied the game at 1-17 to 2-14 to force the game to extra-time. 

Callum Cullen and Daithi McGroddy were the other Downings point scorers, as Red Hughs led 0-9 to 1-4 at half-time.

Downings pulled away at the start of the added time, but Daithi Scanlon’s flicked goal three minutes from the end was the deciding score for a famous win for Red Hughs. 

They now face Kilcar in the final next weekend.

Red Hughs scorers: Cathair Browne 1-7, Liam Carlin 0-7, 2tp, Daithi Scanlon 1-0, Conor Gallagher, Riley Stewart 0-2 each, Bryan Irwin, Oisin Muldoon, Adam Doherty, Alex Doherty 0-1 each.

Downings; Paddy McElwee 2-14,5tp, Callum Cullen 0-3, Daithi McGoddy 0-1.

Downings; Kyran Gallagher; Gavin McBride, Domhnall Sweeney; Stephen Shevlin, Ronan Pasoma, James Travers; Paidin Shields, Callum Cullen; Shay Harkin, Dylan McLoone, Oisin Sweeney; Daithi McGroddy, Paddy McElwee, Owen Bamforth. 

Sub: Conor Gallagher for Alex Gerwatowski.

Red Hughs; Thomas McMenamin; Caolan Burns, Cathal McMenamin, Ronan McLaughlin; Killian Rushe, James Doherty, Adam  Doherty; Conor Gallagher, Liam Carlin; Shea McMenamin, Jamie Gallen, Ryley Stewart; Oisin  Muldoon, Bryan Irwin, Cathair Browne.

Subs: Alex Doherty for S McMenamin; Daithi Scanlon for J Gallen; L Doherty for O Muldoon.

Referee: Daniel Carlin (Naomh Padraig, Lifford)