Odds stacked against Red Hughs in U-21 C final - Doherty

Red Hugh's manager Cathal Doherty believes the odds are stacked heavily against Red Hughs in Saturday’s U21 C final with Kilcar in Pearse Park, in Ardara.

The choice of Ardara as the venue is one concern voiced by the Red Hugh's boss as very unfair on the Killygodran-based side and favours a Kilcar side that hammered Red Hughs by 22 points in their second group game in the championship.

“We are not happy with Ardara as the choice of venue. It is an hour and a quarter drive for us on Saturday, while Kilcar have a nice, short half hour drive to Ardara. It is practically a home game for Kilcar,” insisted the Red Hughs boss.

“Pearse Park is very open and wind can be an issue, which again suits Kilcar because it is a similar situation in their pitch in Towney. It is another factor which favours Kilcar, a team that hammered us in windy conditions on their own pitch. 

“So it is pretty obvious the odds are stacked against us on Saturday. But we can do nothing about it now other than go out and play the game and give it our best shot.

“Despite all that, it is a county final and we don’t get to many of them, so we are all looking forward to the final and giving a good account of ourselves.”

Saturday’s final is only the second ever appearance in an U21 decider in the club’s history, their one and only other was in 2023 when they lost to St Michael's. 

Following their 5-16 to 1-6 heavy loss to Kilcar, in the group stages, Red Hughs have been unbeaten with wins over Naomh Muire, Lower Rosses - the last of their group games- Naomh Brid, in the quarter-final, and Downings in the semi-final.

They had also defeated Killybegs in their opening group game.

“It has been a great run. After the big defeat against Kilcar, we got back to winning ways against Naomh Muire to secure our place in the quarter-final. 

“We beat Naomh Brid in Trummon by a point in what was a great game and a brilliant performance from our lads against a very good team who are, in my opinion, the best team in the championship.

“Our lads were brilliant. We played all of the second half with just 14 players, but still held on to win. After the Kilcar defeat, it was a great confidence boost ahead of going to Downings the following weekend for the semi-final.” 

Daithi Scanlon flicked a late goal home in extra-time to come from behind to win by four points, 2-22 to 2-18 against Downings, in Mevagh.

Cathair Browne scored a goal and seven points while Liam Carlin posted seven points.

Conor Gallagher, Ryley Stewart, Bryan Irwin, Oisin Muldoon, Adam Doherty, and Alex Doherty were the other Red Hughs scorers against Downings.

“It was another great performance and result and right up there with the win over Naomh Brid.

“Hopefully we can take that form into the final. The lads are keen to do well and are very committed and are putting in a big effort and we have big numbers at training twice a week.”

“Liam Carlin, Cathair Browne and James Doherty are regulars on the senior team and except for the four minor leads in the team, all the rest are regulars with the reserve team.

“The four minors, Ryley Stewart, Killian Rushe, Caolan Burns and Adam Doherty have been brilliant and have been huge additions to the team.

“We accept that Kilcar are the favourites, but the boys are really up for the game, and I expect it will be a lot closer game than the group game. We have a fully fit squad with everybody rearing to go.”

Cathal Doherty is joined in the management team by Declan Carlin and Dell Wilson, the team coach.

Red Hughs; Thomas McMenamin, Caolan Burns, Cathal McMenamin, Ronan McLaughlin, Brian Irwin, Conor Galvin, Adam  Doherty, Alex Doherty, Liam Carlin, Ryan McConnell, Conor Gallagher, James Doherty, Luke Doherty, Ryley Stewart, Killian Rushe, Oisin Muldoon, Cathair Browne, Daithi Scanlon, Daniel Webb, Shay McMenamin, Daire Gallen, James Gallen.