Derry player with Donegal roots strikes late to send Maghera into MacRory semi-final

In a gripping MacRory Cup quarter-final at Owenbeg, St Patrick’s, Maghera narrowly defeated St Mary’s, Magherafelt with a 1-6 to 0-8 scoreline, thanks to a late goal from Derry player, with Donegal roots, Turlough McHugh.  

McHugh, who resides in Drumsurn and plays his club football there, has strong Donegal connections. His father, Joe McHugh, hails from Forquar, Milford, and his grandparents are Mary McHugh and the late John McHugh. John was a founding member of the Donegal Sports Star Awards and a former Chairman of the Donegal Junior Football League.  

McHugh was a county minor with Derry in 2024 when they won the All-Ireland minor title last July.

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The match was a defensive battle, with both teams exhibiting patience and strategic play. Maghera initially took the lead, but Magherafelt responded, and the teams were level multiple times during the game.  

In the second half, Magherafelt gained a four-point advantage, leading 0-8 to 0-4, with contributions from Eamon Young and Luke Grant. 

However, Maghera's persistence paid off when substitute Dillon Walsh scored a crucial point, narrowing the gap.  

In the dying moments, McHugh seized an opportunity, netting a decisive goal that brought the teams level. Shortly after, Cormac Óg McCloskey converted a stoppage-time free, securing victory for Maghera who are managed by William McAteer, a native of Fanad and a former player of Gaeil Fhánada. 

This win propels St Patrick’s, Maghera into the semi-finals, where they will face St Patrick’s, Armagh.