Downings make the long journey to Naomh Brid a successful one

Downings secured their place in the Intermediate Championship quarter-final with a convincing win over Naomh Brid in Trummon on Saturday evening.

Downings 5-12
Naomh Brid 2-9

It was a good week for the Rosguill peninsula side as they had accounted for Red Hugh's on Wednesday night. The win sees them play neighbours, Gaeil Fhánada in the quarter-final.

They were sharp up front with Lorcan Connor and Paddy McElwee in particular in the mood, helping themselves to five goals with a few more close shaves.

For Naomh Brid, who were short eight regulars, there was nothing at stake as they were already in the relegation play-off, but it was a special night for veteran, Pauric McDaid, who has been the side's regular goalkeeper for the past few seasons. He returned to his full-forward role on Saturday night and hit two goals.

The first four points in the game were shared with Johnny McGroddy (45) and Keelan McGroddy finding the range for the visitors while Calum Gallagher (magnificent free) and Eoin Rush replied for the home side.

Paddy McElwee edged Downings ahead again before they hit two goals in two minutes. Firstly Lorcan Connor played a one-two with Cormac McGettigan to palm home and then he set up Paddy McElwaine for an easy finish and a 2-3 to 0-2 lead on 12 minutes.

Naomh Brid had the next two points from Eoin Rush (free) and a great finish from Ricky Walsh after bursting forward from defence.

The visitors added a third goal on 21 minutes with Lorcan Connor again involved, setting up Paddy McElwee to squeeze it home at the near post. It got worse three minutes later when a high ball from McElwee came back high off an upright and fell for Lorcan Connor to tap home a fourth goal.

Shane Walsh (f) and Calum Gallagher traded points with Cormac McGettigan and McElwee (mark) before Eoin Rush (free) closed the first half scoring. Half-time: Naomh Brid 0-7, Downings 4-5

Paddy McElwee had an early second half point for the visitors before Shane Walsh conjured up a goal chance for veteran Pauric McDaid to palm home for the home side.

Paul McGroddy pointed before Naomh Brid struck for a second goal. McDaid was involved in the move with Shane Walsh having a shot saved before Calum Gallagher won the rebound and was fouled for a penalty. McDaid stepped up to fire to the roof of the net and cut the deficit to six points - 4-7 to 2-7.

That was as close as Naomh Brid got as Johnny McGroddy (two frees) and Lorcan Connor (free) pushed them nine clear. Calum Gallagher (45) and Eoin Quinn had the final Naomh Brid points while Connor (free) and Eric Roberts hit Downings points before Connor finished goal number five on the hour. A minute later Connor and Johnny McGroddy somehow managed to miss a sixth goal, but it made little difference.

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Naomh  Brid scorers: Pauric McDaid 2-0, 1-0 pen; Calum Gallagher 0-3,1f,'45'; Eoin Rush 0-3,2f; Richard Walsh, Eoin Quinn, Shane Walsh (f) 0-1 each.

Downings scorers: Lorcan Connor 3-2,2f; Paddy McElwee 2-3,1m; Johnny McGroddy 0-3,2f,'45'; Keelan McGroddy, Cormac McGettigan, Eric Roberts, Paul McGroddy 0-1 each.

NAOMH BRID: Adam Birr; TJ Gallagher, Richard Walsh, Michael Gallagher; Eoin Quinn, Eoghan McGarrigle, Eoin Rush; Thomas Gallagher, Sean Gormley; Calum McGrory, Calum Gallagher, Darren Russell; Pauric McDaid, Shane Walsh, Liam Duffy. Subs: Craig Harron, Kevin Timoney and Billy Harron for M Gallagher, P McDaid and C McGrory (53); Jay Gallagher for E Quinn (56).

DOWNINGS: Aaron McClafferty; Ross Cullen, Max Davis, Conor Boyce; Keelan McGroddy, Kevin Doherty, Jamie Lee McBride; Shane Boyce, Oisin Boyce; Kyle McFadden, Johnny McGroddy, Cormac McGettigan; Paddy McElwee, Lorcan Connor, Eric Roberts. Subs: Danny McBride for S Boyce (20); Paul McGroddy for K Doherty (ht); Ben McNutt for McGettigan (35)

REFEREE: James Callaghan (Red Hugh's)