Red Hughs manager Martin: Stephen McMenamin stood up when it mattered

Red Hughs manager Francie Martin hailed the influence of Stephen McMenamin as his side got the victory required against St Mary’s Convoy to progress to the quarter-finals of the Donegal IFC.

The Killygordon team were winners on a scoreline of 0-12 to 0-9 in a tense battle in a derby between two sides desperately wanting points .

“Stephen McMenamin stood up when it mattered, and he was the best player on the field by far and he showed his county experience and organisation and is a great asset in an Intermediate championship,” Martin said.

“Jack Gillespie is a fine prospect and can kick frees with both feet. He has been scoring well throughout the League. A lot of our lads are young, but they are learning fast”. 

Red Hughs come through 11 minutes injury time to beat St Mary's Convoy in IFC

A second win from four means that Red Hughs progress in the Donegal IFC at the expense of their neighbours St Mary's Convoy

There were several disruptions with quite a number of Red Hughs players going down as they understandably ran down the clock and darkness was falling. Add in the fact that there were 11 minutes of extra time played which added to the tension. The unfortunate injury to Red Hughs player Tim Callaghan took up five minutes. 

But referee Connie Doherty found six more and we can only surmise that it was because of all the different hold ups. Tensions were running high on both sides but Red Hughs can plan now for a meeting with Termon in two weeks’ time.

“This was always going to be tough and tense,” Martin added. “It was down to the last game and we both needed the points, and I am glad we got through after a big battle.  We are in the top eight and we are in the quarter final which is a big bonus for us. I thought we held out well and it was always going to be a battle”. 

Despite leading by four points at one stage in the first half, Red Hughs’ half-time advantage was a slender one of just a point.

“We had a good start, but I just felt that we went to sleep in the second quarter after leading 0-6 to 0-2 and were only a point up at the break,” Martin said. “But I thought we improved in the third quarter and really took the game to them. But the injury to Tim Callaghan was a turning point and I hope his apparent rib injury is not too serious. 

“There was an understandable hold up and it broke the rhythm of the game for both teams and the finish was a bit of a scramble.”