Hegarty inspires Kilcar in second half

Division 1A
14 May 2006
Kilcar 3-08
Aodh Ruadh 2-10

Peter Campbell reports from Towney.

County player Michael Hegarty was the difference between the sides in this exciting league clash in Towney as Kilcar came back from a five point deficit to clinch a narrow victory.

They did so despite losing captain, Keith Cunningham, to a second yellow card eight minutes into the second half at a stage when they were still two points adrift.

Aodh Ruadh, despite being short up to five regulars, were the better side in the opening half with Anthony Boyle carrying a big threat up front. He fisted the first point while Jack Travers and Shane Ward (free) left them three clear by the sixth minute.

Michael Hegarty and a Michael Molloy free narrowed the gap by by the 21st minute Aodh Ruadh took a firm grip with points from Garrett Blake (2) and a great goal from Anthony Boyle after a run from the 45m line.

The reply from Kilcar was instant as a minute later Gerard McBrearty got on the end of a move to fist a goal over the advancing Paul Kane.

Before half-time Shane Ward and Michael Hegarty (free) exchanged points to leave Aodh Ruadh ahead by 1-6 to 1-3 at the break.

The Ballyshannon side started the second half in whirlwind fashion with points from Brian Roper and Anthony Boyle inside a minute and a half. Blake missed a pointable free before Kilcar hit back with Barry Doherty finding space in front of goal to lash the ball to the roof of the Aodh Ruadh net.

Kilcar then lost Keith Cunningham but they hit the front on 41 minutes when a free from Michael Hegarty saw Mark McShane rise highest to fist to the Aodh Ruadh net and a point point lead. Michael Hegarty and Barry Doherty added points but Aodh Ruadh hit back with Seamus Kane finishing to the netafter a 40m run.

James Cunningham, up from corner back, and Michael Hegarty edged Kilcar in front again with nine minutes left. Barry Mulligan reduced the margin to the minimum but Hegarty was again on the end of a good move to put Kilcar two clear once more with a minute of normal time left.

Back came Aodh Ruadh with Blake missing a great opportunity. Shane Ward pointed a free, and they had a chance a minute later of the equaliser but Seamus Kane was well wide of the target.

Apart from the excellent Hegarty, James Cunningham, Mark McShane and Barry Doherty had good outings for the winners, while Anthony Boyle, Jonathan Gallagher, Stephen Ward, Brian Roper and Barry Mulligan were best for Aodh Ruadh.

Vital Statistics
Teams
Kilcar Eamon McGinley; Conor Cunningham, Stephen Shovlin, James Cunningham (0-1); Luke Carr, Patrick Gallagher, Barry McGinley; Michael Hegarty (0-5, 2f), Keith Cunningham; Michael Molloy (0-1,f), Mark McShane (1-0), Gerard McBrearty (1-0); Noel Hegarty, Barry Doherty (1-1), Glen McBrearty.
Aodh Ruadh Paul Kane; Jonathan Gallagher, Martin Gallagher, Eamon O'Donnell; Philip O'Reilly, Michael Lawless, Ciron Whoriskey; Barry Mulligan (0-1), Stephen Ward; Shane Ward (0-2,1f), Brian Roper (0-1), Seamus Kane (1-0); Garrett Blake (0-2,1f), Jack Travers (0-1), Anthony Boyle (1-3).
Referee
Paddy McBride (Downings)

Report Filed: 15 May 2006