McLaughlin goal key as Kilrea advance to Derry SFC quarter-finals

Derry's Owenbeg GAA Centre of Excellence

Kilrea booked their place in Sunday’s Derry senior football championship quarter-final draw after with victory over Steelstown last night (Thursday). 

It finished 1-12 to 0-9 at Owenbeg, where Gearoid McLaughlin’s early goal gave the Pearses the perfect start, with Daniel Madden and Larry Kielt also on target before Steelstown responded with scores from Cahir McMonagle and Diarmaid Baker.

Kilrea regained control before half-time as scores from Cathaoir Bradley and Conor Gillen moved them towards a 1-6 to 0-4 lead when the sides went in.

Gillen, Madden and Rory Maguire extended the advantage after the restart, with Kilrea controlling the contest. Steelstown added late points through Ryan Devine and McMonagle, but James Kielt’s late free sealed the win.

The remaining Round 3 games on the schedule take place at Owenbeg this weekend, with holders Newbridge, Magherafelt, Ballinderry and Glen already through to the last eight.