A late hat-trick by Derry City striker Sean Hargan saw last year's beaten finalists stroll into the second round of this season's competition at the Brandywell on Saturday night.

Derry led 3-0 with 20 minutes remaining before Hargan struck with three of his side's four goals during that period.

Rockmount got off to the worst possible start when conceding a goal after two minutes; Gary Beckett heading home following a Craig Taggart corner. And, 10 minutes later, the home side doubled that advantage when James Keddy gave Rockmount gaolkeeper Patrick Cassidy no chance from close range.

Derry proved devastating against the breeze after the break and further strikes by Keddy (69 minutes), Hargan (76, 83 and 88 minutes) and a superb goal by Sean Gallagher (85 minutes) ended the rout.

Derry City: O'Dowd, Doherty, Kelly, Curran, Gallagher, Hargan, Taggart, R Coyle, Keddy, L Coyle. Subs: Semple for Beckett (48 mins), Dykes for Kelly (70 mins), McCready for R Coyle (75 mins).

Rockmount: Cassidy, Busteed, O'Brien, Hogan, Yelverton, Cullinane, J O'Shea, Martin, Falvey, K O'Shea, O'Sullivan. Subs: Deasy for Yelverton (30 mins), Kelleher for J O'Shea (87 mins).

Referee: H Whoriskey (Dublin).