This weekend saw the return of the Donegal Junior League after the winter break was extended due to the rise of Covid cases in the county.
All the results can be found below:
Saturday 22nd January 2022
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves 1 v 4 Glencar Celtic
Glencar got off to the perfect start in this game when Pajo Rafferty scored within two minutes. Glencar
were well on top for the opening minutes and Dylan Doherty in the Cappry nets made a couple of fine
saves. Cappry got level when Ronan Carlin picked up a loose ball on the half way line and raced through to
finish well. Glencar made it 2-1 a minute later when Pajo Rafferty found the net again. Glencar were well
on top and again Cappry had Dylan Doherty to thank after he made two fine saves from Pajo Rafferty.
Cappry had a chance on the break before half-time when Kyle O’Meara found Ronan Carlin but his effort
was saved. Glencar made it 3-1 early in second half through an own goal from a corner. Cappry to their
credit kept going and could have got one back but Kevin Mc Cormack’s effort went past the post. Glencar
wrapped up the game when Jordan Ryan finished from close range.
Donegal Town Reserves 2 v 1 Fintown Harps AFC
(No Report Submitted)
Milford United Reserves 1 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Milford welcomed neighbours Kilmacrennan to Moyle View Park for what was a very entertaining local
derby. Kilmacrennan had the better of the opening stages but couldn’t find a way past Milford’s defence,
well marshalled by Paul Ryan and Eoin McGettigan in goal. Milford looked dangerous on the break with
Liam Donnelly racing clear but seeing his strike saved smartly by Kilmacrennan’s keeper. Milford were
looking the better team and deservedly took the lead when Ryan Flood rose highest in the box to head
home a Shane Black corner. The second half continued in the same fashion as the first with chances falling
to both teams. Milford’s Killian Mc Bride saw his long-range effort hit the bar and Kilmacrennan’s returning
Chris Dillon just missing the target. With 20 minutes left on the clock Kilmacrennan got their equaliser.
From a corner, Eddie Doherty reacted quickest to a knockdown to make it 1-1. Milford had chances to win
it but Lee Burke couldn’t find the right touch to a dangerous Ryan Toye cross. In the closing stages Shane
Black saw his fine free kick go agonisingly over the bar. Chris Dillon was best for Kilmacrennan and Paul
Ryan, Liam Donnelly best for Milford with Killian Mc Bride man of the match.Referee: Liam McLaughlin
Oldtown Celtic 3 v 1 Keadue Rovers Reserves
The game got off to a slow start with neither team creating any real chances in the first twenty minutes.
That first chance of the game fell to Tommy Mc Laughlin who managed to create a yard of space in the box
but his strike rattled the bar from 15 yards out. The game began to open-up and the deadlock was broken
just after the half hour mark. A Keadue player was deemed to have handled the ball in the box and Tommy
Mc Laughlin confidently stepped up to convert the spot kick. The score at half time was 1-0 to Oldtown.
The second half started with Oldtown controlling possession and added they to their lead when Luke Friel
drilled home from 20 yards. Keadue got themselves back into the game when they found the top corner
from a free kick. They piled on the pressure to get an equaliser while Oldtown spurned a few chances with
Kevin Mc Grath and Paddy Mc Laughlin forcing great saves from the Keadue keeper. Oldtown sealed the
game in spectacular style when Ebey Phillips capitalised on a mistake in the Keadue backline to cooly chip
the keeper from an acute angle. Teams performances from both sides.
Strand Rovers 2 v 0 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves 1 v 4 Ramelton Mariners
Table-Topping Ramelton Mariners came to Ballybofey intent on keeping their narrow advantage at the top
of the table. The main difference between these sides on the day was their knowhow, Mariners astute and
experienced, United lacking experience and often guilty of giving away possession in critical positions. That
said, this young team are playing much better than they were at the start of the season and next term they
will be as competitive as any. Ramelton on the other hand look a good bet to be in the push for silverware
on their return to the League after a few years out. They held a 1-0 half-time lead and doubled that
advantage early in the second half. Kieran Thompson pulled a goal back for Ballybofey but the
Lennonsiders added two more before the ninety minutes was played. Well done to both sides on a
sporting encounter. Ramelton will remain top this week but will be aware of Dunlewey Celtic’s close
presence.
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 1 v 4 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
A clinical first half display from Gweedore set them up to clinch all three points in Castlefin. The visitors
scored four first half goals in a game where the scoreline didn’t reflect the proceedings. In the 20th minute
Gweedore went one up, Neil Doran finishing a sweeping counter attack. The home side had two great
opportunities to get on the scoresheet, Nicky Scott & Dean Kelly both going close. In the 30th minute the
visitors punished Castlefin when Paul Mc Bride headed home from a corner. Castlefin created another
opportunity, a Scott shot going narrowly wide. In the 30th minute Gweedore punished again, Pauric
Wiggins bundled the ball into the net after a scramble in the box. In the 40th minute Gweedore increased
their lead further when Liam Wiggins converted a penalty. In the second half the home side had enough
chances to get on level terms but only managed a consolation when Rory Dalton slammed home from 10
yards.
Copany Rovers 3 v 2 Swilly Rovers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Cranford United Reserves 1 v 4 Dunlewey Celtic
Cranford started off brightly in their first game back after the extended Christmas break, with Dylan Mc
Bride going close straight away. Chances for Dom Potter and Martyn Cullen followed before they took lead
thanks to a good finish from Potter. After this Cranford seemed to take the foot off the peddle, Dunlewey
capitalised by scoring twice and going in 2-1 up before the break. Cranford again started brightly in the
second-half, missing a few more guilt edged chances. Twenty minutes into the second half Dunlewey got a
penalty which they converted followed by another penalty after a handball decision on Shane Coll. That
made it 4-1. Cranford rallied again and missed a few more chances and on another day could have scored 5
or 6 but it finished 4-1 to Dunlewey.
Drumbar F.C. 4 v 5 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Drumbar welcomed back junior league football for the first time this year and hosted Drumoghill for the
opener of the second half of the season. Spectators were given a treat as Drumbar opened the scoring with
Vinny Breslin hitting home. Drumoghill replied instantly with well taken effort to make it 1-1. Drumbar
soon regained the lead when Tom Daly fire home from long range to make it 2–1. Drumbar were soon 3-1
ahead through a close-range header. Drumoghill pulled one back to make it 3-2 and Drumoghill soon
levelled things, making it 3-3 going into the break. Drumoghill then took the lead when within a minute of
the restart they were awarded a penalty that was dispatched well. Drumbar kept the Drumoghill defence
under extreme pressure for a large part of the second half before Vinny Breslin equalised from 6 yards to
make it 4-4. Drumoghill however found their winner right the death. Victory to Drumoghill in a very
entertaining game.
Ulster Junior Shield
Arranmore United 1 v 4 Dunree United
The Islanders were back in action for their first game of 2022, an Ulster Junior Shield match against Dunree
United. Both teams tried to get a grasp on the game from the start. It only took 15 minutes for Dunree to
take the lead as they won the ball in midfield and, after some attacking play, slotted the ball into the net.
It didn’t take long for them to double their lead and they scored again in the 26th minute.
As the half was ending Dunree made the most of a few errors from the Arranmore defence and got their
3rd and 4th goals in the last few minutes of the half. The Islanders, hoping to make a bigger impact in the
2nd half, came out and almost immediately caused problems for the Dunree defence. Amid a tussle inside
the Dunree box the ball managed to find its way into the net after Dion Byrne got a foot to it. The
remainder of the game saw Dunree hold on for the victory with Arranmore unable to create any more
chances.
Sunday 23 rd January 2022
Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division
Cappry Rovers 7 v 0 Glenea United
Cappry got off the ideal start in the game when Paddy Mc Nulty scored from the edge of the box with a
fine strike. Cappry doubled their lead in the 10th minute when Alan Gethins raced through and rounded
the keeper to tap home. Glenea came into the game and pressed to get a goal back but couldn’t find a way
through the Cappry defence. Cappry made it 3-0 when Jack Burke found Paddy Mc Nulty in the box for his
second. Cappry again got off to an ideal start in the second half when Paddy Mc Nulty rounded the keeper
for his hat-trick to make it 4-0. Cappry made it 5-0 when Dean O’ Donnell tapped home from close range.
Mc Nulty added his 4th and Cappry’s 6th when he headed home a Brendan Mc Laughlin cross. Cappry
rounded off the scoring when Aaron Kelly finished from inside the box.
Drumkeen United 0 v 7 Donegal Town
Drumkeen began the Second half of their League Campaign with the visit of Donegal Town to a bitterly
cold St Patrick’s Park on Sunday Afternoon. As the Final scoreline suggests this was a comfortable win for
visitors and a bad day for the hosts. Drumkeen’s hopes of getting something from the game were severely
dashed early on as they found themselves two goals behind after 15 minutes. Ronan Mc Hugh scored the
first and Eoin Slevin added another shortly after that to leave the home team with a mountain to climb.
Drumkeen battled away but were struggling to get a foothold in the game as Cillian Faulkner and Stephen
Graham piled more misery on when they added a goal each before half time. When these teams met in
Donegal back in October Drumkeen found themselves 3 goals down at Half Time but staged a great
comeback in the second half to earn a point. This Time there was to be no great comeback but they did
manage to steady the ship for a good portion of the second half as the game fizzled out for a while.
Donegal then came back to life and Stephen Graham added his second and Donegal’s fifth goal on 70
minutes. At that stage, it was all about damage limitation for the home side. Darren Russell and Daniel
McHugh did inflict some more damage with goal number 6 and 7 for the visitors on a day the home team
will want to forget as soon as possible. That victory keeps Donegal in contention at the top of the Table.
Drumkeen are currently bottom but are not totally adrift just yet. This game was played in a good sporting
manner and was well handled by referee Patrick Martin.
Keadue Rovers 4 v 1 Convoy Arsenal
It was a tale of spot kicks as Keadue Rovers had a good home win over Convoy Arsenal at a cool, blustery
Central Park on Sunday. The away team started at a good pace, creating some half chances and were on
the front foot. By the fifteenth minute however Keadue had established some possession and a cross was
met by Barry Curran who nodded over the bar. Curran was again close on thirty minutes when a ball broke
to him on the edge of the area but he floated it wide. Convoy’s main chance of the half fell to Darren Mc
Elwaine who hooked over from close range on thirty-six minutes. Keadue’s Jay Doherty started making
some good moves on the left wing and it was his run and shot on forty minutes which was saved, the
rebounded however fell into the path of Barry Curran who was fouled inside the box for a penalty. Chris
Greene stepped up making no mistake for a lead for the home side which they held till the half time
whistle. The visitors were again quick out of the blocks at the start of the second half and the Keadue
defence had to be alert to snuff out any chances. The home side made an early substitution when Aidan
Mc Hugh appeared just before the hour and that was the catalyst for some good Keadue play. A few
minutes later David Ward missed an excellent chance in front of goal to add a second. They didn’t have to
wait long as another foul in the box lead to another penalty, again neatly converted by Chris Greene. On
sixty-seven minutes Barry Curran’s run and shot was well saved by the Convoy keeper but the game was
put beyond any doubt after seventy minutes when Aidan Mc Hugh was fouled by the keeper and he
stepped up to tuck away low to the right for 3-0. Keadue introduced a few subs and one of these, Oran
Fallon, struck for a fourth on seventy eighth minute, running in from the flank and planting low to the net.
Convoy didn’t let their heads go down and on eighty-one minutes centre half Mark Griffin volleyed low to
the net for a consolation. Overall a decent game with a much improved second half display from the home
side yielding an important win. A good team performance from Convoy while best for Keadue were Chris
Greene, Aidan McHugh, Jay Doherty and Barry Curran.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 v 2 Castlefin Celtic
The first half had very few chances as both defences were keeping it tight. Castlefin had the first
opportunity when Corrie Lee Bogle made good ground down the right flank but saw his effort hit the side
netting. Kilmacrennan threatened from set pieces but couldn’t keep their efforts on target. On 35 minutes
a mistake from the home side’s back-line gave Ronan Tourish space in the box and he slotted the ball into
the net from 9 yards. Kilmacrennan came out firing in the second half when James Doherty finished off a
nice move to even the game. Chris Dillon came off the bench in the second half and controlled the game in
midfield. Michael Mc Laughlin slotted home to give the home side the lead. James Doherty then swung in a
cross from the right-hand side that was guided into the net by Matthew O’ Rourke. Matthew then scored a
late goal for Castlefin.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Drumoghill F.C. 0 v 0 Cranford United
(No Report Submitted)
Fanad United 0 v 0 Swilly Rovers
Fanad United and Swilly Rovers shared the spoils in what was at times a frantic local derby with chances at
a premium. Fanad played with the breeze in the 1st half and had the better of the chances. In the 10th
minute Martin M cElhinney played in Liam Mc Grenaghan on the left and his fine drive went just over the
bar. On 25 minutes Seamus Coyle won possession on the right and his cross was met by Martin Mc
Elhinney who headed wide when well placed. Both sides showed plenty of endeavour for the remainder of
the half without creating any clear-cut chances. Playing with the wind in the 2nd half, Swilly did create
several chances. Five minutes into the half a throw out from Mark Mc Conigley was intercepted and when
the ball was fed to Conor Gormley he shot over the bar from the edge of the box. In the 70th minute Tyler
Durning done well to find room on the right-hand side but he flashed his shot just wide of the Fanad post.
With 8 minutes remaining Fanad missed a good chance to open the scoring. Patsy Friel produced a fine run
and cross from the right but Kyle Mc Garvey’s shot from 6 yards was well saved by Swilly keeper Barry
Gallagher. From the follow up Eddie O’Reilly put the ball in the net but was ruled offside. The last chance of
the game came in the 87th minute when a Paddy Sheridan hit a deep free into the Fanad box but the
inrushing Conor Gormley just failed to connect. Referee: Gerard Devine
Gweedore Celtic 2 v 2 Ballybofey United
Ballybofey recovered from the concession of a first minute penalty to go into a two one lead early in the
second half but had to settle for a share of the spoils when Gweedore levelled with ten minutes remaining.
Thomas Diver gave Gweedore the perfect start scoring from the penalty spot after one minute but the goal
spurred on Ballybofey and they were level by the thirtieth minute thanks to a super strike from Damian
Glackin from twenty yards. The home team were put under severe pressure from then on but the scores
remained level at the break. Ten minutes into the second half the visitors hit the front. A cross into the box
caused confusion in the Celtic rearguard and as defenders hesitated Dylan Mc Namee pounced to give
Ballybofey the lead. Gweedore upped their game after conceding but with Ballybofey content to defend in
numbers they found it hard to create scoring chances. The home team managed to eventually score with
ten minutes remaining when Odhran Mac Niallais drove to the net following a corner. Michael Cutliffe
could have scored the winner for Gweedore but his header in the final minute was just over the bar. A
team effort from Gweedore with veterans Glackin and Shaun Mc Gowan best for Ballybofey. Referee: Con
Mc Loughlin
Rathmullan Celtic 1 v 0 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Eoin Sheridan’s glancing header midway through the second half won all three points for Rathmullan Celtic
in a tough contest at The Flagpole Field. Conditions made life tough for both sides as the wind had a hefty
impact on proceedings, with the game typically well-contested for a local derby. The teams observed a
minutes silence before the game in John Joe Mc Ateer’s memory, with Charlie Doherty of Kerrykeel and
Jim Deeney of Rathmullan also remembered following their passing in recent days. Once the game got
underway, it was the hosts that made the brighter beginning, with the wind at their backs. Dara Patton’s
defence-splitting pass found Eoin Sheridan after 15 minutes but his first-time shot under pressure just
cleared the crossbar. Jay Curran also saw a half-volley from 20-yards go just wide of the post. By the
midpoint of the half, Hughie Walsh’s side were settling to the task as Michael Sweeney began to pose
problems for the home defence. As the half hour was passed Kerrykeel were to see their best chances of
the day come and go amidst some mayhem and last-gasp defending in the Rathmullan box. The first of
those saw Johnny Nanny’s powerful header from a corner cannon back off the crossbar with the follow up
effort cleared off the goal line by Kevin O’Donnell much the relief of the Flagpole faithful. Moments later
and it was more of the same. This time the Kerrykeel frontman was denied by Shaun Gallagher at point-
blank range only for Ronan Morris to block the second effort once more on the goal line. They were
moments the '71 Club would be left to ponder ruefully by full-time. After some much-need half time soup
for the Flagpole patrons, the second half had plenty football played despite the conditions. Rathmullan
introduced Reggie Miller from the bench and his marauding on the right wing would trouble Kerrykeel
throughout. Chances were at a premium, but the home side grabbed the all-important opener on 67
minutes. Kevin Doran’s teasing cross the left-hand-side drew Eoghan Jordan off his line but Eoin Sheridan
got there before him to glance the ball into the back of the net. Kerrykeel went straight on the attack
afterwards but it was the home side that almost doubled their lead on 72 minutes. Neat play on the right
wing from Curran and Miller eventually resulted in a perfect low cross which Doran was on hand at the
back post to convert, but once more the crossbar was rattled and the ball rebounded to safety. With that
reprieve granted to them, Kerrykeel renewed efforts to get on terms. Marty Mc Ateer curled a free kick off
target while Gallagher between the sticks was again on hand to deny Paddy Carr from a corner. With seven
added minutes played Kerrykeel put dangerous balls into the penalty area late on, hoping for a break, but
Kieran Gorman and Alan Boal were usually on hand to thwart them. On the day Rathmullan had the calm
and assured presences of Gorman, Dara Patton and Ephrim Mc Fadden – as well as that crossbar in the
first half – to thank for a vital three-point haul. Kerrykeel will be wondering just how they didn’t hit the
front in the opening period and may justifiably feel their efforts deserved a share of the points. On an
afternoon when the two clubs came together to remember the footballing icon that was John Joe Mc
Ateer the game provided a bit of everything. Endeavour on both sides, some quality play, great saves and
near misses. But handshakes all round at the end, he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
St. Catherines 1 v 1 Milford United
Both sides were slow to settle into the game as the windy conditions made it hard to keep the ball under
control. After 15 minutes chances appeared at both ends with Ryan Cunningham testing the Milford
keeper and Mark Wilson coming close for the visitors. Milford had the breeze at their backs for the first
half but never really took advantage of this as Kevin Martin was not really tested in the Saint’s goal. The
first half ended in stalemate but the home team came out playing better football in the second half and it
was all one-way traffic. Lorcan Friel was doing his best in the centre of defence for Milford and Caolan Mc
Gettigan pulled off some great saves to keep the home team out. The pressure paid off on 65 minutes
when the Saints deservedly got the lead through a low shot from Ryan Cunningham that slipped past the
keeper. It looked like there could only be one winner now but football is a funny old game and when a
blazed cross struck Ryan Carr on the knee and deflected into his own goal on 80mins the visitors couldn’t
believe their luck and subsequently they held on for a draw. Gary Merritt was good for Milford while Colin
Mooney and Shaun Kelly showed well for the Saints.
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Deele Harps 4 v 3 Gweedore United
Deele resumed their season with a deserved victory over Gweedore United on a crisp afternoon at Deele
College. Both teams started well in a hectic first 20 minutes. Deele took the lead on 30 minutes when a
Declan Lafferty free kick found Adi Gallagher at the back post who powered home a header. From the
restart Gweedore were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal. The resulting free was headed home
unchallenged by Ethan Harkin on 32 minutes.
Deele responded well and the evergreen Adi Gallagher showed some trickery on the left wing and saw his
shot saved but Corey Lindsay was on hand to fire home the rebound to restore Deele’s lead on 34 minutes.
Half time 2-1. The second half started in the same vein and Deele extended their lead on 47 minutes with a
fine individual goal from Jordy Duffy whose mazy run took him into the box and he slotted home. Then on
60 minutes Deele were reduced to 10 men when Declan Lafferty received a red for a tackle. But it was the
home side who scored again on 78 minutes, a fine run and shot from Adi Gallagher struck the post and
Jordy Duffy was in position to finish the rebound. Deele emptied their bench and lost some shape in doing
so and Gweedore took advantage with Ryan Kelly on 89 minutes and Ronan O’ Donnell deep into injury
time bringing the scoreline back to 4-3. Team performances with Sean Mc Gowan and the excellent David
Arthur impressing for Deele Harps.
Dunkineely Celtic 2 v 4 Whitestrand United
(No Report Submitted)
Lagan Harps 1 v 1 Curragh Athletic
The points were shared in a hard fought contest in Orchard Park. Both teams showed rustiness in the first half after the long break. Curragh went close on five minutes but Jason Quinn pulled off a superb save to deny Calvin Bradley. Lagan responded with Josh Hay forcing a good save from Shane O’Brien.The game became scrappy before Jason Quinn did well to block Calvin Bradley again. Lagan went close at the start of the second half when Ciaran Quinn headed just over. Curragh took the lead on sixty five minutes from the penalty spot after a foul in the area. Calvin Bradley confidently converted. Josh Hay headed just over for Lagan with Ryan Kildea also shooting wide. Calvin Bradley went close again when his free from the edge of the area deflected over. Lagan pushed players forward and finished the match strongly. They finally got the equaliser on seventy seven minutes when a corner deflected in off a Curragh defender. In the final few minutes Lagan thought they had got a winner but Shane O’Brien pulled off a fantastic save from Josh Hay. In a game in which both defences were on top, there were no further chances.For Lagan Jason Quinn, Conur Crossan,and JP Doran were best. For Curragh Mick O’Brien, Gérard Melaugh and Mattie Mc Connell were best. Referee was Barry Hunter.
Letterbarrow Celtic 5 v 0 Glenree United
(No Report Submitted)
Ulster Junior Cup
Aileach F.C. 3 v 2 Letterkenny Rovers
(No Report Available)
Buncrana Hearts 3 v 1 Bonagee United
(No Report Available)
Kildrum Tigers 3 v 0 Raphoe Town
The St. Johnston men progress to the last four of the Ulster Junior Cup at the expense of their Donegal
Junior League counterparts. In a first half of few chances it was the away side who almost struck first, after
some neat play Keelin Boyle raced through on the Kildrum net but saw his shot saved. Just moments later
they were made to pay for the missed chance as Kildrum took the lead, Kevin Mc Hugh received the ball on
the edge of the area, after making a yard he smashed home to put the home side ahead. Kildrum started
the second half with more purpose and after a few missed chances they doubled their lead, a great Barry
O’ Donnell cross was headed home by Daniel Clarke. Raphoe had a couple of great chances to get
themselves back in the tie, Ryan Mc Cullagh showed great strength as he bust through on goal but failed to
finish at the end. The visitors then missed a penalty, the impressive Keenan Bogle dragged his effort wide
of the goal. Kildrum again appeared to up the tempo and added a third to finish off a resilient away
performance from their neighbours, Brian Breslin finished off a neat move to make sure the home side
progressed.
Fixtures
Saturday 29th January 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United v Glenea United Reserves
Fintown Harps AFC v Cappry Rovers Reserves
Kildrum Tigers Reserves v Milford United Reserves
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves v Donegal Town Reserves
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Dunlewey Celtic v Drumbar F.C.
Gweedore Celtic Reserves v Copany Rovers
Ramelton Mariners v Castlefin Celtic Reserves
St. Catherines Reserves v Ballybofey United Reserves
Swilly Rovers Reserves v Cranford United Reserves
Sunday 30th January 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United v Kilmacrennan Celtic
Castlefin Celtic v Drumkeen United
Convoy Arsenal v Kildrum Tigers
Donegal Town v Keadue Rovers
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Ballybofey United v Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Cranford United v St. Catherines
Fanad United v Gweedore Celtic
Milford United v Rathmullan Celtic
Swilly Rovers v Raphoe Town
Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two
Curragh Athletic v Letterkenny Rovers
Glenree United v Deele Harps
Whitestrand United v Lagan Harps
Ulster Junior Shield (K.O. 1.30 p.m.)
Illies Celtic v Keadue Rovers Reserves
