Monday 5th September 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Letterkenny Area Group A
Whitestrand United 0 v 7 Fanad United
A ruthless and goal-hungry Fanad United visited Mc Garvey Park on Monday evening and ran out comfortable winners in what turned out to be a very one sided affair, particularly in the second half.
Despite Fanad having most the possession, the first half was a keenly contested encounter with the home team defending stoutly for long periods. Keelan Mc Elwaine almost put Fanad ahead on 22 minutes when his shot came back off the post with the in-rushing Dylan Dorrian blasting the rebound wide of the goal.
Six minutes later Fanad did take the lead thanks to young Sean ‘Joe’ Carr, a cross from the right-hand side was dealt with poorly by the Strand defence and Carr finished well to the roof of the net from six yards. Whitestrand fought bravely and defended well after this, their only effort on the Fanad goal in the first half came in the 40th minute when a James Tourish free kick from the right went well over the bar.
The visitors doubled their lead on the stroke of half time, again due to some poor defending and hesitancy in the home defence with the lively Keelan Mc Elwaine, skilfully flicking the ball to the net past goalkeeper Johnny Gallagher. This goal saw the home side’s heads drop as their gallant efforts to go in at half time only one behind were in vain.
Brian Dunleavy and Shaun ‘Dodgy’ Martin introduced a few substitutions for the home team at half time but the game as a contest effectively ended on 50 minutes when Keelan Mc Elwaine got his second of the evening with a good finish following a neat one-two exchange with Eddie O’ Reilly to put Fanad 3 – 0 up.
Fanad’s fourth goal came in the 64th minute when the un-marked Paddy Mc Ginley headed home from a corner past Gallagher in the home goals, Fanad scored three more goals in the final six minutes of the game through Eoin Logue on 84 minutes, Eddie O Reilly on 87 minutes and Kelan Mc Elwaine scoring the goal of the game with a super strike from the edge of the eighteen-yard box, completing his hat trick on the 90th minute.
Both managements teams introduced several young players in the latter stages of the match. The young Whitestrand team paid dearly for some poor defending on the evening but to their credit, they never gave up.
Keelin Mc Elwaine was impressive for Fanad while Eddie O’ Reilly was a constant threat. A good team effort from Whitestrand with Johnny Gallagher doing well between the posts.
Referee: Mick Lagan
Gweedore Area Group A
Gweedore United 3 v 0 Gweedore Celtic
This second Gweedore derby in as many weeks was played on Wednesday night in front of a large attendance at the home of United. There was a strong breeze as the game started which gave the home side a slight advantage in the opening half. Neither side settled as the windy conditions made footballing conditions difficult.
There were half chances for both sides through Ciaran Mc Fadden and Ownie Gallagher for United with Tommy Diver going close with a free for the visitors. The best chance fell to Steven Doyle Mc Fadden, after good play in the 45th minute, when he struck the post with an excellent shot that was cleared by Gallagher to keep the score 0-0 at half time.
In the second half United settled well and began to play some neat football against the breeze. In the 53rd minute Steven Doyle Mc Fadden hit the cross bar when Ciaran Mc Fadden’s initial shot rebounded back to him. In the 55th minute the home side got their deserved lead when an excellent cross from Dàire Ó Baoill was well finished by Jamie Mc Gee at the back post.
United doubled their lead in the 67th minute when a good move saw Ciaran Mc Fadden get a nice cross in from the right wing for Stephen Mc Fadden to finish well with a lovely touch directing the ball into the bottom corner. In the 69th minute United extended their lead with another good move up the right side and Ciaran Mc Fadden again crossing the ball, this falling to the other Stephen Mc Fadden to head into the back of the net.
Celtic tried to get back into the game with several long-range efforts that were dealt with by Cian Gallagher. Caolan Laux and Shaun Gallagher both excelled for Celtic and it was a strong team performance from United in front of a good home support on the night.
Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin
Wednesday 7th September 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Gweedore Area Group A
Gweedore United 0 v 3 Glenea United
This game played under the lights in Gweedore on Wednesday night saw a strong Glenea side collect all three points. The game started with the visitors having the majority of the possession however not really threatening the Gweedore goal as the home defence dealt well with any threat.
Both sides had half chances through Blake Mc Garvey and Ciaran Mc Fadden for Glenea and Stephen Doyle Mc Fadden went close for the home side. In the 32nd minute a through ball fell to Blake Mc Garvey who finished well to make it 1-0 to Glenea.
In the first attack by the visitors in the second half they were awarded a penalty which Blake Mc Garvey drove into the bottom right corner to make it 2-0. In the 57th minute a nice ball from Martin Maguire over the top of the home defence fell to Ciaran Mc Fadden who placed the ball nicely into the bottom corner from a tight angle to make it 3-0.
Gweedore kept playing and had some nice moves. Steven Doyle Mc Fadden, Cian Gallagher and Stephen Donna Mc Fadden had good efforts well saved by Joe Coll. Charles Doherty in nets for the home side was excellent when called upon on several occasions in the second half.
Martin Maguire was best for Glenea on the night while it was a good team performance for Gweedore with Steven Doyle Mc Fadden excelling throughout. Referee: Mick Lagan
Gweedore Area Group B
Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 v 1 Keadue Rovers
Kilmacrennan secured three points in this Brian Mc Cormick Cup match. James Doherty opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a great strike from 20 yards. Keadue equalised on 30 minutes through a Brian Proctor deflected shot which gave Kilmacrennan keeper Niall O’ Regan no chance.
Both teams had a few chances in a tight entertaining first half. In the second half Kilmacrennan came out strong and began to push hard for second goal and on 70 minutes a Paul Bradley corner was headed back across goal from the back post and Matthew Mc Laughlin was there to tap in.
A hard working Keadue side pushed hard for an equaliser but the Kilmacrennan defence played well to hold on for victory. Best for Kilmacrennan was Ryan Shields and Liam Mc Bride and it was a great team effort from Keadue. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin
Voodoo Venue Cup Area 1
Swilly Rovers Reserves 1 v 5 Ramelton Mariners
(No Report Submitted)
Saturday 10th September 2022
Voodoo Venue Cup
Area 1
Cranford United Reserves 2 v 2 Milford United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 1 v 1 Glencar Celtic
This was an evenly contested encounter as a very young Kilmacrennan side hosted Glencar at the Community Centre. Kilmacrennan had most of the possession throughout the game but rarely tested the Glencar goalkeeper in the first half.
Glencar started the brighter in the second half and could have been one up but Cian Mc Cabe’s shot flashed just wide. The early pressure and sloppy play from Kilmacrennan then resulted in Dultach Molloy finding himself free in the penalty area to make it one nil to the visitors after 50 minutes.
Kilmacrennan pushed forward from then on but despite having the bulk of possession found it hard to break down a really well organised Glencar side. With five minutes left Edwin Doherty should have equalised but he was denied when one on one with the Glencar keeper.
It looked like the points where going to Glencar before Michael ‘Mousey” McLaughlin fired into the top corner from around 25 yards deep into injury time. Battling performance by both sides. Referee: Dessie McLaughlin
Area 2
Drumbar United 2 v 3 Fintown Harps AFC
(No Report Submitted)
St. Catherines Reserves 0 v 2 Donegal Town Reserves
Donegal Town came out on top in a hard-fought contest in Emerald Park. After an even first twenty-five minutes the visitors opened the scoring when Stevie Curneen shot low into the corner after being put through by James Kerrigan. Donegal continued to press and had a shot cleared off the line on 40 minutes.
Moments later they came close again but were thwarted by a fine tackle by Mairtin Heraty. St. Catherine’s started the second half strongly and Josh Cunningham went close before Calvin Mooney rattled the crossbar with a fine shot on the hour mark.
Shortly afterwards Donegal had a player red carded before Mooney went close again with another long-range effort which just skimmed the bar.
Donegal increased their lead when Dermot Slevin was fouled by the home keeper and he tucked away the resultant penalty. Calvin Mooney went close again but his lobbed effort just went the wrong side of the post.
Both teams played well with Aaron Byrne and Dean Breslin best for St. Catherines and Kiernan Duignan and Gary Ward best for the visitors. Referee: George Clinton
Area 3
Arranmore United 2 v 0 Dunlewey Celtic
Arranmore hosted Dunlewey at Rannagh Park in their latest fixture in the Voodoo Venue Cup. It didn’t take long for the Islanders to find the net as a Mardy Mc Garrigle free kick found the head of Damien Weber who dispatched superbly.
The pair linked up again in the 20th minute with another great pass from Mardy to Weber and once again he found the net. The second half was a sharp contrast to the first as Dunlewey fought hard to get back into the game. Arranmore were under pressure for most of the half but managed to hold out.
Weber was unlucky not to complete his hat-trick as his penalty was saved in the closing stages of the game. Great performance from the islanders with Damien Weber playing an exceptional game.
Referee: Mick Lagan
Strand Rovers 1 v 0 Glenea United Reserves
This was a very tight game played at Strand Park. The first half saw some very good chances for the two sides and both keepers pulled off some great saves.
Strand Rovers won a penalty on the 44th minute with for a hand ball inside the box. Matthew O’ Donnell stepped up and placed the ball into the right corner as the keeper guessed the wrong way.
Strand Rovers got off to a quick start in the second half with Micheal Curran and Oran Gallagher playing a one-two with Oran’s shot coming back off the post. The second half continued with chances falling to both sides but the defences came out on top. Man of the Match: James Mc Cole.
Area 4
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 2 v 6 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Cappry recorded a comfortable away win over Castlefin on Saturday. Goals from Ronan Carlin and Oisin Gallen had the visitors two ahead but Castlefin fought back with goals from Reece Gallagher and Eamonn Quinn to level the game after 30 minutes. Four goals from Cian Gallagher, Kyle Rutteridge, Paul Duncan and Cian O’ Connell rewarded Cappry for a strong display and it secured them all three points.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 0 v 5 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Oldtown Celtic 2 v 0 Ballybofey United Reserves
In a game played at the Letterkenny Community Centre, Oldtown ran out 2-0 winners against a good Ballybofey side. With both teams setting out to play the ball from the back, chances were few and far between with both defences standing firm in the opening exchanges.
Ballybofey missed a chance to go ahead from an Oldtown mistake before Drew Connolly fired home after his original header was saved. This set Oldtown off and it was soon 2-0 with Ciaran Gibson firing home from the edge of the area. Ballybofey stuck to their guns, playing from the back, but couldn’t manage to get a goal back before halftime.
Sean Cleary had a chance to make it three after a through ball from Tommy Mc Laughlin put him through on goal but the Ballybofey keeper saved well. As the game reached the final stages Ballybofey pushed hard to get back into it and headed wide from a corner while the Oldtown defence stood firm to see out a clean sheet.
Sunday 11th September 2022
Letterkenny Area
Group A
Fanad United P v P Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
(Rescheduled For Monday 12th K.O. 6p.m.)
Whitestrand United 2 v 8 Rathmullan Celtic
Rathmullan Celtic made the short journey to Mc Garvey Park for this eagerly anticipated local derby. Rathmullan got off to a great start when Daniel Stolarcyzyk scored a stunning free kick. This was quickly followed by a second when Jay Curran scored from a Stolarcyzyk free kick.
The early fire settled and Whitestrand settled into the game against their Premier Division opponents. Whitestrand made it 2-1 when they scored after a goalmouth scramble. Whitestrand were hit with another double blitz when Rathmullan scored two more in quick succession to make it 4-1.
Former Whitestrand man Ronan Morris was next on the scoresheet following some excellent play ending up with a cross from Curran and a tap in for Morris.
The second half had started in a similar vein and Jay Curran and Kevin Doran also chipped in with a brace. Whitestrand competed well in the second half and Darren Ferry scored a great goal which went in off the post for Whitestrand. Stolarcyzyk scored the final goal of the game for the men from Rathmullan.
Group B
Milford United 1 v 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Letterkenny Rovers got the point they needed to top their group in the BMC Cup when drawing 1-1 with Milford United in a game which was reversed to Leckview Park.
Rovers remained unbeaten in the section but that was in danger when Milford, who went on to put in their best display of the season to date, took the lead on six minutes when Mark Flood’s cross was expertly cushioned home by the dependable Joey Cullen.
Milford had chances to extend the lead while Rovers came closest through Nathan Bonner as an exciting first half in the dampening overhead conditions saw Milford retain an interval lead.
The home side started with more purpose in the second half with Caolan Mc Gettigan doing well to deny Jack Dwyer on 50 minutes but Dwyer wasn’t to be denied when slotting home the equaliser on 67.
Rovers were on the front foot with Darragh Morrison coming close on two occasions while Milford almost snatched a late winner when the lively Corey Lee Mc Conigley saw his effort go agonisingly wide.
Swilly Rovers 4 v 1 Bonagee United
For the second week in a row Swilly scored four goals at home in a very entertaining game. Swilly went ahead in the 5th minutes when Conor Gormley’s superb pass released Kyle Black and he finished in style.
Bonagee were level on 31 minutes when Jordan Gallagher’s long range free evaded everyone and ended up in the net. Swilly went back in front on 46 minutes when Ciaran Kelly released Kyle Black and he scored with a fine finish.
Bonagee started to come more and more into the game, dominating possession with Maguire impressing with some good skilful play. Conor Gormley went close for Swilly with a long-range effort. In the final five minutes clever work by Kyle Black set up his strike partner Ian Ward and he scored with a stunning drive.
Kyle Black completed his hat-trick in the final minutes with a low shot from the edge of the box. Swilly Rovers would like to thank John Grier, son of the late Swilly Secretary Ivan Grier, for very kindly sponsoring the match ball. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin.
Donegal Area
Group A
Cappry Rovers 5 v 3 Donegal Town
Donegal Town were the visitors to Cappry Park on Sunday and it was a frantic start with both sides scoring early goals. The away side took the lead through a clever finish from Ben Sweeney but Cappry responded instantly when Conor Laverty sent Jamie Keegan through to fire home from close range.
The lively Keegan was on the scoresheet again when he met a Benny McLaughlin cross and coolly finished into the bottom corner. Donegal Town levelled at the mid-way point when Ronan Mc Hugh capitalised on a loose pass and skilfully rounded the keeper. Cappry regained the lead before half-time, a super through ball from Jamie Keegan found Dean O’ Donnell who made no mistake with the finish.
Both teams had chances at the start of the second-half but Cappry would begin to dominate and control the game. A super free-kick from Joel Bradley Walsh found the bottom corner as Cappry went 4-2 up. Luke Mc Glynn made it five when he cut in from the left-hand side and curled it excellently into the far corner.
Donegal Town kept pushing to get back into the game and got rewarded for their efforts when a free-kick found Robbie Murphy in space and he finished into the net. The Cappry defence stood strong though and denied any chance of a late comeback.
Letterbarrow Celtic 3 v 1 Dunkineely Celtic
A game of good spirits started fast in Tymeen with both sides trying to end their Cup run with a win.
Dunkineely had a few good chances however they couldn’t get past the brilliant Peadar Shallow.
Michael Coughlan put the home side in front and soon afterwards Lorcan O’ Donnell opened his Letterbarrow account with a well taken goal. Christy Mc Laughlin put the home side three up going into half-time.
The second half was similar to the first and Dunkineely got a deserving goal after a superb long-range strike from Conneely. The game ended 3-1 to the home side.
Referee: Tony McNamee.
Group B
Ballybofey United 4 v 3 Curragh Athletic
Ballybofey won this entertaining encounter played at Dreenan on Sunday afternoon. The visitors, Curragh Athletic, actually took the lead on the half-hour mark when Stephen John Carlin scored.
That was to be the only time that they held the lead in a match where they came from behind twice to level the scores. The half-time team-talk in the Ballybofey United dressing-room was made easier when Daithí Mc Mahon sent them in level, he grabbed the equalised just as the whistle for the break was about to sound.
Four goals in the opening fifteen minutes of the second-half saw Ballybofey twice gain the lead while Curragh twice claimed parity. Damien Glackin got both Ballybofey goals on forty-six and fifty-five minutes while on fifty minutes Robert Mc Shane scored for Curragh and then on sixty minutes Callum Scanlon made it 3-3.
Mark Griffin got the all-important winning goal on seventy-five minutes to give Ballybofey a boost just in time for the start of the League season. It was a fully deserved victory as they played the better football and finished well ahead in the possession stakes.
For Ballybofey Mark Griffin, Damien Glackin and Micheal Lafferty were best while for Curragh Caolan Alexander was their best player on the day. Referee: George Clinton.
Drumkeen United 2 v 4 St. Catherines
Drumkeen welcomed St. Catherine’s to St. Patrick’s Park on a damp Drumkeen Sunday Afternoon. The home team had struggled in The Brian Mc Cormack Cup in their first two games but this was a great improvement and even though they lost this was their best display so far.
The first half was an entertaining enough affair with very little between the teams in the opening minutes. Drumkeen Goalkeeper Luke Mc Gee made a great save to keep the scores level after 15 minutes. Josh Maxwell was having a great game for Killybegs and he broke the deadlock when he scored after 26 minutes.
Despite falling behind Drumkeen kept going and nearly got their reward but Lee Guthrie saw his effort cleared off the line just after the half hour mark. Kevin Boyle also had an effort which went well over the bar just before half time. Drumkeen nearly got back on terms early in the second half but Ryan James saw his effort well saved by the Killybeg’s Goalkeeper.
The visitors then went two goals up when the ever-lively Josh Maxwell squeezed the ball home after a cross from the left wing fell to him in the middle. That could have been game set and match to Killybegs but Drumkeen came storming back. Niall Howley pulled a goal back after a good set up from Lee Guthrie who was on the ground but still managed to poke the ball to Howley who finished well.
Drumkeen were buoyed by this and went in search of an equaliser. The equaliser duly arrived when a Kieran Doherty free kick came back off the crossbar and caused a bit of a mix-up in the St. Catherines’ defence and Lee Guthrie was there to fire home to bring them back on level terms.
Drumkeen found themselves behind shortly after that when JP Mc Guinness put the visitors ahead again. Killybegs then had the chance to put the game to bed when they were awarded a penalty but Josh Maxwell’s Penalty hit the base of the post.
This was a let off for Drumkeen but the fourth goal did eventually come when JP Mc Guinness scored his second goal of the game. The home team kept plugging away but there was to be no way back for them. Good team performances from both teams with Josh Maxwell outstanding for the visitors and Aidan Martin and Kevin Boyle battling well in the middle of the park for the home team.
Gweedore Area
Group A
Glenea United P v P Gweedore Celtic
(Rescheduled For Tuesday 13th K.O. 7.30 p.m. at An Screaban, Gweedore)
Group B
Keadue Rovers 5 v 0 Cranford United
The home side were on top from the beginning with Oran Fallon showing well up front. creating Keadue were rewarded when, just after twenty minutes, they took the lead when good work by Peter Mc Gee led to Oran Fallon finishing from close range.
They went two up on thirty minutes when following a foul in the box, captain Chris Greene converted the resultant penalty. The remainder of the first half was scrappy with the home side happy to knock the ball around with ease. At the start of the second half, the tempo was similarly tame with neither side really settling down.
Keadue did begin to move it round well just shy of the hour after a few substitutions and positional changes. Aaron Mc Cafferty produced a superb finish from the edge of the box into the top corner to make it 3-0. The wind was more of a factor in the second half and it made play slightly difficult at times.
Brian Proctor got a fourth less than ten minutes from time after an excellent far post cross from Mark Forker. Proctor was the final man on the scoresheet a few minutes from time when he converted a spot kick after a foul in the box. Overall a clinical display from Keadue and a workmanlike performance from Cranford who never let their heads drop while for Keadue they were well served by Brian Proctor, Brendan Mc Cafferty and Daniel McHugh. Referee: Trevor Hay.
Lifford Area
Group A
Drumoghill F.C. 5 v 1 Raphoe Town
Drumoghill wrapped up their Brian Mc Cormick Cup campaign with an impressive 5-1 victory over neighbours Raphoe Town in a game played in wet conditions. Lee Smyth, better known as a defender but playing in midfield, was the game’s outstanding performer as he helped himself to a hat-trick, with Conor Doohan and Liam O’Donnell also on target.
The visitors though will feel that score line was a harsh reflection as they were well in the game until it’s latter stages. The first half was an even affair, but Drumoghill were clinical during that opening period as they raced into a 2-0 lead. Smyth opened the scoring and Doohan doubled the lead before half time.
Raphoe started the second half on top and quickly reduced the arrears when Dylan Brolly’s neat finish beat Roy Duffy. The next goal was always going to be crucial to the outcome of the game and that man Smyth was in the right place at the right time on 65 minutes. He was on target again on 74 minutes to effectively end the contest before Liam O’ Donnell wrapped up the scoring in the 85th minute.
Lagan Harps 2 v 1 Convoy Arsenal
Lagan reached the Area-Final after this win over Convoy. Lagan started well with Dean Murray causing Convoy early problems.
Lagan took the lead on twenty minutes when Philip Doran was taken down by the keeper and Ross Hamlyn converted the penalty. Ryan Carlin had Convoy’s best effort of the half when he put a free just over the bar. Lagan had most of the play but didn’t create a lot.
Joe Mc Carron went close with a volley for Lagan at the start of the second half and Philip Doran had a shot well blocked. Travis Crawford then had a header cleared off the line. The introduction of Anthony Bogle pepped up Convoy and he shot narrowly wide from distance.
Lagan got their second when Philip Doran charged down the keeper’s clearance and knocked home the rebound. Ryan Mc Gee went close for Lagan before Convoy pulled a goal back. Lagan were caught with too many players up the field and Convoy countered. Ryan Carlin put a great ball across and Eunan Kelly finished well. That was to be the last real action of the game.
Referee: Con Mc Laughlin.
Group B
Lifford Celtic 0 v 6 Castlefin Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE
Season 2022/’23
Fixtures Week 4
Monday12th September 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Letterkenny Area Group A
Fanad United v Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. (K.O. 6 p.m.)
Tuesday 13th September 2022
Brian Mc Cormick Cup
Gweedore Area Group A
Glenea United v Gweedore Celtic (K.O. 7.30 p.m.) An Screban
Saturday 17th September 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Voodoo Venue Cup
Area 1
Glencar Celtic v Milford United Reserves
Ramelton Mariners v Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Swilly Rovers Reserves v Cranford United Reserves
Area 2
Donegal Town Reserves v Copany Rovers
Fintown Harps AFC v St. Catherines Reserves
Area 3
Dunlewey Celtic v Strand Rovers
Glenea United Reserves v Keadue Rovers Reserves
Area 4
Cappry Rovers Reserves v Ballybofey United Reserves
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves v Oldtown Celtic
Kildrum Tigers Reserves v Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Sunday 18th September 2022 K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United v St. Catherines
Cappry Rovers v Rathmullan Celtic
Castlefin Celtic v Kilmacrennan Celtic
Fanad United v Kildrum Tigers
Glenea United v Keadue Rovers
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal v Swilly Rovers
Donegal Town v Raphoe Town
Drumkeen United v Milford United
Gweedore Celtic v Letterkenny Rovers
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. v Letterbarrow Celtic
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United v Whitestrand United
Cranford United v Lifford Celtic
Curragh Athletic v Lagan Harps
Deele Harps v Gweedore United
Drumoghill F.C. v Dunkineely Celtic