It’s back with a bang.
The Donegal League season kicked off again this weekend with action from al divisions.
League PRO Gary Foy was again flat-out getting us all the reports, results and fixtures.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Bonagee United 2 v 0 Gweedore United
This was a very one sided match and the home team should have taken the lead on eight minutes when a Jordan Armstrong cross into the box fell to Dean Larkin but his strike at goal was saved by the goalkeeper. On fifteen minutes Aaron Wasson sent in a great cross from the right and Aiden Mc Laughlin headed over from five yards. Two minutes later Wasson again sent a cross into the box but Mc Laughlin saw his strike from ten yards go wide of the post. The visitor’s first chance came on the half hour, a strike from twenty-five yards from Stephen Mc Fadden that went just over the bar. Oran Craig in the visitor’s goal was in fine form and made two good saves from close range from Armstrong on thirty-two minutes and Wasson on thirty-eight. Dean Larkin saw his header hit the visitor’s crossbar from a Wasson cross on forty minutes. The visitors started to second half well and Roulston in the home goal had to make a good save from a Cian Gallagher strike from the edge of the box on fifty minutes. Two minutes later the home team took the lead when a Jordan Armstrong free kick went in at the back post. The home team had plenty of chances but the visitor’s keeper was in great form to deny Dean Larkin on the hour and Coady Brogan on sixty-five minutes. The home team got their second on eighty minutes when Wasson broke down the left an his cross into the box was headed home from six yards by Dean Larkin. Ciaran Mc Fadden saw his shot from the edge of the box on eight seven minutes just go wide of the post. Team efforts from both sides. Referee: Colm Mc Conigley.
Saturday 2nd September
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United P v P Cappry Rovers Reserves
(No Report, Match Postponed)
Fintown Harps AFC 0 v 3 Donegal Town Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Keadue Rovers Reserves 4 v 0 Glenea United Reserves
On a fine day for football at Central Park, Keadue had most of the chances in the first half after starting the game well. As the game started to settle Glenea came more into it, creating a couple of decent chances. Keadue finally got the first goal of the game, a fine strike from Oran Gallagher. Just before half time Keadue scored again. A fine goal from Aidan “Yank” Boyle. It was 2-0 to Keadue at half time. The second half both Keadue and Glenea started lively but it was the home side who managed to find the net, adding another brace to complete an opening day 4-0 victory over a hard-working Glenea side.
Oldtown Celtic 5 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
Oldtown enjoyed a fine win in the sun at Letterkenny Community Centre on the opening day of the season against a young and spirited Kilmacrennan side. Oldtown took the lead when Micheal Doherty finished a great team move. They soon added a 2nd when Moe Friel headed home from a Luke Nelis corner. Kilmacrennan tried hard to get back into the game but were unable to find a way. Oldtown added a 3rd when Kevin Mc Grath finished after some fine footwork from Sean Cleary. Into the second half and Kilmacrennan came out to try to find a way into the game but the Oldtown defence was well marshalled to keep them at bay. Oldtown added a 4th when new singing ‘Lennon’ broke through and finished. Kilmacrennan did get a goal when Ciaran Mc Cabe capitalised on a mistake at the back to chip the Keeper. Sean Cleary sealed the win with a 5th goal for Oldtown.
St. Catherines Reserves 3 v 2 Glencar Celtic
St Catherines got off to an ideal start to the season with a well-deserved win over Glencar. The away side took the lead in the 20th minute when Pajo Rafferty latched onto a long clearance by John Paul Doran to slide the ball past Ki Briers. Shortly afterwards St Catherines came close to equalising with a fine shot by Daniel Keeney and three minutes later they got a deserved equaliser when Paul “Feet” Murrin took a pass from Josh Cunningham to round the keeper and score. Cunningham got on the scoresheet himself a minute before half time, shooting low into the corner from the edge of the six-yard box to give the home side the lead. The Saints took the initiative in the second half and went 3-1 up when Josh Cunningham set up Feet Murrin to score from close range. Glencar had several half chances but it was the home side who came closest to increasing the lead when a fine shot from distance by Jamie Elliott came back off the bar. Glencar battled hard and got a consolation goal in injury time with a close-range effort by Tarlach O’Boyle.
Once again St Catherines centre half Aaron Byrne was outstanding in defence with fine performances from James Callan and Nathan Maxwell. Pajo Rafferty was best for Glencar. Referee: John Mc Glanaghey
Strand Rovers 1 v 1 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
What a glorious day for the start of the 2023/2024 season. Tensions were high in the first 10 minutes with multiple game stoppages due to referee Con Mc Laughlin laying down the strict new rules regarding subs on the sidelines. The home side were the first to get on the score-sheet on 15 minutes when the ball came up the wing to Cian Mc Gee who swung it into the box and it hit off the post and bounced over the line. The game continued at a good fast pace with a few good chances for either side. The equaliser came in the 44th minute when, after good play out the right wing, the ball was played into the middle and Kildrum’s left-back Reece Duncan scored. They went in level at the break. There were few chances created in the second half with two frees from just outside the box for Strand Rovers been the highlights but neither found the target. An effort from Cian Mc Gee made the visiting keeper pull off an impressive save.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves 0 v 3 Swilly Rovers Reserves
In what was an entertaining first-half, neither side could find an opening goal and they went into the interval scoreless. Swilly went ahead when the ball wasn’t cleared from the Ballybofey defensive lines and added to their lead when again Ballybofey failed to clear the danger from a corner-kick. There was no element of good fortune about the third Swilly goal however as a brilliant strike from long-range saw them take a three goal advantage that they never looked likely to relinquish. A tale of two halves and three opening day points for the men from Ramelton.
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 0 v 1 Drumbar United
On a glorious afternoon to kick off the Donegal junior league season Drumbar welcomed Castlefin Reserves for their Division Two opener. Drumbar started quickest of the two sides and within 7 minutes Drumbar Captain Daniel Bennett scored the only goal of the game finishing well at the front post from a corner.
After the Drumbar opener Castlefin grew into the game and were unlucky not to score from their own set piece with and effort coming off the crossbar which was quickly dealt with by the Drumbar defence. Drumbar held out to lead 1-0 at the break. As the game wore on both sides were cancelling each other out, with Drumbar having more of the clear-cut chances to kill the game. Castlefin were unlucky not to find a leveller they felt they would have deserved only for Drumbar stopper Oisin Burke making an excellent one-on-one save to keep a well-earned and hard fought clean sheet for a superb team victory on the first day.
Copany Rovers 1 v 1 Ramelton Mariners
(No Report Submitted)
Dunlewey Celtic 2 v 0 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Dunlewey welcomed Drumoghill to Glentornan Park in lovely sunny conditions for a league opener that turned out to be a tightly contested affair. The game kicked off with both sides looking to start strongly and create the early chances. There were chances for either side in the opening stages but nothing clear cut. The Drumoghill keeper was called into action, pulling off a fantastic save from a Joseph Devenney free kick so they went in to the interval level. The second half started much the same but Dunlewey started to grab hold of the game and created the better chances and were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Joseph Devenney broke the deadlock for the hosts, nodding in at the back post after a great delivery from Paul Coll. Dunlewey then had another chance when Brendan Mc Geady rattled the crossbar and was inches from doubling the hosts lead. Drumoghill stayed in the game and pressed hard for an equaliser but Dunlewey wrapped up the points when Eamonn Mc Bride fed debutant Ciarán Ward who rounded the keeper and finished well. A good first win of the season for Dunlewey Celtic.
Milford United Reserves 2 v 0 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Erne Wanderers 4 v 2 Lagan Harps Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Fanad United Reserves 3 v 0 Drumkeen United Reserves
Fanad United overcame Drumkeen United 3-0 in the opening Finn Travel Saturday Division One fixture of the season. The game was played in glorious conditions and it was an entertaining game from start to finish. The first chance of the game fell to Darren Lynch who shot just wide of the Drumkeen post on 10 minutes. In the 17th minute, Dylan Mc Bride sent a lovely cross into the box but Dylan Mc Glone just failed to find a finishing touch. Fanad continued to apply pressure and in the 25th minute a Cormac Sweeney cross was met by Dylan Mc Bride but his back heel was brilliantly saved by Drumkeen keeper Evan Higgins. Fanad’s pressure paid off in the 35th minute when Cormac Sweeney’s excellent cross was met by Dylan Mc Bride who headed home. As half time approached, Daibhid Lynch’s superb effort from 25 yards crashed off the crossbar. In the 50th minute Fanad struck the crossbar again when Darren Lynch rose highest from a Dylan Mc Glone corner but his header struck the bar. Five minutes later Fanad extended their lead. A Drumkeen defender was penalised for a hand ball in the box and Darren Lynch despatched the ball into the corner. On the hour mark Fanad got their 3rd. Dylan Mc Bride chased down a long ball and his cross into the box was tapped in by Keelan Kerr at the back post. Drumkeen did have a chance to get a goal back in the 65th when Jason Mc Daid went on a brilliant run but he was unable to keep his shot down. In the final minutes Cormac Sweeney showed great skill to evade his marker in the box but his shot was well blocked by Evan Higgins. Referee: Trevor Hey
Gweedore United Reserves 2 v 8 Bonagee United Reserves
In the opening half, it was a case of Bonagee converting their chances and the home side missing theirs. In the first minute Ricky Guntrip made it 1-0 with a tap in from close range. In the 8th minute the visitors doubled their lead when Aaron Wasson finished with a good shot. Steven Mulhern and Seighan O’ Baoill had chances to pull one back for the home side but they were unlucky on each occasion. In the 17th minute Caoimhin Lynch made it 2-1 with an excellent shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards. Another shot from Seighan O’ Baoill went narrowly wide in the 25th minute. There was very little between the sides, however, two goals before half time by Caolan Mc Garrigle made it 4-1 at the break leaving the home side with a mountain to climb after the restart. The visitors were awarded their second penalty and the home side were reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute. Mc Garrigle converted to complete his hat-trick. Padraig Doyla Mc Fadden pulled one back for Gweedore with an excellent free kick into the top corner to make it 5-2. Bonagee added a further 3 goals with Ricky Guntrip getting two and Ultan Mc Mullan getting the 8th to make it 8-2 at full time. While it was a tough first outing for the home side, they can build on the positives, with Frank Mc Gee, Ownie Gallagher, Shaun Doherty and Caoimhin Lynch playing well on the day. It was a good team display from a youthful Bonagee side. Referee: Rory O’Gorman.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 2 v 3 Lagan Harps
Lagan will consider themselves lucky to come away with three points from a game Convoy dominated in the second half. Lagan got off to a great start when Dylan Mc Elhinney’s powerful headed clearance was finished to the net by Kenny Doran. Convoy equalised on seven minutes when James Wilson powered home a header from a corner. In Lagan’s next attack Taylor Cassidy had an effort from the edge of the area which was well saved. Convoy took the lead when the Lagan defence failed to deal with a cross and Jamie O’Donnell finished well. Lagan responded with Marty Brogan having a shot well saved and a Dylan Mc Elhinney overhead kick clipping the crossbar. Lagan equalised just before the break when Emmett Tourish went on a run from the back before finding Kenny Doran who scored with a powerful shot from the edge of the area. Convoy dominated the second half with Lagan struggling to get any attacks going. Against the run of play Lagan took the lead on seventy minutes. A wicked cross from Eamonn Cannon was sliced into the net by an unfortunate defender. Convoy continued to press and were awarded a penalty in the final minutes. Michael Toner saved Anthony Bogle’s effort and Lagan held on for the points. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle.
Sunday 3rd September 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Rathmullan Celtic 0 v 2 Fanad United
(No Report Submitted)
Gweedore Celtic 0 v 2 St. Catherines
(No Report Submitted)
Kildrum Tigers 2 v 0 Keadue Rovers
A tight encounter at Station Road played in fantastic conditions, both teams went in at half time with the scores level. Darryl Brown put Kildrum ahead 15 minutes into the second half when he ran through on goal and slotted home nicely. Keadue pushed forward in reply to the first goal and in David Ward produced several dangerous crosses but the away side couldn’t convert. Kildrum got a penalty with 20 minutes remaining as Corey Mc Bride was brought down. Matt Crossan converted to double the home side’s advantage. Keadue pushed and tried hard, Mark Forker ever present trying to dictate play but it was the home side who collected all 3 points at Station Road.
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 v 0 Castlefin Celtic
Kilmacrennan started new season with a good home win against Castlefin at Letterkenny Community Centre. They took lead on 18 minutes when Michael Mc Laughlin headed home from close range from a super Rory Mc Grenra cross. Mc Grenra then delivered another sublime cross on 39 minutes to Sam Harvey who calmly slotted home at the back post. Kilmacrennan went in at the break 2-0 up. The 2nd half was evenly matched and both sides having chances. On 70 minutes Kilmacrennan secured the points when a Caolan Curran cross into box was headed into his own net by Castlefin defender. Best for Kilmacrennan were Sam Harvey, Rory Mc Grenra and Caolan Curran and it was a team effort from Castlefin. Referee: Vincent Mc Laughlin
Swilly Rovers 3 v 0 Milford United
Swilly Rovers got off to a winning start on Sunday at Swilly Park. On 9 minutes Conor Gormley put a free kick over the bar from close range. Tyler Durning had his shot well saved by Mc Gettigan in the Milford net on 15 minutes. After 20 minutes Tyler Durning floated a ball into the box that went narrowly wide of the far post. On 27 minutes Adam Salhi but in a cross that was met by Corey Mc Cahill who headed over the bar. Conor Gormley had his strike from outside the box well saved by Mc Gettigan in the Milford goal on 30 minutes. In the 33rd minute Matthew McLaughlin had a strike well saved by Mc Gettigan. Swilly took the lead in the 37th minute with a Kyle Black penalty. Swilly got their second after some great football, Matthew Mc Laughlin’s left footed cross into the box found Corey Mc Cahill who finished from close range.
Swilly led 2-0 at half-time. Ciaran Kelly hit the bar midway through the second half. Ian Ward got Swilly’s 3rd with 4 minutes remaining after Mc Laughlin played a great through ball to Kyle Black who cut it back and Ward finished well.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cappry Rovers 1 v 1 Cranford United
This game played in the Finn Valley Centre and the home side had a few early chances. Cappry were reduced to 10 men in the middle of the first half. Cappry opened the scoring in the second half through Alan Gethins. Cappry went close to doubling their lead. Cranford got level with 10 minutes to go. Cappry had a penalty claim turned down in the last minute.
Donegal Town 5 v 0 Letterbarrow Celtic
Donegal Town welcomed neighbours Letterbarrow to a lovely day in the Hospital Field. John Leonard made an outstanding save from captain Eoin Slevin from the penalty spot and earlier tipped one over the bar from Joe Campbell. In the second half Donegal Town scored through a great Campbell strike and goals followed from Ronan Mc Hugh, Ben Sweeney, Declan Duignan and Mark Jordan. To good team performances with John Leonard outstanding in the Barrow’ net. Referee: George Clinton.
Glenea United 1 v 2 Letterkenny Rovers
A youthful Glenea side welcomed Letterkenny Rovers to Pairc Joe for the opening game of the season.
The visitors took the lead on 5 minutes when Leon Doherty’s volley was deflected past Joe Coll. Glenea had a good chance on 20 minutes when Carragher Friel’s excellent through ball put Seamus Doogan through
on goal with his shot going just past the post. Glenea got their equaliser on the half hour when Mc Bride’s Cross was met by the Head of Calvin Murray giving Bryan Da Costa no chance in the Rover’s goal. Rovers got their second in the 65th minute when Nathan Plumb headed home a Zach Gorman cross. Rovers were reduced to 10 men when Joel Gorman saw red for a challenge on Cathal Mc Geever. Glenea pushed hard to equalise but it ended in a Rover’s victory. Referee: Alister Gourley
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Drumkeen United 0 v 6 Ballybofey United
Drumkeen welcomed neighbours Ballybofey to St. Patrick’s Park on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon.
Unfortunately for the home team the weather was the only positive thing to take from the game. Drumkeen never really got into it and found themselves four goals behind at half time. Things didn’t get much better for the hosts as Ballybofey added two more goals in the second half. Daithí Mc Mahon will be very happy with his afternoon as he bagged a hat-trick and further goals from Mark Griffin, Aaron Mc Auley and Barrie Mc Ghee secured a comprehensive victory for the visitors. Ballybofey will be delighted with a good win away from home while Drumkeen will hope to bounce back next week.
Drumoghill F.C. 3 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
(No Report, Match Postponed)
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 0 v 3 Curragh Athletic
Tough day at the office for the ‘71 with Curragh leaving Rabs Park with the three points and to be fair, fully deserving of their win. Kerrykeel were missing a lot of men today but fielded a strong 11 and hit the woodwork three times. The first half was a tight affair with both teams having chances, Andy Friel and Matt Stewart both hitting the post for Kerrykeel. Curragh took the lead 5 minutes into the second half when Yaya pounced on a slack back pass to fire home. They got their second soon afterwards when Burke fired home. Paul Gibbons then hit the post for the ‘71. It just wouldn’t go in for the home side and Curragh got their 3rd in injury time. Jamie Mc Ateer did well on his debut for the ‘71 along with Marty Mc Ateer and Shaun Patton. Referee: Con Mc Laughlin
Whitestrand United 0 v 3 Lifford Celtic
The opening game of the season took place at Mc Garvey Park when Whitestrand United took on Lifford Celtic. Both teams were evenly matched in the early stages and Whitestrand almost scored from a corner which was well saved by the Lifford keeper. Post the first water break due to the conditions Lifford began to assert their authority and Shaun Friel scored the opener from a ball over the top. The game settled and whilst Whitestrand were sometimes dangerous on the break, Lifford did have control of the game in the first half as it ended 0-1. The second half started and Whitestrand were pushing further up the pitch. Lifford scored their second from a well worked corner routine when Justin Mc Bride headed home. This was quickly followed by a cross come shot from Niall O’ Reilly that floated over the keeper’s head and into the top corner. This was the final goal and the game petered out into a 0-3 win for the visitors
Results Week 1
Friday 1st September 2023-09-02
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Bonagee United 2 v 0 Gweedore United
Saturday 2nd September
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United P v P Cappry Rovers Reserves
Fintown Harps AFC 0 v 3 Donegal Town Reserves
Keadue Rovers Reserves 4 v 0 Glenea United Reserves
Oldtown Celtic 5 v 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves
St. Catherines Reserves 3 v 2 Glencar Celtic
Strand Rovers 1 v 1 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Ballybofey United Reserves 0 v 3 Swilly Rovers Reserves
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 0 v 1 Drumbar United
Copany Rovers 1 v 1 Ramelton Mariners
Dunlewey Celtic 2 v 0 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
Milford United Reserves 2 v 0 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Erne Wanderers 4 v 2 Lagan Harps Reserves
Fanad United Reserves 3 v 0 Drumkeen United Reserves
Gweedore United Reserves 2 v 8 Bonagee United Reserves
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Convoy Arsenal 2 v 3 Lagan Harps
Sunday 3rd September 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Rathmullan Celtic 0 v 2 Fanad United
Gweedore Celtic 0 v 2 St. Catherines
Kildrum Tigers 2 v 0 Keadue Rovers
Kilmacrennan Celtic 3 v 0 Castlefin Celtic
Swilly Rovers 3 v 0 Milford United
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cappry Rovers 1 v 1 Cranford United
Donegal Town 5 v 0 Letterbarrow Celtic
Glenea United 1 v 2 Letterkenny Rovers
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Drumkeen United 0 v 6 Ballybofey United
Drumoghill F.C. 3 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 0 v 3 Curragh Athletic
Whitestrand United 0 v 3 Lifford Celtic
Fixtures Week 2
Saturday 9th September K.O. 1p.m. (Unless Stated)
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Cappry Rovers Reserves v St. Catherines Reserves
Donegal Town Reserves v Strand Rovers
Glencar Celtic v Oldtown Celtic
Glenea United Reserves v Arranmore United
Kildrum Tigers Reserves v Keadue Rovers Reserves
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves v Fintown Harps AFC
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Drumbar United v Dunlewey Celtic
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves v Ballybofey United Reserves
Gweedore Celtic Reserves v Cranford United Reserves
Ramelton Mariners v Milford United Reserves
Swilly Rovers Reserves v Copany Rovers
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Bonagee United Reserves v Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
Drumkeen United Reserves v Gweedore United Reserves
Lagan Harps Reserves v Fanad United Reserves
Sunday 10th September 2023
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Castlefin Celtic v Gweedore Celtic
Fanad United v Kilmacrennan Celtic
Keadue Rovers v Rathmullan Celtic
Milford United v Kildrum Tigers
St. Catherines v Swilly Rovers
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Cranford United v Glenea United
Gweedore United v Donegal Town
Lagan Harps v Cappry Rovers
Letterbarrow Celtic v Convoy Arsenal
Letterkenny Rovers v Bonagee United
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Ballybofey United v Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.
Curragh Athletic v Whitestrand United
Dunkineely Celtic v Drumkeen United
Lifford Celtic v Deele Harps
Raphoe Town v Drumoghill F.C.