Here are all of the results and match reports from this week’s Donegal Women’s League football action.
Monday 13th May 2024 18:30
Under 12
Group 1
Illistrin 1 – 1 Lagan Harps
It was a very even game with both teams creating a number of chances in an end to end game. Goalscorer for Illistrin was Makenna Doherty and Emily McMahon scored for Lagan.
Ballyraine Harps 3 – 0 Bonagee United
Ballyraine U12 girls made it three wins in a row in the league with a solid victory against a battling Bonagee side at Orchard Grove on Monday evening. After a very evenly matched opening 15 minutes the home side got the breakthrough when Maria Wenelska latched onto a throw in from Cleo Sweeney to cut in from the left wing and beat the keeper at her near post. Shortly after the restart Wenelska scored her second after a fine through ball from Hanna Carty. Bonagee never gave up chasing the game, but the Ballyraine rearguard, marshalled by Cora Lannon has been very miserly of late. Hanna Carty eventually put matters beyond doubt with 10 minutes remaining delivering a fine finish after a clever through ball from Millie Toland.
Group 2
Letterbarrow Celtic Youths – Cappry Rovers A (Cappry Win)
Donegal Town 2 – 1 Drumbar United A
Group 3
Kildrum Tigers 1 – Drumkeen United
It was a big night for the Kildrum girls as it was their first competitive game in the Donegal Women’s League, and a great game it was, against an equally matched Drumkeen side. Drumkeen got off to a flying start and took the lead after 2 mins with a goal from Dumkeen’s Aimee Mc Ginty. Kildrum were straight on the attack with Evie Gallagher crossing a great ball to Molly Toland who had a fast run with the ball and found the back of the net after just 6 mins bringing the game level at 1–1. Both teams worked hard with lots of goal opportunities in the first half with Kildrum dominating the final few minutes but no one could get the break to take the lead. Score at half time 1-1. Drumkeen came out strong in the second half and put Kildrum’s defence under pressure. Kildrums Abaigh Bovaird and Emily Toland were outstanding in Kildrum’s defence and did not let Drumkeen get the breakthrough they wanted. On the 49th minute Kildrum came close to taking the lead when Molly Toland found a path through Dumkeen’s defence and got a shot away only to be denied by the post. Both defences were solid throughout the game and backed up by great goalkeeping from Kildrum’s Alana Hannigan and Drumkeen’s Erin Doherty. Keeping the final score at 1-1. A very entertaining game by two well matched teams who battled from start to finish. Stand out player was Abaigh Bovaird in Kildrum’s defence. Well done to all the girls and congratulations to Kildrum on their first ever competitive game.
Raphoe Town 0 – 1 Convoy Arsenal
A competitive game played in great spirits as both teams battled hard in the wet conditions. There was nothing to separate the teams at half time with both teams trying to find the breakthrough but it was defences on top. Convoy started the 2nd half much brighter with Raphoe Goalkeeper Emily Craig producing 2 topclass saves to keep the game level. Midway through the second half Rihea Park finally made the breakthrough. After a great solo run she finished well into the net. Raphoe pushed for the equaliser in the final minutes but the Convoy defence stood firm. Thanks to Gavin Doherty for refereeing.
Group 4
Keadue Rovers 5-0 Dunfanaghy Youths
Dunfanaghy were the visitors to Keadue on a very wet evening and despite the conditions, both teams served up a treat for the large crowd in attendance. Keadue set the early tempo and put the visitors defence under pressure from the off and on 4 minutes took the lead when Ayva Boyle played a superb through ball to Ciara Gallagher and she found the net with an excellent finish. Keadue kept hunting for a 2nd goal but Dunfanaghy had good numbers in defence and with their keeper in fine form they were keeping Keadue out. On 14 mins however Keadue went 2 ahead when after a series of corners, a corner went to Ayva Boyle at the edge of the box and she scored a stunning volley past the keeper. Keadue stayed well on top for the rest of the 1st half but in the last few minutes Dunfanaghy had 2 great chances that were brilliantly saved by Robyn Duffy in the Keadue goals. Into the 2nd half and the rain was incessant but both teams kept battling away. Keadue struck again on 37 mins when Ciara Gallagher lobbed the keeper with a fine finish. It was harsh on Dunfanaghy but they kept plugging away and forced a few corners of their own and again Duffy in goals had to make 2 more saves. On 45mins Keadue went 4 ahead when following a brilliant move Shauna McGovern struck home from a tight angle. On 55 mins Lena O Donnell raced clear and expertly beat the keeper to make it 5-0. Both teams made numerous subs in the 2nd half but the intensity and quality never dropped despite the atrocious weather and referee Sean O Donnell kept the game flowing.
Gweedore United A 4 – 1 Gweedore Celtic
In atrocious conditions for football at the psg pitch, the home team took the lead after 10 minutes after a good move down the wing with Lucy Doohan putting Erin Ferry, Ferry pulled it back for Àine Mangan who hit a screamer from 20 yards into the top corner. Lucy Doohan added a second after a good save from the keeper but Lucy reacted quickly to tap in the goal. Celtic were awarded a Free after a pass back and they hit the crossbar from 8 yards after that Lucy added number 3. Celtic was awarded a penalty when the defender handballed in the box, Nell Green made no mistake for the spot to make it 3-1. Celtic was pushing hard for a goal but utd caught them on the break to make the game safe with Lucy Doohan completing her hat-trick to make it 4-1. Poor conditions but a great performance from both teams.
Group 5
Mulroy Academy 3 – 1 Glenree
The wet conditions didn’t dampen spirits in Trialough this evening where Mulroy & Glenree played out a very entertaining game. Mulroys Alice Gibbons continued her remarkable goalscoring start to the season scoring all three goals to record her hattrick. It was two very good team performances with Gibbons’ clinical finishing ultimately proving the difference between the teams.
Milford United – Kilmacrennan Celtic (Kilmacrennan win)
Milford started brighter but Kilmacrennan soon took foothold of the game when they took the lead halfway through the first half. They stormed into a 5 nil lead by half time. Milford goalkeeper came off at half time with an injury and it wasn’t long before Kilmacreanan took advantage and got more goals in the second half. Milford kept trying until the end and never gave up missing a host of chances. They failed to score and the match finished with a win to Kilmacrennan.
Group 6
Cappry Rovers B 0 – 0 Ballyraine Celtic
In very wet conditions Cappry B team welcomed Ballyraine Celtic to the Finn Valley Centre. A very well matched game with the 3 goalies doing an excellent job. Both teams had plenty of chances but it was not to be for either side. Some excellent performances by all girls in both teams and ended in a 0 – 0 draw.
Drumbar United B – Gweedore United B (Drumbar Win)
Letterkenny Rovers – Finn Valley (Finn Valley win)
Finn Valley were quick of the mark scoring five goals in the first half through Hannah Brown. Emily McMenamin and a hattrick by Saoirse McMenamin. Chloe Strain pulled one back for Rovers before Chloe Kee, Niamh Long and Hannah Brown scored for Valley in the second half.
Friendlies
Swilly Rovers 2 – 5 Letterkenny Rovers
Swilly Rovers FC U12 Girls had a nice run out against Letterkenny Rovers FC U12 last night at Swilly Park. Letterkenny started quick with 3 quick goals from C McBrearty and Swilly had left a little work for themselves to do but they got stuck in and started to play some nice football. Ella Coyle again got on the scoresheet for Swilly with a well taken goal, soon after having one ruled out for offside. Into halftime with plenty of changes and Letterkenny grabbed another through S. Graham. Not to be outdone though Swilly came back into the game and Ella grabbed another. McBrearty soon grabbed another though to put the fame out of reach after a number of Swilly efforts didn’t quite make it past the posts. Thanks to Matthew Hull for officiating a good friendly game.
Under 14
Glenree 0 – 5 Mulroy Academy
On Monday evening it was the U14’s ladies turn to welcome their Mulroy Bay neighbours. It was an evenly contested game throughout the opening stages of the first half with Glenree coming close on opening the scoring on 15mins when Aoibhe McGettigan got herself into a great position but her effort just missed the target. Mulroy then started to ask too many questions off the home team and they succumbed to the pressure when Aisling Duffy latched onto a well timed pass. The Glenree girls panicked a little and a defensive miscommunication resulted in Mulroy doubling their tally through Ainé Doherty. Another goal on the stroke of halftime from Amy McAteer when she took her chance well from outside the box and chipped the keeper. A well taken goal. The second half began again with end to end play and Aimee Bassett controlled the right wing and most of Glenree’s play was coming from those channels. Emily B played well in defence and the tireless running of our front two of Coyle & Duffy and then McCloskey & O’Doherty gave us some positives to be happy but it wasn’t to be the girls’ day. A much-improved Glenree performance and it’s Illistrn’s turn to visit Sheephaven Bay on Friday. Player of the match was Aimee Bassett.
Wednesday 15th May 2024 18:30
Under 16
Group 1
Raphoe Town 3 – 0 Letterkenny Rovers
Erin O Donnell, Cassie Tinney and Molly McGroarty all on the scoresheet as the U16 girls secure 3 nil win over Letterkenny Rovers.
Ballyraine – Lagan Harps (Ballyraine win)
There were goals galore at Orchard Grove including 5 in the first 15 minutes. Both sides fielded a lot of energetic under 14 players and the game was end to end from start to finish. Claragh Gallagher put Lagan in the lead after 5 minutes then Ballyraine equalised through Clodagh Patton. Gallagher put Lagan back in the lead shortly after before Patton equalised for the second time. Ballyraine scored through Nicole Lynch and Maria McKinney and took a healthy lead into the second half. Both sides made a lot of changes throughout the match with all of the girls getting game time. In the second half Ballyraine scored again with two from Eedaoin Kennedy, one from Grace McGlynn and one from Lucy Fabisiak. Thanks to referee Michael Dunnion.
Group 2
Finn Valley 2 – 2 Drumbar United
On a lovely evening Finn Valley WFC hosted Drumbar Utd. After a very even first half, both teams created chances and the score line read 0-0 at the break. Straight after kickoff for the second half Drumbar played the ball out wide and Michaela Hannafin scored a great goal from the edge of the box into the far corner of the net. Finn Valley kept battling but the Drumbar defence held firm. Then Sarah Colhoun broke through the Finn Valley defence and was taken down inside the box and she stepped up and scored the resulting penalty to make it 2-0. Finn Valley made it 2-1 when Rachel Harron scored from a corner with a mix up in the Drumbar defence. And in the dying minutes Finn Valleys Mia McMullan latched onto a through ball and broke through the tough Drumbar defence and put the ball past the keeper into the net to make it 2-2. Great team performances from both teams. Referee Seamus McGrory
Group 3
Milford United – Illistrin (Illistrin win)
Mulroy Academy 1 – 0 Gweedore United
On an evening of unpredictable weather, the outcome of the u16 girls battle with Gweedore United remained uncertain until the final whistle. The ever-changing conditions mirrored the back-and-forth battle on the field, keeping both teams and supporters on edge until the very end. The first half ended scoreless with both teams having their chances only for some excellent goal keeping from both sides with both keepers alert and quick off their lines commanding their areas. Mary-Bridget pulled off a great save at a vital time in the game as Gweedore were starting to take control of the game. It took until the 35th minute in the second half to break the deadlock when Meabh Sweeney played an inch perfect pass for Úna Sweeney to latch onto and her powerful strike took the ball over the head of the advancing Gweedore keeper who will be disappointed as she did get her hands to it but could only watch as the ball crossed the line. Mulroy’s defence worked hard all evening to keep Gweedore out with Kaycie, Erin Logue, Ava, Aideen-Marie and Eabha when introduced all in top form. Aishling Duffy had another great game in midfield cutting out a lot of Gweedore plays. Amy, Ellie, Erin Carlin and Annalee worked hard creating space and had some lung busting runs to assist Úna up top. Much relief for the Mulroy coach Syria as the girls lined up to shake hands at the end, that no injuries had been picked up, as seven of these girls join forces with their Donegal Women’s League teammates on Sunday in Kilkenny for their InterLeague All Ireland Final.
Friday 17th May 2024 18:30
Under 14
Group 1
Letterkenny Rovers – Donegal Town B (Letterkenny Rovers Win)
Aisling McGinley and Faye Casburn opened the scoring for Rovers, Isla McShane responded and pressured the defender pull one back for Donegal Town. Rovers got another two goals before half time through Amy Moore and Laila Devenney.
Aoibhinn McLaughlin and Gaye Casburn scored for Rovers in the second half.
Lagan Harps 1 – 2 Raphoe Town
Raphoe came out on top after a breathtaking end to the game, which was reversed to Raphoe. Thd first half was scrappy with few chances. Raphoe took the lead on 23 minutes when Cara O’Connell broke down the right and drive a powerful shot past Ciara Cullen. Lagan’s only real effort was a good effort from distance from Sinead McLoughlin but Layla Kelly held on to it well. Raphoe were on top at the start of the second half with Skyler Murtagh and Brooke Johnston on top in midfield. Lily Rose Doherty and Cara O’Connell were a constant threat. Cara O’Connell then put Raphoe 2-0 up with another good finish on 41 minutes. With nothing to lose, Lagan then threw the kitchen sink at it. Ella Sharkey replaced Ciara Cullen in midfield and Ciara added a new dimension to the Lagan attack. Lagan got a goal back on 41 minutes when Emily Mc Mahon scored with a great angled effort. From then to the end both teams attacked flat out as the game exploded to life. Ciara got on the end of a couple of great crosses from Clodagh Kavanagh but was denied by Lylah Kelly. Lylah then pulled off a brilliant save to push over an effort from Mikaela Breen. Raphoe then broke clear twice but couldn’t find the target. Jodie Rodgers then looked certain to score for Lagan but was denied by another great save. The final whistle brought a great game to an end. Referee John Duffy deserved a lot of credit for letting the game flow.
Bonagee United 2 – 1 Ballyraine
It was a local derby at Dry Arch Park with Bonagee hosting Ballyraine. Both teams started strong with a corner swung in by Grace McGlynn which was cleared off the line by Ruby Sheridan. Bonagee grew into the game with chances from Isla Larkin and Ellen Temple saved by the Ballyraine shot stopper Aine McDaid who was excellent throughout the evening along with her defence particularly Aoife Kenna. Bonagee’s pressure paid off on the twenty fifth minute mark when Tara McDaid’s shot beat the keeper. After halftime Ballyrine came flying out of the gates continuing to press the Bonagee defence and got their reward when Grace McGlynn pulled the ball back to Eadaoin Kennedy who made no mistake in front of goal. Both teams were determined to find a winner with neither team settling for a draw. Ballyraine came close when a long ball into the box was superbly tipped away by the Bonagee keeper Sarah Peoples. Bonagee continued to be put under pressure by the Ballyarine attack led by Eadaoin Kennedy and Grace McGlynn but the defence of Shannon Sibbald, Kayla Watson, Lillygrace Harvey and Ruby Sheridan stood strong. The game looked like it was heading for a draw but Tara McDaid got on the end of an Ava Harkin cross and found the bottom corner in the last minute of normal time. Ballyraine still didn’t lay down and pressed in added time but the midfield duo of Isla Larkin and Kate Gillespie ensured that Bonagee seen out the game. A great game was put on show and a special thanks to the man in the middle referee Marty McGarrigle who let the game flow excellently.
Group 2
Finn Valley 5 – 0 Convoy Arsenal
On a great evening for football, Finn Valley WFC faced Convoy Arsenal in a local derby. Finn Valley started the better and a great strike from Kyra Gavigan put them one up in the first 10mins. Sarah Campbell with her 1st of the night made it 2 after great work on the wing from Ella Oduku. Convoy were always dangerous on the break and battled very hard throughout. Ella Oduku got Valley’s 3rd with a good finish after a strong run. Campbell got the 4th and 5th of the night and the match ball to go with it for her hat-trick! Credit to the Convoy girls for some lovely football and a special mention to their keeper who made a fantastic double save in the 1st half. Thanks to George Clinton for refereeing a very sporting game.
Drumbar United 1 – 4 St Catherines
Donegal Town A 1 – 2 Cappry Rovers
Well done to both teams on a great game of football on a very warm evening.
Donegal Town had a 1 nil lead at half time with a good finish from Roisin Hegarty. Cappry had a few chances on goal in the first half with some fine saves from Eve. Cappry scored twice in the second half to win the game, their first goal a good finish from Alison and their 2nd goal a brilliant free kick from Megan Doherty. Excellent displays of football from both teams.
Group 3
Gweedore Celtic 3 – 1 Keadue Rovers
Glenea United – Dunfanaghy Youths (Glenea win)
Both teams started well this evening. The break came on the tenth minute when Shauna Doohan finished well after great work from Jenny. Dunfanaghy kept their shape well as Glenea were unable to break them until the 25th minute when Katie Coyle and Shauna Doohan worked well down the right hand side to find Jenny in the box who found the back of the net. 5 minutes later, Shauna found space to drive into and crossed the ball to Jenny who again finished well. Jenny was taken down in the box early in the second half and was awarded a penalty, she made no mistake to complete her hatrick. Aoife Meehan came close from outside the box but the ball went just over the bar. Sarah Coyle was awarded a penalty, the Dunfanaghy keeper pulled off an amazing save to give them a boost. It was Sarah Coyle who got the next goal for Glenea after good work from Minnie Coyle and Cáit Doogan. With 3 minutes left Jenny added another and to conclude the scoring Lucy Doohan hit the back of the net after a brilliant through ball from Cáit. Best for Glenea on the night was Shauna Doohan who was inspirational in the middle and Cáit Doogan who showed some great skill in the second half.
Group 4
Glenree – Illistrin (Illistrin Win)
Mulroy Academy 5 – 0 Milford United
Kilmacrennan Celtic – Swilly Rovers (Kilmacrennan win)
Kilmacrennan hosted neighbours Swilly Rovers on a fine evening for football. Swilly had the better of the early exchanges until Grainne Friel headed in the first of her 4 goals for Kilmac following a Cate Cameron corner. Grainne Friel followed up with a second five minutes later from close range. Kilmac lead 2-0 at half time. Swilly Rovers started the second half well but the on fire Friel stuck for her 3rd before Katelyn Fay added another for Kilmacrennan latching on to another Cate Cameron assist. Jorjamae McGroarty scored a fantastic individual goal following a mazy dribbling run. Grainne Friel finished off with the last goal, capping a great Kilmacrennan performance and move up to second in the table.