It was another busy and exciting week in the Donegal Women’s League.
Senior Ladies
Raphoe Town 2 – 3 Letterkenny Rovers
A goal in the last minute from Ciara McGarvey saw her clinch her hat-trick and
Letterkenny Rovers steal all three points in a cracking game of football at Drumineny
this evening when our senior women played their second game of the new campaign.
Raphoe came into the game on the back of a big defeat last week while Rovers had a
big win over Cockhill, but things were much more evenly balanced and while the visitors
had great spells of early possession, it was the home side who carried the early threat.
Indeed, Tanya Gillen in the Rovers goal was smartly off her line on three occasions to
snuff out early Raphoe attacks as the home side went in search of an opener. Cassie
Tinney making her debut at senior level, was industrious in the midfield holding role,
giving Rachel Lawne and Vanessa McHugh the freedom to link up with wingers Lauren
O’Donnell and Sarah Jane Kelly and centre forward Orlaith Connolly.
Lucy Canning and Erin Doherty marshalled the Rovers defence superbly against that
early threat, but Raphoe finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when a Rovers
defender handled in the box and Connolly stepped up to rattle home from the spot.
The hard-working striker who had a brilliant game for the home team, might have
scored a second only to see her shot go inches wide of the post and the let off seemed
to kick Rovers into gear. A quick counter attack saw a clever ball played behind the
Raphoe defence and Ciara McGarvey raced away and steered the ball past Aimee Kelly
in the Raphoe goal.
Both teams pressed after that, but with Alannah Kee, Rocha McCullagh, Anna
McFadden and Alicia McCullagh all in fine form in the Raphoe defence, and the Rovers
back line in equally determined mood, the sides went in at the break level.
Following the break Aine O’Flanagan and Mollie McGroarty came in for their competitive
senior debuts for Raphoe and it was the home side who struck first again, this time with
a long-range effort from Lauren O’Donnell.
But once again Rovers hit back, having taken control of the game for a spell they won a
free-kick on the edge of the box that McGarvey fired into the net to tie the game once
more.
With Vanessa McHugh a constant threat for the home side they were not done however
and when she was fouled, a quick free kick was well saved by Tanya Gillen and Rachel
Lawne’s strike from the rebound flew inches past the post. There were more debuts for
the home side, Aoibhin Marley Kelly and May Hastings making appearances while
Kyomi Gillen came in to lead the attack, but just when it seemed as if the game was
heading for a draw, McGarvey raced clear once more to score a fine goal and give
Rovers the lead.
Even then Raphoe pressed again and in the dying seconds, Rocha McCullagh saw her
shot fly just wide and the visitors held on to the win in a super game well refereed by
Patrick Martin.
Under 14
Group 2
Finn Valley 3 – 0 Drumbar United
On a perfect evening for football Finn Valley came out on top with a 3-0 victory over a
strong Drumbar team. Finn Valley started well with the wind at their backs and had a
few chances before Ella Udoku gave them a 1nil lead on the 20min mark with a tidy
finish after a great through ball from Brooke Byrne. Sarah Campbell was unlucky not to
get on the score sheet after she rounded the keeper but saw her effort cleared off the
line. Valley started the second half strong and at 46 mins Udoku got her 2nd with a
super finish after a strong run through the middle. Drumbar battled bravely as they tried
to get back into the game with the Valley defence holding firm several times. Kate
McMenamin got the 3rd and final goal at 61mins with a great individual run and finish.
These 2 teams will battle again later on in the year no doubt. Thanks also to referee
Alaister Gourley for keeping the game flowing.
Under 16
Cappry U16 Ladies – Drumbar U16 Ladies (Drumbar Win)
Cappry U16 girls hosted Drumbar at the riverside pitch on Wednesday. The away side
got off to a flying start when Michaela Hannafin got in behind the Cappry defence.
Hannafin doubled the Drumbar lead shortly after with a great strike. Teagan O’Reilly and Sarah Colhoun made it four just before the break. Cappry showed spirit and forced
a number of good saves from the Drumbar goalkeeper before half time but Drumbar
defended well.Drumbar showed their dominance , Sarah Colhoun got a second and
Amy Ward scored a brace in the second half as Michaela Hannafin and Teagan O’Reilly
completed their hattricks in a dominant display .
Group 3
Illistrin 2 – 1 Keadue Rovers
Illistrin took the lead after 10 minutes when sophie mclaughlin burst through and slotted
the ball beyond the keeper- they then doubled their lead on 20 minute when Ciara Daly
hit the ball from 25 yards into the roof of the net. Keadue responded with a goal at the
start of the second half- Illistrin managed to hold on for the victory.
Under 12 30.04.2024
Group 1
Letterkenny Rovers 2 – 1 Bonagee United
Rovers hosted Bonagee U12 in a real competitive local derby. Rovers got off to a great
start with 2 early goals from Caitlin McBrearty and Scarlet Graham. Going in 2:0 at half
time. A determined Bonagee came out the second half pushing Letterkenny back
creating a number of good chances. As Bonagee pushed, Rovers nearly caught them
out on the counter attack with Savannah Keys coming close a number of times. Both
defences holding strong. In the last minute Bonagee were rewarded for their hard work
with a goal from Eabha Gribben. It’s impossible to single anyone from both teams as
every player played their part. Well done to both teams.
Lagan Harps 0 – 2 Ballyraine Harps
Two goals in the first ten minutes decided this keenly fought contest. Ballyraine started
strongly and early goals from Cassie Diffley and Maria Wenelski put them in a strong
position. Lagan struggled to get going against a physically stronger Ballyraine side. As
the half wore on they got more in it with Emily Mc Mahon and Katie Gildea combining
well on a couple of occasions. Clodagh Kavanagh started to impress in midfield. Ella
Gibson Hamlyn had a good effort but Holly Gordon dealt well with anything that came at
her. The introduction of Caoimhe Sweeney pepped up the Lagan attack and the game
went really end to end. Both keepers pulled off some top saves as the second half really
livened up. Emily Mc Mahon went close for Lagan before Caoimhe Sweeney hit the
post. Ballyraine replied at the other end with Ella Sharkey pulling off a couple of good
saves from Millie Toland and Hanna Carty. However despite some near misses there
was no further scores.
Group 5
Glenree United 0 – 3 Kilmacrennan Celtic
On a blustery night in Glenree it was Kilmacrennan that came away with the victory. The
visitors started brightly and took the lead when a shot from distance that was saved by
Abbie and the in-rushing forward finished to the net. Glenree were finding it hard getting
past the Kilmacrennan defence. Kilmacrennan doubled their lead on 20 minutes with a
good finish. Glenree had a great chance that forced a good save from the Kilmacrennan
keeper from Eilis’s shot. Erin also went close with a free kick near the end of the half.
Half time was Glenree United 0 Kilmacrennan Celtic 2. Glenree got on top in the start
of the second half and Eilis with a brilliant run forced another good save from the
keeper. A great move released Eilis and her ball across the box was meet by Erin
Caldwell and unfortunately her effort went over the bar. With Glenree committing to
attack Kilmacrennan on the break scored number three with a good finish. With another
free kick Erin again went close to scoring. So on a night that Glenree created the
chances, it was the away team that took their chances.
Swilly Rovers 1 – 3 Milford
Our Swilly Rovers u12 girls battled it out in Swilly Park this evening versus a
defensively strong Milford United . Despite a good amount of pressure, Swilly could not
find the net early on. Milford settled into the game and soon the balance of the match
began to shift from team to team. It was Milford however who made the breakthrough as
Swilly failed to clear a corner. 0-1 to Milford at half time. Milford came out fighting in the
second half and Swilly sustained a lot of pressure in the first ten minutes but managed
to break a few times but Milford defense held strong. Milford got one more after this and
then a third after a bad kick out from Swilly. Substitutions were made on both teams and
some of the younger players got their chance. Swilly kept battling and got their goal in
the end through Kiri Sweeney. Game finished 1-3.
Thanks to Kieran and all at Milford for a good game and Kevin oDonnell for officiating.
Group 6
Finn Valley B 0 – 0 Drumbar United B
The Finn Valley U11 team welcomed Drumbar for their second home game of the
season on Tuesday evening and both sides left with a point apiece after a hard fought
battle. The home side had the better of the opening exchanges with Emily McMenamin
and Niamh McNulty both going close. Khulani Mtetwa almost got her 1st goal of the
season at the start of the second half but her shot was just wide. Niamh McNulty went
close again shortly after but her shot was also just off target. At the other end Lily Ellen
Byrne reacted sharply to turn a well struck snapshot just over the bar. In the end a draw
was a fair result on the night and both teams went home happy after a good night’s
work. Thanks to Drumbar United for a great game and to John for refereeing and
encouraging the two teams throughout.
Cappry B bt Letterkenny Rovers B
Cappry under 12B team welcomed Letterkenny Rovers this evening to riverside pitch .
Some great performances by both teams and some excellent saves by Letterkenny
Rovers keeper. Cappry scorers were Abi Lyons Klara Lafferty Cayla Moy Rachel
McBride Caitlin Scanlon Tia Coyle.
Ballyraine Celtic 3 – 0 Gweedore United B
On Tuesday Ballyraine Celtic took on Gweedore United in the DWL U12B league. After
17 minutes it was Ballyraine Celtic who took the lead with a well taken goal scored by
Maisie Duffy, this was quickly followed on 22 minutes with another goal scored by Eva
O'Toole. Gweedore played well but couldn't find a way past the Ballyraine defence who
were well managed by Sophie McHugh and Ella Louise O'Toole. Then on 43 minutes,
Ballyraine got a penalty and this was well dispatched by the excellent Katie McDowell to
make it 3-0. Great skill and determination was displayed by both sets of players. Thanks
also to referee Sinead Hagan.
Friendlies
Convoy Arsenal 0 – 2 Drumbar United A
A very tightly contested match in Orchard Park this evening saw Convoy Arsenal U12
girls take on Drumbarr United. Both teams put in a tremendous effort from the start to
finish. 2 minor slip ups from corners left the home team down by 2 goals. Goalkeeper
Eleanor Tait did amazing to save a penalty keeping the scoreline at 2-0. Another great
game of learning. Well done to Drumbarr United girls and coaches and good luck in
your upcoming matches.
Illistrin 1 – 3 Mulroy Academy
Illistrin U12 girls played Mulroy Academy in a friendly game last night in Corry Park with
Mulroy winning by 3 goals to 1. Goal scorer for Illistrin was Ellie Black. Alice Gibbons
scored 2 for Mulroy with Clodagh McVeigh getting the third.
Keadue Rovers 4-0 Donegal Town
Keadue Rovers u12 girls kept up their relentless start to the season with a fabulous
home win over a strong Donegal Town side. Keadue had quite a lot of play in the
opening period and from the off put tremendous pressure on the donegal town defence
and it was no surprise when goal machine Lena O Donnell opened the scoring on 9
minutes with a real poachers goal. Donegal Town came more into the game and made
life difficult for keadue at times without having any real chances until the last minute of
the first half when they shot over when 1 on 1 with Robyn Duffy In the home goals.
Keadue were the dominant team in the 1st half but it was a long way off the quality they
had shown in previous games. 2nd half was a different story however and the girls were
exceptional, even allowing for 8 subs. Jessica Keys got the 2nd goal of the game 3
minutes into the 2nd half and there was no way back for Donegal Town. Keadue were
rampant at this stage and playing some amazing football and with 2 goals in 2 minutes
Lena got her hat trick, her 3rd in 4 games to cap off another resounding victory and a
tremendous display from all 17 girls.
Letterbarrow – Finn Valley A (Finn Valley A win)
A hard evening for the Letterbarrow girls this evening playing another A team.
Letterbarrow stayed with them in the first half but Finn valley scored two early goals.
The Letterbarrow girls kept fighting, Taylor made a run down the line, quick pass into
goal, it slipped passed Bláthnaid, but éabha got it tapped back to Bláthnaid and she
confidently tapped it into the net. Letterbarrow went in at half time 3-1 down but still
fighting. The second half got the better of the home side girls, as a lot of tired legs set
in. Match ending with a win to Finn Valley A. Bella Leonard put in a great performance
for Letterbarrow.
01.05.2024 18:30
Under 16
Group 1
Bonagee United – Ballyraine (Ballyraine win)
Goals from Clodagh Patton (2), Emer Cassidy(3) and Maria Mc Kinney (2) and a
powerful goal from outside the box from Grace McGlynn. In a thrilling game, which was
end to end, at 4-4 within the final ten minutes. Ballyraine asserted dominance and
pulled away. Player of the match, Clodagh Patton. Bonagee goals, Cari Callaghan (1),
Ellen Temple (2), Ava Kelly (1)
Group 2
Cappry Rovers – Drumbar United (Drumbar Win)
St Catherines 1 – 2 Finn Valley
Group 3
Milford United 2 – 1 Mulroy Academy
On a perfect night for football Milford came out top in the local derby. Milford started well
playing some decent football. Anna Giles had the first shot on target with Mary Bridget
doing well to get down smartly. Mulroy took the lead when Meabh Sweeney strode
through the middle of the Milford defence and slotted home from close range. Milford
equalised on 23minutes when Erin Neilis latched onto a through ball and scored from
the tightest of angles. Mulroy pressed Milford from the beginning of the second half and
created some good chances but found Megan McGinley in top form. Milford took the
lead through a Chloe Blaney penalty with twenty minutes left. They did just about
enough to hang on for their first win of the season.
03.05.2024 18:30
Under 14
Group 1
Lagan Harps 2 – 0 Donegal Town B
Lagan and Donegal played out a well contested game in Letterkenny Community
Centre. The first half was very tight with defences on top. Lagan pressed more in the
second half and took the lead through a good finish from Amy Lateef. They scored a
second with Molly McGee scoring her first goal for the club. Donegal finished strongly
with Niamh Brogan and Emmy caus8ng problems. Lagan went close again through
Mikaela Breen but there were no more scores. A good competitive game with referee
Alistair Gourley letting the game flow.
Letterkenny Rovers 2-5 Bonagee Utd
Ellen Temple was on fire this evening for Bonagee scoring 4 goals. Emma Kelly was
also on the scoresheet just before half time, Savanna Keys and Amy Moore scoring for
Letterkenny Rovers. Isla Larkin and Tara McDaid were outstanding for Bonagee, With
Clara Peoples and Aisling McGinley shining for Rovers
Raphoe Town 1 – 3 Ballyraine
A high paced game in Drumineney saw Raphoe U14 girls give an excellent account of
themselves tonight with a couple of U12s called up due to low numbers. In the first half
both teams were edgy but it was Raphoe who settled the quickest with midfield three
relentlessly working and creating chances. Soairse Deasley out on the wing eventually
broke through, composed herself and sent a fine shot in to open up the scoring. The
girls pushed on to try and get a second but the Ballyraine defence and goalkeeper was
quick of her line. The second half again saw Raphoe start brightly with Cara O'Connell
and Iona McCarron getting in on goal just not able to finish off. A mix up soon after in
our own box meant Ballyraine won a penalty. Up stepped Éadaoin Kennedy and Lylah went the right direction but just couldn't get anything on it. All square now and the girls
worked tirelessly to keep it at that but Ballyraine wanted more as they pressed
continually and were rewarded with a fine strike from outside the box by Lucy Fabisiak.
They added a third just before the end through Finaly Doherty. A great Competitive
game, with the Raphoe girls giving a performance of the season so far. Well done to
Ballyraine and good luck for the rest of the season.
Group 2
Drumbar United 1 – 1 Convoy Arsenal
Convoy Arsenal was welcomed for league action to Drumbar. Drumbar was the
dominant of the two sides for a majority of the game , but the better spells of play were
unable to convert their possession into chance, with Emma Mcnult finding net in the first
half. Convoys scoring opportunities were rare and thwarted by the impressive Drumbar
backline and the classy Emie mcnulty in Drumbars midfield holding strong. Convoys
equaliser came midway through the 2nd half when a quick counter attack caught the
Drumbar defence out, an excellent finish to the top corner of the Drumbar goal brought
the sides level. Drumbar thought they scored the winner with a superb Alex Crawford
effort that seemed to hit the inside of the side netting. However, the ref deemed no goal.
One a piece was the full time result in a very entertaining game from both sides played
in great competitive spirit.
Under 14
Group 2
Finn Valley 5 – 0 Donegal Town A
Finn valley played against a breeze in the 1st half but started well and took the lead thro
Ella oduku on 20mins. Caoimhe Sleigh doubled the lead mins later with a good finish
after a team move. Oduku got her 2nd 5mins before the break with a fine individual
goal. Both teams make change and the second half was a tighter affair with donegal
town looking dangerous on the break. Sarah Campbell got valleys 4th 15mins into the
2nd half with a tidy finish. Lily Floyd finished the scored after a great run from midfield
after a good through ball from Aibhe mc elchar. A good free flowing game by both team
and the referee who had a good game also.
Group 3
Gweedore United 0 – 2 Glenea United
This game played on a glorious evening saw a spirited Glenea side inflict the first defeat
of the season on an under-strength Gweedore team. The game started with both sides
finding their feet and took both teams a while to settle. The home side began to press the Glenea defence, but Lucy Doohan led her defence well and kept the visitors
attackers at bay by restricting them to corner kicks on numerous occasions. Jenny
Cocoran for the visitors was dangerous on the break and her hard work paid off in the
17th minute when Cocoran's pressure caused a defensive mix up which fell to Sarah
Coyle who finished well from close range to make it 1-0. Gweedore pushed hard to get
back on level terms with Lily Rodgers, Lucy Boyd and debutants Chloe Mc Cauley and
Kelsey Mc Fadden making the Glenea keeper save on a number of occasions. In the
second half Gweedore had the majority of the possession but couldn't break down a
tight defence with the keeper also making good saves. The home side had a good
chance to equalise in the 47th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the
keeper again saved well from Lucy Boyd to keep the one goal advantage. 3 minutes
later, Áine Mangan struck a lovely free kick from outside the box into the back of the net
leaving Nuala Doherty in the Gweedore nets with no chance. Gweedore pressed until
the end to no avail. It was a good tight match with 4 debutants Kelsey Mc Fadden, Lucy
Mc Geehan, Leah Ward and Chloe Mc Cauley doing well for Gweedore and Lucy
Doohan, Áine Mangan and Jenny Cocoran excelling for the visitors on the night. Well
done to both sets of players for putting on a good entertaining game for the good turn
out on a lovely evening.
Referee: Mick Lagan
Group 4
Glenree 0 – 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Milford United bt Swilly Rovers
Milford United played Swilly Rovers on Friday night with Milford coming out on top.
Milford put in a good team performance with the scorers spread around.
Week 6 Fixtures
06.05.2024 19:00
Interleague Cup Quarter Final (Senior Ladies)
Bonagee United – Rasheeny
Raphoe Town – Greencastle
07.05.2024 18:30
Under 12
Group 1
Lagan Harps – Bonagee United
Letterkenny Rovers – Illistrin
Group 2
Cappry Rovers A – Donegal Town
Drumbar United A – Letterbarrow Celtic Youths
Group 3
Drumkeen United – Convoy Arsenal
Raphoe Town – Finn Valley A
Group 4
Dunfanaghy Youths – Gweedore Celtic
Keadue Rovers – Gweedore United A
Group 5
Glenree – Milford United
Swilly Rovers – Mulroy Academy
Group 6
Ballyraine Celtic – Drumbar United B
Finn Valley B – Cappry Rovers B
Gweedore United B – Letterkenny Rovers B
Friendlies
Kilmacrennan Celtic – Ballyraine Harps
08.05.2024 18:30
Under 16
Group 1
Raphoe Town – Ballyraine
Letterkenny Rovers – Bonagee United
Group 2
Drumbar United – St Catherines
Cappry Rovers – Convoy Arsenal
Group 3
Illistrin – Mulroy Academy
Milford United – Keadue Rovers
10.05.2024 18:30
Under 14
Group 1
Donegal Town B – Ballyraine
Raphoe Town – Bonagee United
Letterkenny Rovers – Lagan Harps
Group 2
Convoy Arsenal – Cappry Rovers
St Catherines – Donegal Town
Drumbar United – Finn Valley
Group 3
Keadue Rovers – Glenea United
Gweedore United – Gweedore Celtic
Group 4
Illistrin – Swilly Rovers
Milford United – Kilmacrennan Celtic
Glenree – Mulroy Academy
