Here are all of the match results and reports from another week of Donegal League football action.
Saturday 25th January 2025
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Silly Rovers Reserves 1 v 1 Drumbar F.C.
Both teams battled hard and had a few chances in the first half but neither team could break the deadlock. Swilly were pushing for the opener and it eventually came in the 70th minute after a scramble in the box and it was Edan Bradley who got there to put the ball in the back of the net. Drumbar pushed to get level and done so in the 80th minute when they were first to follow up on a rebounded shot and it was Vincent Breslin who finished. Swilly were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes but Oisin Burke in the Drumbar goal saved the penalty and made sure the points were shared. Referee: Patrick Mc Cauley.
Donegal Town Reserves 4 v 1 Arranmore United
Donegal began the scoring early with a goal line scuffle being tapped in by Pauric Mc Intyre in the 6th minute. 4 minutes later in the 10th Dermot Slevin scored the Towns second and it looked to be an easy win for the town as Niko Dominik put the town 3 ahead in the 25th minute. But in the 37th minute Arranmore received a penalty and Gavin Mc Glanaghey slotted it into the net. The second half was a more even game with no clear cut chances for either but the Town secured their win with a fourth goal by Dermot Slevin in the 71st minute.
Glencar Celtic 0 v 2 St. Catherines Reserves
This was an evenly contested match with chances for both sides but it was the Killybegs men that came out on top. They broke the deadlock mid-way through the half after coming close a few minutes previous Glencar never learned their lesson and got punished with a well worked Catherine’s move. St Catherine’s had the ball in the net again, a free kick crossed in from the left-hand side was nodded home but the ref adjudged him to have strayed off side much to the relief of Glencar rear guard as they seemed to have been caught napping. Glencar started the 2nd half on the front foot and put a lot of pressure on the away team creating a few decent half chances but just couldn’t punish Catherine’s. Glencar had numerous corners but failed to take advantage of them and it was St Catherine’s who took all 3 points back through the gap after a mistake Glencar defence and they pounced to finish the game as a contest.
Kildrum Tigers Reserves 1 v 1 Oldtown Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Strand Rovers 3 v 1 Ramelton Mariners
Strand were on top for most the first half, coming close on a few occasions with an impressive shot from Lennon Cowley coming off the crossbar. 18 minutes into the game Conor Greene took a shot from the left wing and deflected on Mariners’ captain Eoin Roulston when he tried to clear it off the line, getting Strand on the score sheet. Nearly an exact repeat of the first goal was seen just before halftime levelling the sides when a free kick from Roulston for Mariners was heading straight for the nets and Strand’s captain James Mc Cole couldn’t act fast enough to clear the ball allowing it to bounce of him into the net. Second half got underway and Strand quickly showed they were looking for the 3 points when the ball bounced around the box just unlucky not to pass the line and was saved by their keeper. 62 minutes gone and Cathal Fee crossed it into the box to Conor Greene for one of his famous headers to get Strand ahead again. 10 minutes later saw Strand’s final goal of the day when Micheal Curran hit a corner to Shane the O’ Donnell and he made no mistake dispatching it well into the nets, adding to his headed goal tally.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Cappry Rovers Reserves 1 v 4 Erne Wanderers
(No Report Submitted)
Fintown Harps AFC P v P Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
(Match Postponed)
Glenea United Reserves P v P Castlefin Celtic Reserves
(Match Postponed)
Dunlewey Celtic 1 v 3 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves 4 v 1 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves
With the passing of Storm Eowyn it was the turn of the home team to wreak a bit of havoc as they blew away the visiting Drumoghill team with a strong performance. Conditions were pretty much ideal and the home team dominated possession from the off with Cormac Brady, Oisin Harkin and Mark Patterson particularly prominent in the opening exchanges and it was no surprise when they took the lead, a cross from Brady finding Patterson who calmly slotted home after 19 minutes. Despite continuing to dominate Kilmacrennan failed to add to their lead and Drumoghill equalised just after the half hour, veteran striker Eunan Kelly receiving a pass from Ethan Mc Cready before steadying himself and firing low to the far corner. The lead lasted barely 2 minutes however as Kilmacrennan got their noses back in front, Steve Mc Elwaine cutting in from the right and firing into the top corner after 35 minutes. Four minutes later it was 3, full back John ‘Rab’ Sandilands weaved his way upfield and into the box before firing home past keeper Lockhart for a superb individual goal. The second half continued in a similar fashion with the home dominating all over the park and their 4th goal arrived on 50 minutes when, following a succession of corners, center half Reuben Grimes hooked the ball home from inside the six-yard box to finish the game as a contest. Further chances from Brady, Conaghan, Harkin and Mc Daid came to nothing but the home side were able to see out the game for a comfortable win. Strong performances from Conor Cassidy and Steve mc Daid for the home team while Drumoghill were well served by keeper Lockhart, Shane Duffy and Jamal. Referee: George Clinton.
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Cranford United Reserves P v P Bonagee United Reserves
(Match Postponed)
Drumkeen United Reserves P v P Gweedore United Reserves
(Match Postponed)
Fanad United Reserves 3 v 1 Milford United Reserves
Fanad United remain unbeaten in the Finn Travel Saturday Division Three after a 3-1 Derby victory over Milford United Reserves at Traigh-a-Loch on Saturday. Fanad started on the front foot and created several half chances. On 14 minutes, Dylan Mc Glone crossed from the right to Shane Carr who controlled the ball before shooting wide. On 20 minutes a Charlie Mc Ateer corner fell to Alan Mc Ateer who fired wide. Fanad made their pressure count on the half hour mark with the opening goal. Shane Carr advanced from left back and his excellent cross was met by Alan Mc Ateer who rose highest to head home. Just after half time Fanad almost doubled their lead when Charlie Mc Ateer’s cross/shot came back off the crossbar. On the hour mark Fanad missed a gilt-edged chance to score a second. When Charlie Mc Ateer was taken down in the box a penalty was awarded however Darragh O’ Doherty fired over the bar. Milford were still well in the game and on 65 minutes they drew level. Sean Baxter went on a great run down the left and his cross was met by Ciaran Blaney who was fouled. Blaney then stepped up and gave Aodh Mc Bride no chance from the spot. Milford were dealt a blow with 15 minutes to go when Mark Wilson received a straight red card. Fanad made their numerical advantage count and took the lead three minutes later. A shot from outside the box fell to Alan Mc Ateer who scored his second from close range. With time running out Fanad made the points safe with their third goal. A corner from Conor Blaney found Ryan Moffitt at the back post and he made no mistake. Referee: Mick Lagan.
Lagan Harps Reserves 1 v 5 Copany Rovers
A fifteen-minute spell in the first half more or less decided this game. Copany went close early on when Eoin Rush struck the top of the bar with a free-kick. Lagan then started to come into the game, but were undone by some poor defending. On ten minutes Dale Duncan robbed a defender before finishing well. Minutes later Copany got a second when Rush crossed for Eoin Rush to head home. It was 3-0 when Graham Herron again took advantage of an error to cross for Glen Herron to score again. Lagan went close when Jack Duncan headed against the bar from a narrow angle. They grabbed a goal back right on halftime when Cormac Crossan crossed for Jack to score from close range. Lagan started the second half strongly with Jack Duncan again going close twice. First, he headed and Aidan Devir knock on just over. He then forced keeper Oisin Bryson into a good save at his near post. Lagan were on top at this stage with Robby Dolan and Callum Lynch getting on top in midfield. Copany defended solidly and Lagan began to tire. Kai Brown pulled off a good save from Graham Herron as Copany began to get on top again. They got a fourth when Glen Herron crossed for Ethan Gallagher to head in. They added a fifth when Ethan Gallagher got through to score. A solid performance from Copany. The scoreline was harsh on Lagan, particularly for their second half performance, but a few errors proved costly in the end. Referee: Matthew Hull.
Sunday 26th January 2025
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Gweedore Celtic 0 v 1 Fanad United
A Peter Carr goal in the sixty fifth minute kept alive Fanad’s hopes of a third successive Premier League title but they were made to work for it by an energetic display from the home side. Na Ceiltigh could have snatched a last-minute equaliser when Caolan Laux saw his effort thunder off the crossbar and cleared to safety. Fanad began the game with intent with lots of possession but they found it hard to break down a resilient home defence. Eddie O’ Reilly and Peter Carr’s running caused problems but any time they broke through they found their efforts were comfortably dealt with by Mc Kelvey in the Gweedore goals. Martin Coyle and Thomas Diver had chances for the home team but the Fanad net minder, Mc Conigley, ensured the game remained scoreless at half time. The second half was a more open game with both teams trying for the opening goal. The breakthrough came in the form of a quickly taken free kick by Eoin Logue, and whilst the home side disputed where the free was taken from, Peter Carr ran through to beat Mc Kelvey from twelve yards. Almost immediately Fiacra Coyle nearly equalised when he got on the end of Martin Coyle’s free-kick but his effort was cleared off the line. Further efforts from Stephen Mc Fadden for Gweedore failed to result in parity in the game and Laux’s last minute effort off the crossbar saw Fanad return home with all three points. Referee: Gerard Devine.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Castlefin Celtic 0 v 3 Donegal Town
In a game reversed to Donegal Town, Donegal used to home advantage to the maximum. Goals from Killian Faulkner, Declan Duignan and Stephen Graham in the first half gave the hosts breathing space. Castlefin created plenty of opportunities but unable to beat an in -form Donegal Town goal-keeper.
Glenea United 1 v 0 Lagan Harps
(See Attached Report)
Gweedore United 2 v 4 Ballybofey United
Ballybofey United went away from the Carrickboyle with all three points on a bitterly cold, wet and windy day. The visitors created the first opportunities of the game when Daithí Mc Mahon and Niall McCloskey saw their efforts go over the Gweedore crossbar. Ballybofey United opened the scoring on the 9th minute from good link up play down the left-hand side and Damien Glackin picked out Oran Gallen who couldn’t miss from two yards out. The home side nearly equalised on the 15th minute with a great pass by Steven Mc Fadden to Ciaran Mc Fadden and his effort from a tight angle produced a good save by Christopher Patton. Daithi Mc Mahon’s shot was comfortably saved by Daithí Mac Roibeaírd in the Gweedore goal on the 19th minute. Gweedore United were unlucky not to have drew level on the 25th minute, fine play by Darren Ferry, Cathal Gillespie manufactured a one on one opportunity for Brian Mc Fadden, who managed to beat Christopher Patton, but the ball went agonisingly wide past the post. Ciaran Mc Fadden’s effort on the 36th minute was a carbon copy to his earlier opportunity in the 15th minute. The away side manage to extend their lead on the 38th minute as excellent work down the right-hand side was finished from a very acute angle by Damien Glackin from three yards out. Gweedore United responded almost immediately and they found a way back into the game in the 40th minute, as the visitors were unable to clear their lines and Brian Mc Fadden had taken full advantage from six yards out. In a dramatic few minutes nearing the end of the first half, the game turned on its head again. The visitors were awarded a free-kick in the 45th minute and Daithí Mc Mahon’s cross/shot ended up in the top corner of the net. The Home side reduced the deficit on the 54th minute when Christopher Patton was beaten by Steven Mc Fadden’s shot from outside the box. However, any hope that the Gweedore men had in respect of getting something from the game was ended on the 57th minute. Ballybofey United went on the attack through Andrew Mc Closkey, Daithi Mc Mahon, Damien Glackin and the Gweedore defence was unable to clear their lines, they were punished by Oran Gallen who claimed his second of the day. Gweedore United tried to get back into the game and Steven Mc Fadden had a few long-range efforts saved by Christopher Patton. Seighean O’ Baoill produced a good effort inside the Ballybofey box that went narrowly wide on the 69th minute. Darren Ferry was also unlucky not to have added to the home side’s score line for the day as his shot on the 76th minute from inside the box was just inches over the crossbar. The visitors almost made it 2-5 on the 88th minute from a Daithí Mc Mahon free kick which cannoned off the crossbar. The visitors produced some excellent performances from Daithí McMahon, Oran Gallen and Damien Glackin. The Home side saw good performances from Brian Mc Fadden, Steven Mc Fadden, Cathal Gillespie.
Lifford Celtic 2 v 3 Cranford United
Lifford started the game in positive fashion and took the lead after a well worked move with Kevin Mc Brearty crossing for Justin Mc Bride to head home. Lifford were well on top with Sean Ferry excellent in attack. The Second half began as brightly for the hosts and it was a great left footed effort from Sean Friel that doubled Lifford’s lead. However, with an unlucky OG conceded by Lifford, Cranford levelled with a set piece that caused confusion in the Lifford defence and Cranford grabbed all 3 points with a corner that was headed into the net.
Milford United 2 v 0 Cappry Rovers
Milford came out on top of this league encounter at a blustery Moyle View Park. Playing against the wind in the first half they were the better side and got their reward on 20 minutes when Darren Mc Laughlin tapped home following a Cathal Mc Gettigan corner. Mc Gettigan and Kyle Black had good chances to increase their lead and Cappry’s best effort came when Matthew Mc Geehan’s volley from an Aaron Kelly cross was brilliantly saved by Caolan Mc Gettigan. Cappry came out in second half and had a good spell, and Conor Mc Daid was through one on one and put his effort over the bar. On 65 minutes, they had a penalty claim but referee Stephen Laird waved play on. Milford began to control the game again and good work on the right by Darren Mc Laughlin set up a cross by Conor Mc Hugh which was volleyed home by Corey Lee Mc Conigley. Milford held on for a valuable 3 points. Best for Milford was Conor McHugh, in a good team performance. Referee: Stephen Laird
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Drumkeen United P v P Drumoghill F.C.
(Match Postponed)
Dunkineely Celtic 4 v 1 Curragh Athletic
(No Report Submitted)
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 6 v 0 Deele Harps
The ‘71 got back to winning ways in style and back in the title race with a well-deserved win over Deele at a wet and windy Rabs Park. James Kerr put the home side in front on 15 minutes after great work from brother Shaun. It was two on 20 minutes when Patsy Friel scored from close range after a good Mark Friel cross. Shaun Kerr made it three on 30 minutes with a great strike from the edge of the box. With the wind at their backs Kerrykeel made the most of it and captain Mark Friel made it four on the stroke of half-time. The second half saw Deele make use of the wind and had Kerrykeel pegged back for long spells but the ‘71 always looked dangerous on the break and Kevin Loughrey got the goal his display deserved with a great strike from 18 yards. Johnny Friel got the sixth with a cool finish after a great through ball from Dean Friel to wrap up the scoring. Credit to both teams who turned out good displays under terrible conditions and to the large crowd who turned up. Team performances from the ‘71 and also from Deele. Referee: Michael Connolly
Whitestrand United 2 v 2 Convoy Arsenal
Whitestrand United looked to continue their excellent run of form when they welcomed table topping undefeated Convoy Arsenal to Mc Garvey Park. Whitestrand started the game on the front foot and pushed Convoy back! A Long kick out from Declan Brougham was almost headed in by Michael Sweeney! Brougham then made a superb save to deny Convoy the lead and this resulted in Whitestrand taking the lead when Ciaran Sweeney forced the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble. Whitestrand almost doubled their lead when a long shot from Ronan Sweeney hit against the post. Convoy stared the second half well and showed why they were undefeated so far this season! They equalised with a good through ball that was smashed home on the 60th minute. They took the lead when the Convoy player hit a rasping shot across the keeper into the top corner! Keeper as well as he was playing could not keep it out! Whitestrand showed incredible resilience to firstly hit the post again and then equalised through a shot from Ronan Sweeney. Whitestrand pushed for a winner and Convoy will be content to have left Mc Garvey Park with their undefeated run intact. For Whitestrand, it continues their unbeaten run and they can look forward to a positive second half of the season. Best for Whitestrand was Declan Brougham.
Ulster Junior Cup
Bonagee United 0 v 1 Cockhill Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Kilmacrennan Celtic 0 v 2 Kildrum Tigers
(No Report Submitted)
Letterkenny Rovers 3 v 0 St. Catherines
Letterkenny Rovers secured their place in the semi-finals of the Ulster Junior Cup with a solid 3-0 victory over St. Catherine’s on a crisp afternoon at Leckview Park. Despite St. Catherine’s creating several promising chances, Rovers’ clinical finishing in the second half and resolute defence proved decisive. The game began with Rovers’ Luke Parke narrowly missing the target in the opening minute. St. Catherine’s responded moments later, with Conor Doherty’s cross finding Joshua Maxwell at the back post, but Maxwell couldn’t direct his effort on target. Rovers began to apply pressure, with BJ Banda’s solo run in the 9th minute forcing a save from St. Catherine’s keeper Padraig Byrne. Just seven minutes later, Rovers broke the deadlock when Chris Malseed threaded a perfect pass to Adrian Delap. Delap powered through the defence and calmly slotted the ball through Byrne’s legs to make it 1-0. St. Catherine’s sought an immediate response, but Rovers’ defence held firm. Rovers came close to doubling their lead before halftime, with Joel Gorman’s deflected free kick striking the crossbar and Lee Mc Monagle hitting the post. Despite creating multiple chances, Rovers went into the break with a narrow 1-0 lead. The second half saw St. Catherine’s come out strong, with Joshua Maxwell testing Rovers’ keeper Mark Anthony Mc Ginley early on. However, Rovers extended their lead in the 51st minute when a throw-in from Caolan Mc Connell found Mc Monagle, who turned sharply and fired into the net to make it 2-0. St. Catherine’s continued to press and created opportunities through Alex Mc Brearty and Ryan Cunningham, but their efforts either went wide or over the bar. Rovers’ defence came. Under quick fire attempts but Padraic Gilsenan and Dean Mc Carry, stood tall, blocking the efforts as the visitors piled on the pressure. In the 85th minute, Rovers sealed the win when Delap went in for a 50-50 with the St. Catherine’s keeper, and the loose ball fell to Mc Monagle. He made no mistake, striking low past Byrne to make it 3-0. St. Catherine’s came close to pulling one back late on, with Joshua Maxwell delivering a dangerous ball across goal, but Josh Cunningham couldn’t convert at the back post. Rovers had the final say when Delap’s powerful strike forced an impressive save from Byrne to deny a fourth goal. Despite a spirited second-half performance from St. Catherine’s, it was Rovers’ ability to capitalise on their chances that proved the difference. Referee: Patrick Martin
