DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE 2024/2025
RESULTS WEEK 21
Saturday 1st February 2025
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
St. Catherines Reserves 0 v 2 Oldtown Celtic
Donegal Town Reserves 1 v 1 Glencar Celtic
Keadue Rovers Reserves 0 v 7 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Strand Rovers 1 v 2 Swilly Rovers Reserves
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Cappry Rovers Reserves 1 v 3 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 0 v 4 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
Fintown Harps AFC 0 v 2 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Letterbarrow Celtic 1 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
Sunday 2nd February 2025
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United 0 v 1 Letterkenny Rovers
Keadue Rovers 0 v 3 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Kildrum Tigers 2 v 0 Fanad United
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Donegal Town 1 v 2 Castlefin Celtic
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Drumkeen United 0 v 0 Convoy Arsenal
Drumoghill F.C. 6 v 2 Deele Harps
DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE REPORTS WEEK 21
Saturday 1st February 2025
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
St. Catherines Reserves 0 v 2 Oldtown Celtic
(No Report Submitted)
Donegal Town Reserves 1 v 1 Glencar Celtic
Glencar started out stronger in the first half but Donegal held strong. The first half didn’t have many chances for either side, both teams were missing several key starters, the score line at the half reflected this. In the second half Glencar finally found a lead-goal through Jack Dwyer in the 55th minute. But just under ten minutes later Donegal equalised from a well hit strike from Noel Gavaghan in the 64th minute. Both teams looked for a winner but the match finished in a share of points.
Keadue Rovers Reserves 0 v 7 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
Keadue’s Saturday team were handed a harsh defeat at Central Park in rough, windy conditions. Fielding again a young side, they were up against a much more experienced team of campaigners and were second best for the full match. Kildrum won the toss and played with a strong wind in the first half, which was of major benefit to them. The away side were on the front foot from the start, pushing Keadue back but no major chances fell their way despite lots of possession. They took the lead on sixteen minutes when a right sided corner went to the back post and CJ Clarke was there to nod home from close range. Dominic Keys was having a big influence in midfield for Kildrum. Keadue defended resolutely while Conal Ferry, making his debut in goals, produced a fine point blank save on thirty minutes. On thirty-two minutes, after the concession of a free kick, Kildrum keeper Aaron Hepburn stepped up and hit a long-range kick, which unfortunately slipped through the hands of an unsighted Ferry for a two-goal Kildrum lead. Keadue tried to recover and were making some decent headway towards half time, passing the ball about a bit better, but on forty-one minutes they were undone with the concession of a penalty and up stepped Keelan Gillen to tuck away neatly for 3-0 and that’s how the teams went in at half time. Keadue did rally at the start of the second half and with the aid of a stiff wind pushed Kildrum back. They did go close on fifty-three minutes when a corner on the left side led to a scramble in the box and Keadue had a shot which was cleared off the line. Two minutes later Daire Gallagher was just wide with a shot. When it looked like Keadue might pull a goal back to make a game of it Kildrum moved the ball through midfield and onto the left side where a cross was worked to the far post and Keelan Gillen was there to round off a fine move for 4-0. After the hour, Keadue made three subs with Aaron Brennan, Dylan O’ Donnell and Logan O’ Donnell coming on to offer fresh legs but the away side were knocking it around with confidence and Keelan Gillen was very impressive. Ferry in the Keadue nets was yet again very alert to snuff out further Kildrum chances. On eighty minutes, a shot from Oran Gallagher on the run went just wide. The away side then finished off very strongly in the final ten minutes and chances that they had earlier not capitalised on were put away. Keelan Gillen got his third and Kildrum’s fifth on eighty-four minutes, finishing low to the net. He got his fourth on eighty-seven minutes, with a far post header and then in injury time, a Shea Mc Daid effort was drilled low into the net for their seventh and final goal. A tough day at the office for this young Keadue side against a much more experienced outfit in Kildrum for whom Keelan Gillen, Dominic Keys and CJ Clarke were most impressive, while for Keadue, David Mac Shane, Conal Ferry and Patrick O’ Donnell did well.
Referee: Seimi Ferry.
Strand Rovers 1 v 2 Swilly Rovers Reserves
Swilly got their first win of the season after a hard-fought game in Swilly Park. Both teams had a few chances in the first half but both keepers kept their sides in the game with good saves. The visitors took the lead on 57 minutes when a throw into the box was played back to Lennon Cowley who dropped the ball just under the bar of the Swilly net. Strand tried to set up shop and hit Swilly on a few counters but couldn’t get the 2nd goal they were searching for. Swilly brought it level on 80 minutes when some nice play down the left and the ball was played into Ryan Moore who held off the centre back to play the ball to Evan Ryan who finished superbly into the top right corner. Both teams were pushing to find a winner with chances coming for both teams but in the 87th minute Swilly won a free kick. Michael Kerr stepped up and found the right corner from 30 yards out. Swilly held out to claim the points. Referee: Dessie Mc Laughlin.
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Cappry Rovers Reserves 1 v 3 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
Cappry hosted Gweedore Celtic in a blustery Finn Valley Centre on Saturday. Cappry had the wind advantage in the first half but failed to capitalise, Cormac Roarty coming closest forcing a save from Fraic Mac Grianna. Gweedore had a dream start to the second half when Cronan Mc Fadden slotted from close range. Cappry reacted well and equalised shortly through Jack Burke. It didn’t take long for Gweedore to regain their lead when Patrick Gillespie finished off a flick-on from a dangerous free kick. Cappry rallied to get back into the contest but couldn’t break down the strong Gweedore defence. Gweedore secured the victory when Charlie Gallagher pounced on a loose ball and cooly finished into the corner of the net.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 0 v 4 Castlefin Celtic Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Fintown Harps AFC 0 v 2 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
In windy but dry conditions at Pairc Acla, Fintown and Rovers went head to head with Fintown hoping to redeem themselves from their away game result and they started well with Aaron Mc Glynn having a good chance on 5 minutes. Rovers had the wind at the backs in the first half and got awarded a penalty on 12 minutes and Conor O’ Donnell steeped up to convert. Fintown responded well and had a few chances but couldn’t get it past Wade in the Rovers’ goal. Keelan Mc Gill was playing really well in the middle of the field and Mc Glynn up top was causing loads of problems for the Rovers’ defence. The half finished 0-1. Rovers started the second half brightly but Fintown dug deep and made two great chances for Mc Glynn and Keelan Mc Monagle. Rovers got their second with a quick break and a great through ball to Mc Cauley who slotted home from close range. Harps kept battling but couldn’t get the goal they needed. Both teams put in a good performance. Referee: Damien Mc Fadden
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Letterbarrow Celtic 1 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
Letterbarrow continued their good run of form with a hard-fought derby win. Barrow had plenty of chances in the first half with Rory Kennedy coming closest when he rattled the crossbar from distance. Chances continued to flow for the lads in the second half with Darragh Burke and Christy Mc Laughlin again denied by the woodwork. After a spell of pressure Des Mc Groarty scored the winner with a screamer from outside the box. Dunkineely battled throughout the game and could have nicked a point but Cathal Charlton was well positioned to save from Adrian Nesbitt. Man of the Match: Antonio Romero
Sunday 2nd February 2025
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Bonagee United 0 v 1 Letterkenny Rovers
(No Report Submitted)
Keadue Rovers 0 v 3 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Keadue Rovers lost out convincingly to Kilmacrennan Celtic at a sun drenched Central Park on a good day for football, where they made the most of the chances that fell their way. Keadue had the better of things for the first fifteen minutes, working the ball up the left-hand side to good effect but not getting in behind the away defence. Kilmacrennan were creating the better of any chances, despite Keadue having most the possession with Shane Mc Namee dropping deep to get the ball and causing difficulty for the Keadue defence. On twenty-eight minutes, Calum Boyle had a great touch on the edge of the area and crossed for Jordan Saville who just missed out at the far post. On thirty-two minutes, Kilmacrennan should’ve taken the lead, when Paul Bradley had a free header from a left hand cross but headed over. A minute later, Keadue right back Matthew Smith got injured and had to be replaced by Matthew Comiskey. The game became scrappier and as a result suited Kilmacrennan, who were facing into a strong sunshine. On thirty-five minutes, Conor Black shot for goal and had his shot saved in what was a strong period for the away team, while the only openings for Keadue were from Calum Boyle, who had his shot saved on forty-two minutes. Kilmacrennan would’ve been the happier side at half time, having played against the breeze and the bright sunshine. Into the second half and after a hectic few minutes, Kilmacrennan took the lead, following a bit of a mix up in the Keadue defence and despite appeals for offside, Shane Mc Namee took full advantage to poke home from the edge of the area. Only three minutes later, following a good move, when some neat individual play led to Shane Mc Namee catching a shot on the volley, dipping it over Ben Boyle in the home nets for 2-0. On the hour Pauric Neely came on as substitute for the injured Matthew Comiskey and Keadue certainly seemed to be running out of luck as Kilmacrennan proved increasingly a threat in attack, with more balls getting played in behind, particularly on the left where Paul Bradley was a big threat. Adam Mc Caffrey, who was busy throughout, got a shot away after the hour but this was to be Keadue’s only real attempt at goal, as the away side snuffed out a large part of Keadue’s attacks. Bradley was to the fore on sixty-seven minutes, when his cross from the left-hand side was expertly put away by Mc Namee for his hat-trick, when he stretched out a leg to convert to the net for 3-0. After that, Keadue introduced a few subs and had more outlets but again didn’t muster a shot for the Kilmacrennan keeper to save. The away side in the final ten minutes, could make a few more substitutions and ease their way to victory. Best for Kilmacrennan were Shane Mc Namee, Paul Bradley and Kieran Gorman, while best for Keadue were Calum Boyle, Adam Mc Caffrey and Paul Yank Boyle. Referee: Patrick Martin.
Kildrum Tigers 2 v 0 Fanad United
Played on a lovely crisp day on the banks of the Foyle both teams got off to a cagey start. Fanad had the better chances in the first half and brought a great save from Michael Lynch and had one cleared off the line by Gavin Mc Gee. Kildrum broke the deadlock on 57 minutes when Jonny Robb broke down the left-hand side and cut in and scored. They doubled their lead on 70 minutes when CJ Clarke just about scrambled the ball over the line.
Fanad pushed hard but couldn’t break the Kildrum defence. Battling performances from both teams
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Donegal Town 1 v 2 Castlefin Celtic
Castlefin came out on top of this very tight encounter. They opened the scoring after a good strike from the edge of the box. They carried this lead into the break. Town equalised mid-way through the second half when Joe Leape finished beautifully after some good work down the left. “Town” were somewhat dominant at this stage but it was Castlefin who went back in front 5 minutes after the equaliser. Town had a few late chances but Castlefin held out for the win. Ben Sweeney best for Donegal and Daniel Foy solid at the back for Castlefin.
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Drumkeen United 0 v 0 Convoy Arsenal
Parish bragging rights were on the line on Sunday afternoon as Convoy Arsenal visited Drumkeen. As it turned out both Teams had to settle for a share of the spoils after a close contest at St Patrick’s Park. The first half was a close enough affair with both sides having a chance to take the Lead. Anthony Bogle for Convoy saw his free kick hit the Drumkeen crossbar while at the other end Niall Sweeney had a great chance as he found himself in a one on one with Convoy Keeper Luke Kelly but unfortunately for him and Drumkeen he couldn’t find the back of the net. The second half continued in the same vein with very little between the sides. Drumkeen were reduced to ten men around the hour mark as Ciaran Dolan was sent off for a second yellow card. Despite being a man down Drumkeen battled away and keeper Luke Russell and his defence had to work hard to keep Convoy at bay.
There were very few clear-cut opportunities for either side for most of the second half. Drumkeen could maybe have won it near the end as they had a couple of chances which went the wrong side of the post. The clock ticked on and Referee Thomas Ferry blew the final whistle and it was a point each.
Drumoghill F.C. 6 v 2 Deele Harps
The reds cruised to another three points to maintain their hopes of securing promotion with this comfortable victory over 9-man Deele Harps. Liam O’Donnell, with yet another hat-trick, Gareth Hamilton, Dylan Mc Elhinney and Kealan Bogle were the scorers on the day with Scott Macbeth and Jordan Duffy on target for the visitors. Although it was comfortable in the end, the game did hang in the balance at times with Deele threatening more than once to regain a foothold in the game, but Drumoghill manage to withstand the pressure and thoroughly deserved their victory. The home side started with intent and were quickly in the driving seat thanks to a double strike from Liam O’ Donnell inside the opening half hour. The striker is showing no signs of slowing down and might feel that he should have completed a first half hat-trick but David Arthur in goals for the visitors managed to keep him at bay. It looked like the game might already be over as a contest on the half hour when referee Matthew Hull administered the first of two red cards for the visitors on the day, when a Deele player was red carded on 38 minutes. Despite going down to 10 men, Deele started to exert a bit more pressure on the home side and reduced the deficit on the stroke of half time. Drumoghill though settled any nerves that might have existed early in the second half when Gareth Hamilton headed home brilliantly from Mc Elhinney’s cross before Kealan Bogle smashed home the goal of the day from the edge of the box. However, Deele were not going to go down easily and reduced the arrears again when Scott Macbeth fired home from the penalty spot on 69 minutes. Dylan Mc Elhinney restored his side’s 3-goal cushion when he hammered home Gareth Hamilton’s corner before Liam O’ Donnell completed his hat-trick on 80 minutes after Hamilton had been upended inside the penalty area.
