Here are all of the results and match reports from this week’s Donegal League action.
Saturday 1st March 2025
Glencar Inn Saturday Division One
Arranmore United 4 v 1 Swilly Rovers Reserves
Arranmore started the better of the sides and were rewarded for their hard work after 20 minutes. Gavin Mc Glanaghey poked a ball through to Shaun Bonner who lifted the ball into the net to make it 1-0. The home side continued to work and made it 2-0 shortly before half time. Peadar Boyle’s long ball was met by Shaun Bonner who slotted it home. Following good closing down in midfield the ball broke to Gavin Mc Glanaghey who made it 3-0. Swilly came into the game more in the second half and were unfortunate not to score before Arranmore made it 4-0. Gavin Mc Glanaghey was fouled in the box and Shaun Bonner stepped up to secure his hat-trick. Swilly got a deserved goal back when Odhrán Grimes finished low into the net to make it 4-1. A team performance from Swilly whereas Shaun Bonner and Phil Boyle were best for Arranmore. Referee: Seimi Ferry.
Donegal Town Reserves 1 v 3 Kildrum Tigers Reserves
A cagey first half provided little in the way if chances. The second half was a more exciting affair. Town took the lead on 50 minutes when the keeper spilled a Dermot Slevin strike and Kiernan Duignam fired home. Tigers grew into the game when the substitute winger slotted past the keeper. They took the lead from a header from a free kick on 80 minutes. With Town chasing the game Tigers broke to make it 3-1 in injury time
Keadue Rovers Reserves 0 v 1 Drumbar F.C.
Keadue lost out to Drumbar in this closely fought encounter in a battle to avoid the relegation play-off spot at a sunny Central Park on Saturday afternoon. Played at a good pace, in the opening five minutes, both sides created half chances. Drumbar captain Paul Lagan had the first good chance on nine minutes when he forced home keeper Adam Boyle into a good save. Next up on chances was Keadue’s Jordan Saville who from long range, stung the hands of Drumbar keeper Oisin Burke. The visitors settled the better thereafter and had most of the possession with Keadue reliant on Jordan Saville up front who had another good effort well saved on twenty minutes. In the closing fifteen minutes, of the first half, the home side had their best spell of the game with several set pieces forcing Drumbar on the back foot. In the final few minutes Drumbar had a few very close chances but Paul Ferry got in a few close-range blocks to keep it scoreless at the break. At the start of the second half Keadue had to make a substitution with Paul Ferry coming off and this slightly weaken the Keadue backline, but despite this, the home side did have a good deal of possession and were looking the more likely to score, with Saville again to the fore.
However, on the hour, slightly against the run of play, the away side took the lead when a corner from the right was tapped in at the far post by the unmarked Kevin Martin. On sixty- five minutes two subs came on to the Keadue team in Michael Houston and Evan McFadden, giving some strength and pace to the attack but despite this the Drumbar defence had a solid second half with Joseph Gillespie strong at the back and Eoghan Gallagher likewise in midfield. Keadue’s young midfielder Paddy Bonner was having a good afternoon and his pass to Jordan Saville almost led to a leveller but his shot was over. Keadue were handed a lifeline on seventy-five minutes when young Bonner went on a mazy run and was brought down by the Drumbar defender just inside the box. Jordan Saville took the resultant penalty but his shot cannoned off the crossbar. Keadue tried hard in the last ten minutes with lots of possession but ultimately missed the cutting edge up front. In the last few minutes a Jordan Saville free was well saved by Oisin Burke. Overall, a good game, with Drumbar just edging it, while Keadue will feel they did enough to get a share of the spoils. Best for Drumbar were Paul Lagan, Eoghan Gallagher and Oisin Burke, while best for Keadue were Jordan Saville, Paddy Bonner and Adrian Hanlon. Referee: Ryan Carlin.
Ramelton Mariners 1 v 4 Oldtown Celtic
The Mariners welcomed Oldtown Celtic to Rathmullan today in what was a good physical game. The Mariners went 3-0 down early but continued to battle away creating chances throughout. The second half was a much tighter affair with Oldtown scoring a scrappy goal that the Mariners failed to clear before the Mariners got one back through Evan Hewitt to end the game 1-4.
Strand Rovers 3 v 0 Glencar Celtic
Strand had an advantage as Glencar had only ten men on the field, but didn’t use it to their advantage. A well timed cross in the 22nd minute from James Mc Cole found Cian Mc Daid free in the box and he opened the scoring with a well taken headed goal. Just after the half hour mark a throw from Jack Tracey was cleared by the Glencar defence but Benny Brennan found Ethan Mc Caffery who unleashed a rasper of a shot into the stanchion of the net, giving not even the best of keepers any chance of keeping it out. Strand struck early in the second half to make the game comfortable at 3-0 when a cross from Davie Mc Carron found Mc Caffery at the back post. His shot was smartly saved by the keeper but the rebound fell to Lennon Cowley who scuffed his shot and there was a mix-up at the back between the keeper and Paddy Diver and his attempted clearance was diverted into the back of the net. Strands defence line held solid at the back for a clean sheet and a comfortable win.
Referee: Mick Lagan
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 1 v 5 Erne Wanderers
A convincing second half performance from the Ballyshannon outfit was the difference as the title challengers claimed all three points. Erne scored four second half goals after an even first half.
Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 0 v 1 Cappry Rovers Reserves
Drumoghill started the stronger team and had all the chances but could not just convert any to get the lead. Cappry battled away but really had no clear chances to score. Cappry hit the outside of post on 25 minutes. The home team were then struck a sucker punch just minutes before half time. Cappry broke down there left wing and crossed in a great ball and a Cappry man threw himself to meet the header and it beat the Drumoghill keeper with the pace of the ball. 1-0 at half time against the run of play. Cappry started the second half well as they tried to stretch their lead but it never came. Drumoghill kept battling and had a few chances. Great team performance from both teams. Ref: Michael Connolly.
Glenea United Reserves P v P Dunlewey Celtic
(No Report, Match Postponed)
Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 6 v 4 Gweedore Celtic Reserves
Letterkenny Rovers came out on top in a ten-goal contest against Gweedore Celtic, securing a hard-fought 6-4 victory at Leckview Astro. The visitors struck first inside the opening minute when a long-range effort forced Rovers’ keeper Josh Wade into an early fingertip save. From the resulting corner, Gweedore’s Cian Mc Bride capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire home the opener. Rovers found their rhythm and pulled level in the 8th minute when Jack Duff finished well after an excellent through ball from Adam Murphy. However, Gweedore responded immediately with Mc Bride pouncing on indecision at the edge of the box to restore their lead at 2-1. The end-to-end nature of the game continued and Rovers struck back in the 15th minute when Oisin Mc Menamin met a long throw from Conor O’Donnell, guiding his header into the net to make it 2-2. Defensive uncertainty cost Rovers again in the 21st minute, as Gweedore’s Charlie Gallagher rounded the keeper and slotted home to give the visitors the advantage once more. But Rovers kept pushing forward, and in the 31st minute, Duff grabbed his second of the match, bundling the ball home at the back post after an O’Donnell cross to bring it back to 3-3. As halftime approached, Rovers began creating more chances, with Mc Menamin heading over from a corner and Gallagher testing the Gweedore keeper from close range, but the sides went in level at the break. Rovers looked the more dangerous side early in the second half, with Darragh Morrison going close in the 50th minute. However, the home side were reduced to 10 men in the 52nd minute, as James Barlow Gallagher was shown a straight red card for a last-man challenge on Mc Bride. Despite the setback, Rovers took the lead for the first time in the 55th minute, as Mc Menamin converted from a Duff cross, making it 4-3. Gweedore refused to back down and in the 70th minute a well-worked move saw Fionn Bonnar finish low into the right corner, levelling the game once more at 4-4. Rovers pushed forward and regained the lead in the 77th minute when a long-range Conor O’Donnell free kick was spilled by the Gweedore keeper and Oran Winston reacted quickly to tuck away the rebound putting Rovers 5-4 ahead. The game was sealed in the 84th minute when Murphy intercepted a Gweedore throw-in, spotted the keeper off his line, and lobbed a composed finish into the net, making it 6-4. Gweedore had a late chance from an indirect free kick, but their effort went just wide, and Rovers held on to claim all three points. Referee: Thomas Ferry
Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Copany Rovers 4 v 1 Drumkeen United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)
Cranford United Reserves 1 v 3 Ballybofey United Reserves
Ballybofey left Cranford Park with all three points in a tight game. Ballybofey went in 2-0 to the good at half time with two good finishes. Cranford started the second half the better and got one back from Paddy Mc Geever. The home side pushed hard for an equaliser which they were unlucky not to get and got caught on the break late one.
Lagan Harps Reserves 4 v 3 Fanad United Reserves
Lagan welcomed league leaders Fanad United to Orchard Park for their second last home game of the season. Lagan started the game on the front foot creating a few chances and took a well-deserved lead when a corner was worked back out to Ross Hamlyn who played a ball across the box to Aidan Devir who slotted the ball home into the bottom corner. Both teams created a few more chances in the first half but it stayed 1-0 until the break. When the second half got under way Fanad got off to a flyer and caught Lagan cold, Dylan Mc Bride, making it 1-1 right at the start of the second half. Lagan came back into the game after the Fanad equaliser and got back in front when Jack Duncan scored to make it 2-1. Lagan let their lead slip for a second time giving Dylan Mc Bride too much space on the edge of the box. He slotted the ball passed Kai in the goal, Fanad went ahead in the game for the first time scoring from a corner through Alan Mc Ateer. Lagan didn’t let this dampen their spirits and they got level again scoring from a corner of our own. Ronan Lynch put in a great ball and Robbie Dolan headed home from a few yards out to make it 3-3. Both teams pushed for a winner and it was Lagan who got it with only a few minutes left to play. Ross Hamlyn struck a great free kick from 25 yards which the keeper saved well but the ball fell to Dean Murray who followed in to slot the ball into the net to give them a well-deserved three points. Referee: Liam Mc Laughlin.
Milford United Reserves 0 v 1 Gweedore United Reserves
Lough Fern played hosted a cagey affair between two teams looking for a long-awaited win. Milford started the brighter creating a couple of chances the best falling to Conor Meakin who got on the end of a Ciaran Blaney cross and was unlucky not to score with a speculative volley from inside the box. Gweedore United grew into the game and had a few chances of their own and an excellent goal from Francis Gallagher put Gweedore ahead just before halftime. Milford came out pushing for an equaliser in the second-half and dominated proceedings from there on in. However, Gweedore never succumbed and held strong to gain all three points.
Sunday 2nd March 2025
Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division
Gweedore Celtic 2 v 0 Swilly Rovers
Gweedore overcame relegation rivals Swilly Rovers courtesy of two first half goals and in doing so moved a step closer to securing the play-off position. Both sides were aware of the importance of the result and it made for an entertaining encounter as the match ebbed and flowed and went from end to end as the teams tried to find the first goal. Despite enjoying a lot of possession early on, Swilly were first to concede. In a quick breakout from defence the home team broke forward in numbers and Cronan Mc Fadden’s shot came off the crossbar but in trying to clear an unfortunate Swilly defender bundled the ball over the line for the opening goal. In the twentieth minute Mc Fadden drilled a fierce shot over the bar from a good position and when the same player beat the offside trap before half time he was denied by the Swilly keeper Blaney. Na Ceiltigh did manage a second goal when Ciaran Mc Hugh’s through ball sent Darragh Mc Gee on a run and his well-placed ball gave the Swilly keeper no chance and extended his side’s lead. The second half was an even affair with Swilly searching for a way back into the game but the Gweedore defence was not for breaching. Swilly were leaving gaps in their rearguard and chances a plenty fell to Gweedore but they were very wasteful in front of goal with Cronan Mc Fadden, Jamie Doherty and Darragh Mc Gee wasting opportunities to make the game secure. The score remained as it was at halftime with Gweedore taking three valuable points. Gweedore had good performances from Liam Wiggins and Micheal Mc Gee whilst Kelly and Patterson shone for Swilly. Referee: Mick Lagan
Kilmacrennan Celtic 1 v 4 Fanad United
Fanad collected three points at Letterkenny Community Centre against an understrength Kilmacrennan side. Kilmacrennan missed a penalty on 15 minutes when James Doherty failed to convert. The Fanad keeper saved well. On 20 minutes Fanad’s Edward O’ Reilly got the opening goal of the game. On 25 minutes Conor Black converted from the penalty spot to make it 1-1. On 45 minutes Eddie O’ Reilly scored a header to leave it 2-1 to Fanad at half time. The 2nd half was dominated by Fanad and O’ Reilly completed his hat-trick on 60 minutes when he fired home from inside the box after been put through by Logue. On 79 minutes Darren Mc Elwaine scored a great goal from 25 yards when he volleyed home to the top corner. Eddie O’ Reilly was Man of Match. Referee: Gerard Devin
Letterkenny Rovers 3 v 0 Bonagee United
Letterkenny Rovers moved to the top of the table with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bonagee United in a crucial top-of-the-table clash at Leckview Park. With Bonagee leading by two points before kick-off, Rovers, with two games in hand, knew a win would put them in pole position heading into the business end of the season. Despite playing most the game with a one-man advantage, Rovers had to work hard to break down a disciplined Bonagee defence, but second-half goals from Lee Mc Monagle, BJ Banda, and Nathan Plumb secured the vital three points. Rovers started brightly, pressing high and forcing Bonagee into mistakes early on. In the 6th minute, Gareth Doherty won the ball high up the pitch and drove a powerful shot at goal, but Bonagee’s keeper Andrew Nicholls reacted well to save. The hosts continued to push forward, with Joel Gorman and Adrian Delap linking well on the right, but Bonagee remained compact at the back. Bonagee were reduced to 10 men in the 22nd minute, giving Rovers an opportunity to take control. Billy Banda and Chris Malseed both had half-chances while Lee Mc Monagle saw an acrobatic attempt blocked. Despite sustained pressure, Rovers couldn’t find the breakthrough, and Bonagee’s disciplined defensive work ensured the sides went into the break level at 0-0. The second half saw Bonagee create an early chance from a corner but Rovers defended well to clear their lines. Rovers thought they had taken the lead in the 50th minute when Padraic Gilsenan headed in from a Joel Gorman free kick, but the referee ruled it out for a foul. The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute. Nathan Bonner delivered a superb ball forward and Joel Gorman crossed with the outside of the boot. Nathan Plumb did well to control and set up Lee Mc Monagle who slotted home to put Rovers 1-0 up. Rovers doubled their lead just 10 minutes later. A long ball from Mark Anthony Mc Ginley found BJ Banda who showed great pace to beat the Bonagee defence, round the keeper, and finish coolly into the net. 2-0. Bonagee tried to find a way back into the game, but Mc Ginley and the Rovers defence stood strong, denying them any clear-cut chances. In the 94th minute, Rovers put the game to bed. Another long ball into the Bonagee half caused problems and Nathan Plumb capitalised on a defensive mistake, winning the ball and calmly finishing past the keeper to seal a 3-0 victory. A crucial win for Letterkenny Rovers as they take the top spot and will now look to push on. Referee: Vincent Mc Loughlin
Rathmullan Celtic 1 v 4 Kildrum Tigers
Kildrum Tigers produced a stunning late comeback, netting four goals in the final half hour to claim all three points in a game that was tightly contested for long periods. Rathmullan Celtic started brightly and took a deserved lead after just 10 minutes. Kevin Doran delivered a pinpoint free kick to the back post where Daire Sheridan rose highest to nod home. The hosts pushed for a second and were left frustrated midway through the first half when new signing Serhii Orianbinskyi looked to be through on goal only to be taken down by a late tackle. Despite protests for a red card, the referee decided on a yellow. The second half began with Rathmullan again on the front foot, and Matt Mc Nulty found himself one-on-one with the keeper, but Kildrum’s Keenan Diver applied just enough pressure to halt his progress. The game changed around the hour mark when Kildrum introduced Shane Mc Ginty, and he made an instant impact, swivelling inside the box before drilling a superb left-footed strike into the bottom corner. Moments later, controversy struck as Killian Hagan was adjudged to have fouled Mc Ginty in the area, much to the dismay of the home supporters. Johnny Robb stepped up and calmly slotted home from the spot to put Kildrum ahead. With momentum on their side, Kildrum showcased their quality in the closing stages. Keelan Gillen added a third before Tiernan Brown sealed the victory with a composed finish, capping off a ruthless display from the visitors. Referee: Michael Connolly
St. Catherines 3 v 1 Keadue Rovers
Alister Gourley got this feisty affair under way a minute before 1pm and we only had to wait 8 minutes more for the first goal. This came from the head of Josh Cunningham when he flicked a floated cross over the advancing and indecisive away keeper. Josh had his second only 2 minutes later when once again he bravely met an excellent cross from the left boot of Ryan Cunningham, beating the keeper low to his left. Quite remarkably he netted his hat- trick on the half hour after excellent work down the right by Josh Maxwell and a thundering low ball across the box that eventually made its way to the sliding Cunningham at the back post. Things went from bad to worse for Keadue when they had Mc Kelvey sent off. The second half was not a pretty affair and for long periods it seemed that Keadue had the numerical advantage and the Saints complacency caught up with them when Keadue were awarded a penalty on 60 minutes that was calmly dispatched by Fallon. The comeback never really materialised and the Saints gained three valuable points.
Temple Domestic Appliances Division One
Ballybofey United P v P Glenea United
(No Report, Match Postponed)
Cappry Rovers 5 v 0 Lifford Celtic
Cappry got off to a good start when Matthew Mc Geehan scored early. Cappry doubled their lead when Jack Burke Mc Bride found Mc Geehan who added his second. Cappry where well in control and added a third when Jack Burke Mc Bride made it 3-0. Cappry made it 4-0 just on half time when Conor Doherty scored from a free kick. Cappry made it 5-0 when Patrick Mc Nulty scored from close range.
Cranford United 1 v 2 Milford United
(No report submitted)
Donegal Town 0 v 3 Lagan Harps
(No Report Submitted)
Gweedore United 4 v 4 Castlefin Celtic
Gweedore United and Castlefin Celtic shared the spoils at Carrickboyle. A minute’s silence was observed by both teams prior to kick off following the tragedy which occurred at Gortahork on Friday night. The hosts drew first blood on the 3rd minute when Cathal Gillespie’s corner was met by Ethan Harkin and his headed effort was nodded in from 3 yards out by Dan O’ Donnell. Gweedore United doubled their lead in the 13th minute after a marauding run from Seighean O’ Baoill who played in Brian Mc Fadden and his effort was parried by the Castlefin keeper, Kevin Mc Colgan. Cathal Gillespie reacted the quickest and was on hand to tap in from close range. The visitors reduced the deficit on the 26th minute as Emmet White’s corner nestled into the top left hand corner of the net. The Gweedore men struck again on the 37th minute after Kevin Mc Colgan had brought down Brian Mc Fadden and Ethan Harkin stepped up to convert from the resulting spot kick. The visitors netted again in the 55th minute after an excellent through ball by Rabeh Hamdi picked out his team mate Ronan Tourish and he drilled home from 6 yards out. The away side were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute after the referee spotted a handball in the Gweedore United box from a Ronan Tourish corner. Ronan Tourish scored from the resulting penalty to make it 3-3. There was another twist in the 79th minute, a clever through ball from Darren Ferry caught the visitors cold and Ciaran Mc Fadden slotted home from close range. The game turned and on it’s head again on the 85th minute as the visitors restored parity, a cross from Michael Dunnion was headed in by Paul Farrell from close range. Both teams played their part in a hugely entertaining game. The windy conditions were also instrumental in today’s game. Ethan Harkin, Cathal Gillespie and Ciaran Mc Fadden all produced fantastic performances for the hosts, whilst Emmet White, Ronan Tourish and Paul Farrell also excelled for the visitors. Referee: Ryan Carlin
Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two
Curragh Athletic 0 v 2 Convoy Arsenal
Curragh welcomed high flying Convoy to the Oak Tree Sports Complex. A good contest in the first half with both sides playing some good football. Convoy opened the scoring on 40 minutes when Jason Woods came for a cross and spilled the ball and Oran Patterson slotted home from 12 yards. 0-1 at half time. The game got stretched in the second half and Convoy caught Curragh on the counter with a well taken goal by Jamie O’ Donnell on 65 minutes. Both teams worked hard and it ended 0-2. Team performances for Convoy and Curragh.
Referee: George Clinton
Deele Harps 2 v 1 Drumkeen United
Played in fine conditions, Deele welcomed Drumkeen to Marty Duffy Park for their penultimate home game of the season. The away side settled well but Deele grew into the game and created a couple of good chances through Jordy Duffy and Maddox Roberts. Then Ryan Kilpatrick tested the keeper from an acute angle. The deadlock was broken on 20 minutes when a cross field ball set up an attacking midfielder who arrived late in the box to finish well. The second half saw Deele improve in possession and they got their reward when Jordy Duffy was hauled down for a penalty. Sean Mc Gowan converted well. The home side were on top but Drumkeen still carried a threat and David Arthur was alert in the Deele goal. The away side then beat the offside and rounded David Arthur only for Eddie Connolly to clear off the line. The winning goal came on 78 minutes when a great run down the right and pulled the ball back to Jordy Duffy to rifle home for the three points. Jordy Duffy was best for Deele, team performance from Drumkeen. Referee: Patrick Mc Cauley.
Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 0 v 1 Letterbarrow Celtic
Letterbarrow dealt the ‘71s title hopes a huge blow with a victory over Kerrykeel at a sunny Rabs Park. It was a tight affair and the only goal of the game came right on half time, a Shaun Carr own goal. Kerrykeel pushed hard in the second half before couldn’t find a way past a Letterbarrow defence which dealt with everything thrown at it. A massive blow for Kerrykeel. Referee: Paddy Martin
Raphoe Town 0 v 3 Drumoghill F.C.
Both teams had chances before the away side broke the deadlock after 21 minutes after step-in goalkeeper Joel Cullen made a great save but there were no defenders to clear the lines and Drumoghill scored their first, 0-1. Nothing much happened for the rest of the half for either side. At the start of the second half Raphoe could have levelled the scoreline however the Drumoghill keeper was on hand to save Oisin Kelly’s shot from inside the box. Drumoghill struck next in the 47th minute when a defensive error was punished to make it 0-2. The scoring was wrapped up in the 67th minute with when the away side making it 0-3. Raphoe had some half chances before the end but could not convert any of them.
Whitestrand United 8 v 0 Dunkineely Celtic
Whitestrand United welcomed Dunkineely to Mc Garvey Park looking to continue their good form into the business end of the season. Whitestrand started on the front foot and took the lead when Reece Thompson crossed for Cormac Dunleavy to score at the back post. They doubled their lead when another good cross allowed Adam Ward to score at the back post. Michael Sweeney added a third. Sweeney could have had a quick second but he fired wide, he did get his second and Whitestrand’s fourth when he scored just before half time. Whitestrand continued their good form and Sweeney completed his hat-trick shortly after half time. Sweeney got another when the ball bounced off the top of the bar directly from the corner and he smashed the ball home from inside the 6-yard box. Cormac Dunleavy doubled his total for the day and the final goal came from Michael Sweeney as the game finished 8-0.