The Donegal Women’s League made history this week with both their U14 and U16 girls’ teams qualifying for the National SFAI Finals.
The highly anticipated Finals Festival will take place in Limerick on Saturday, March 8. Donegal U16s kick-off at 3:30 PM against North Tipperary, followed by the U14 squad (main pic) facing Carlow at 5:00 PM.
The U16s successfully navigated the group stages before securing an impressive semi-final victory over Galway. Despite missing seven key players who have advanced to National League level, the squad has called upon the rising talents of the 2010 team to bolster their ranks.
While the absence of sharpshooter Cliodhna Kelly—who netted five goals in the campaign—will be felt, Donegal will look to last year’s final hero, Michaella Hannifin, to make an impact. Dependable goalkeeper Mary B McGeever remains a pillar of strength, while experienced players Bronagh Gallen, Eva Diver, and Kaycie Gallagher are relishing the challenge.
North Tipperary faces a similar situation, with several players also progressing to the National League. This makes for an evenly matched contest, setting the stage for an exciting battle.
The Donegal U16s girls squad.
Donegal U16 Squad:
Mary B McGeever (Mulroy Academy), Naoise Gillespie (St. Catherine’s FC), Shaelagh Brannigan (Drumbar Utd), Eva Diver (Gweedore Utd), Michaella Hannafin (Drumbar Utd), Bronagh Gallen (Finn Valley Ladies FC), Elianne McFadden (Gweedore Utd), Kaycie Gallagher (Mulroy Academy), Caoimhe Gallagher (Keadue Rovers), Bronagh Hegarty (St. Catherine’s), Aoibhinn Callaghan (Mulroy Academy), Ashling Duffy (Mulroy Academy), Emma McNulty (Drumbar Utd), Aoife McGee (Gweedore Celtic), Sinead McLoughlin (Lagan Harps), Aoise Lenihan (Illistrin FC), Grace McBride (Bonagee Utd), Shauna Doohan (Glenea Utd), Cate Cameron (Kilmacrennan Celtic), Amy McAteer (Mulroy Academy).
Donegal U14: First National Final Appearance
Donegal U14s came heartbreakingly close to topping their group, narrowly missing out on penalties after a 2-2 draw with South Belfast, where Mollie Elliott netted twice.
They showed their class in earlier matches, defeating Inishowen 3-1 (Ava Greer (2), Savanna Keys) and Cavan Monaghan 3-1 (Ava Greer, Tara McDaid, Eadaoin Kennedy).
Their semi-final against a formidable Limerick Desmond side was a tense affair, with Mollie Elliott scoring a late winner to secure a place in the final.
Now preparing to face Carlow, the team has been training relentlessly. While many of the squad have played together for the past three years, this marks their first-ever National Final—a momentous occasion for the players and management alike.
Donegal U14 Squad:
Aisling McGinley (Letterkenny Rovers), Alex Crawford (Drumbar Utd), Amy Lateef (Lagan Harps), Aoife Kilpatrick (Milford Utd), Ava Greer (Milford Utd), Brooke Johnston (Raphoe Town), Caoimhe Sleigh (Finn Valley Ladies FC), Eadaoin Kennedy (Ballyraine FC), Ella Brennan (Illistrin FC), Emily Doogan (Keadue Rovers), Kate McMenamin (Finn Valley Ladies FC), Kaytlin Fay (Kilmacrennan Celtic), Leah Ward (Keadue Rovers), Megan McGinley (Milford Utd), Mollie Elliott (St. Catherine’s FC), Nease Diver (Gweedore Utd), Nuala Doherty (Gweedore Utd), Reah Robinson (Bonagee Utd), Saoirse Deasley (Raphoe Town), Tara McDaid (Bonagee Utd), Teaghan Doherty (Lagan Harps), Ruby Sheridan (Bonagee Utd).
Best of Luck to the Teams!
Huge credit goes to the management teams, with Sinead Kelly and Syria McGeever leading the U16s, and Olivia Sleigh, Brid McGinty, and John Francis Doogan guiding the U14s.
The entire Donegal football community is behind both squads as they aim to bring home national glory. Best of luck to the players and coaches – let’s make history!
