Here are all of the match reports from this week’s Donegal Women’s League fixtures.
Donegal Women’s League 9-a-side
Lagan Harps 0-0 Keadue Rovers
Lagan and Keadue played out a really tight game in Letterkenny Community Centre. There were few chances in a game in which both defences were very much on top. Amy Boyd and Chelsea Dowds cut out most of Keadue’s attacks, while Chloe Murphy and Hannah Gallagher were equally as solid for Keadue. Lagan started the stronger before Keadue forced a number of dangerous corners. The second half was equally balanced, with both midfield working hard. Sinead Doogan created a few dangerous moments for Keadue, while Nadine Crawford and Sinead McLaughlin carried Lagan’s biggest threat. All in all, a draw was a fair scoreline. Keadue came out on top in the penalty shootout to decide positions in the event of both teams finishing level on points at the end of the season. Lagan Harps 9 aside senior women’s vs Keadue Rovers
Kildrum Tigers vs Bonagee United (Bonagee win)
Kildrum Ladies kicked off their 9-aside league campaign tonight at home to Bonagee. A tough opening game for Kildrum to start their campaign. They were met with a really talented, skilful and disciplined team who were quick to get on the score sheet. Our ladies battled hard throughout the 60 minutes and never gave up. They showed true determination. There were lots of positives to take away from tonight’s game and plenty to work on to improve moving forward. Well done to Bonagee on a great win and sportsmanship. Thanks to Ryan Carlin for reffing.
Deele Harps 1-2 Raphoe Town
Our first game in the 9-a-side fixtures, which was switched to play in Drumineney. Raphoe started the brighter side with chances from Sarah Jane Kelly, Vanessa McHugh, and Michaela Hanafin, all denied by the Deele keeper Louise Coyle. Deele came out fighting at the start of the second half, and Raphoe’s keeper pulled off a brilliant save from a Deele free kick, and from the resulting corner, Caoimhe Mc Carron put Deele in the lead. Raphoe responded well, but Deele keeper Louise Coyle denied Vanessa McHugh once again. Deele forced a few corners, but the pressure began with only 10 minutes left on the clock. McHugh raced through the Deele defence and made no mistake this time, finding the back of the net. With only a few minutes left on the clock, McHugh ran into the box, and a brilliant pass back to Orlaith Connolly saw Raphoe take the win.
Drumbar 1- 2 Letterkenny Rovers
After a slow start from both sides, it was Letterkenny Rovers who broke the deadlock after 12 minutes. A lovely cutback from Roisin Lynch followed by a shot on goal opened the scoring despite the best efforts of Drumbar goalkeeper Nicola Happi to keep it out. The scoreline remained the same until halftime after a few chances for the home team. The closest of which came from Emma O’Doherty after some lovely build-up play between Isla McLeod and Emily Slator, who released Emma, who hit a rasping shot just clearing the crossbar. The second half started with Letterkenny Rovers attacking Drumbar, and 10 minutes in, they were rewarded by adding their and Roisin Lynch’s second goal of the game. A nice team move, and Roisin made no mistake with the finish. This seemed to spark the Drumbar girls back into action, and they started to grow into the match. Drumbar’s Jodie Foster and Emma O’ Doherty were causing Letterkenny problems on the wings. The girls finally got their breakthrough after Emma O’ Doherty beat two attempted tackles and played a low cross to the edge of the box to the oncoming Emily Slator, who rifled it to the roof of the Letterkenny Rovers net, giving the goalkeeper no chance! Unfortunately for Drumbar, we couldn’t add a second to level up the game despite the girl’s best efforts. Letterkenny Rovers finished the game strongly. However, Drumbar’s defence and goalkeeper held firm with some fine tackling and saves. A great team performance by all against a strong Letterkenny side. Raphoe Town at home next Monday for the Ladies.
Donegal Women’s League U16 Match Reports
Group 1
Drumbar United 6-2 Raphoe Town
Drumbar United U16s made a strong start to their league campaign with an impressive 6-2 victory over Raphoe Town.
Despite a nervous opening, Drumbar settled into the game when Emma McNulty broke the offside trap and finished clinically to open the scoring after 10 minutes. The home side soon doubled their advantage as Shaelagh Brannigan diverted home a well-placed corner from Hannah McGowan. McGowan then added two goals of her own in quick succession, further asserting Drumbar’s dominance. Just before the break, McNulty completed her hat-trick, sending Drumbar into halftime with a commanding lead. The second half saw Raphoe Town attempt to mount a comeback, and they managed to score two late consolation goals. However, Drumbar’s defence remained solid for much of the half, ensuring there was no shift in momentum. It was an excellent opening performance from Drumbar United, showcasing their attacking quality and defensive resilience.
Donegal Town 3-1 Convoy Arsenal
St Catherines 2-4 Finn Valley
Group 2
Glenree Academy 1-3 Keadue Rovers
Glenree Utd – ( Aimeé Bassett 15mins)
Keadue Rovers – (Charlee Tracy 5mins) (Ella Bonnar 50mins)( Caoimhe Gallagher 78mins)
The Sheephaven Bay ladies shook off their off season blues and had a good first outing against an evenly matched opponent in Keadue Rovers. The long range efforts were all the difference as Keadue opened the scoring when a wayward cross found its way under the crossbar. In quick response a well worked goal from Aimeé Bassett with Tara Coyle giving the inch perfect assist levelled the score at the break. Two late goals from the visitors sealed Glenree’s fate but it didn’t waiver their spirit to play out the game. Well done to Sophia Gorney and Niamh Kelly who had solid performances for the Mevagh Ladies. Glenree are looking forward to an away day to Glenea next time out with a few girls coming back after a year out.
Gweedore United 1-1 Gweedore Celtic
This season opener local derby played on a beautiful evening in Carrickboyle ended all square after a tough encounter. United started brighter and could have been one up on 15 minutes after Ciara McFadden played a brilliant ball over the top to Lilly Rodgers, who found herself one on one with the advancing Cliodhna Ferry, but Rodgers shot went wide of the goal, a massive let-off for Gweedore Celtic. Both defences were then on top, with United having most of the possession, but the Celtic defence was excellently marshalled by Niamh Ferry. United took the lead in the 33rd minute when Lilly Rodgers beat a number of Celtic players down the left wing, and she crossed to Neasa Diver, who finished excellently past Ferry in the Celtic goal to leave United 1-0 up at HT. In the second half, it was more of the same as United continued to push for a second, but Celtic were dangerous on the counter attack. The United defence did excellent on each occasion from counter attacks, with Muireann Gallagher putting in a player of the match performance. Gweedore United had most of the possession but were unable to grab that elusive second goal, and as so often in football, they were made to pay for missed chances when, in injury time, Gweedore Celtic were awarded a free kick. Aoife McGee’s shot was headed by the Gweedore defender as she tried to block the shot, and it looped over Nuala Doherty in the United goal to grab a share of the spoils for the visitors. 1-1 FT. A good sporting encounter and good football played by all the girls. Lucie Boyd, Leah Ward, and Muireann Gallagher were excellent for United, while Niamh Ferry and Siofra Campbell were the standout performers for Celtic. Referee: Kryon Glennon
Gweedore United U16 girls vs Gweedore Celtic
Group 3
Milford Utd 0-1 Illistrin FC
Illistrin took the three points on the opening evening of the girls U16 league. The opening 15 minutes was a fairly even affair, with neither team creating any real chances. Milford began to create a few chances with some good play on the right-hand side but failed to test the keeper. Illistrin’s best moments came from corners with excellent deliveries from Kate Cameroon. Milford didn’t get started in the second half at all, and Illistrin took the lead when Molly Robinson finished from close range. Megan McGinley kept Milford in the game with two good saves. Milford went for broke in the last 15 minutes, with the best chances falling to Lucy Sweeney and Amy Patton but neither finding the net. Excellent opening game with not much between the teams, with Kate Cameroon best for Illistrin and Lucy Sweeney best for Milford.
Mulroy Academy 1-0 Lagan Harps
Mulroy Academy kicked off their season in style with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lagan in Trialough. Despite missing several key players, Mulroy’s depth and resilience shone through. The decisive moment came 15 minutes into the second half when Úna Sweeney latched onto a well-timed through ball, slotting it past the keeper to secure the win. Both teams displayed immense energy and determination, reflecting their eagerness for the season ahead.
Bonagee United 1-0 Ballyraine
Donegal Women’s League U14 Match Reports
Group 1:
Gweedore Celtic 3-1 Illistin FC
A match that was played in the spirit that all games should be played. Both sides were evenly matched and had plenty of opportunities to score. Enya Logue for Gweedore opened the scoring on 3 minutes with a well executed strike. Clare Minnock scored on 11 minutes for Na Ceiltigh and again Enya Logue with another superb goal on 18 minutes. Na Ceiltigh were leading 3 – 0 at half time. Illistrin came out fighting in the second and put plenty of pressure on the Gweedore defence. Their resilience paid off with Eabha McKinney scoring in the 50th minute. The Gweedore goalkeeper Niamh Ferry made some great runs out to prevent Illistrin any more goals. Best for Illistrin Eabha McKinney and best for Gweedore Niamh Ferry, however, great performances from all players on both teams. Well done to all involved.
Gweedore United 0-0 Kilmacrennan Celtic
This game played on a glorious evening in Gweedore under the floodlights saw the girls from both sides play out a great battle. In the opening half the home side came close on a number of occasions with a great shot by Ciara Mc Fadden in the 4th minute, saw Cara Mc Gettigan produce an excellent save. Six minutes later Erin Ferry played a great ball into the box and Lucie Boyd was unlucky not to score. Kilmacrennan had two decent chances through Aoibhinn Hegarty and Rosie Mc Bride in the 23rd and 27th minute, which were well saved by Sheena Ferry. In the 40th minute Darcie Boyd’s shot on target was well saved by Cara Mc Gettigan in the visitors net.There were very few chances after that with a great battle in midfield between the sides. Nuala Doherty was player of the match for United whilst Jorjamae McGroarty with her excellent throw-ins and Cara Mc Gettigan were excellent for Kilmacrennan. Referee: Thomas Ferry
Keadue Rovers 6-0 Glenea United
Group 2
Cappry Rovers 2-5 Bonagee United
Bonagee played Cappry Rovers under the sunshine in Dry Arch Park to open their league campaign. Unfortunately Cappry lost their keeper Amy Carroll early on in the first half due to injury. Not long after Tara McDaid got onto a long ball and finished well putting Bonagee one nil up. Cappry threatened through Allison Mbuli and Molly Gallagher but their efforts went wide of the goal. Allison Mbuli had a great chance before half time to level the game but Bonagee shot stopper Aine McDaid denied her access to her goal. Just after halftime Reah Robinson doubled Bonagee’s lead and not soon after that Ruby Sheridan got Bonagees third. Cappry pulled one back after a brilliant finish from Klara Lafferty went into the top corner. Bonagee responded a few minutes later with their fourth after Reah Robinson’s long range effort found the net. Cappy’s Sinead McMenamin was played through but Aine McDaid was equal to it. Ruby Sheridan got her second and Bonagee’s fifth late on. Cappry never gave up and got a goal just before the full time whistle when Derbhla McNulty got on the end of a corner. A game where the scoreline didn’t reflect the game with both teams playing some lovely football and thanks to Marty McGarrigle for reffing.
Convoy Arsenal 0-0 Lagan Harps
An exciting game of football from start to finish in Orchard Park tonight kicked off the 2025 season for Convoy Arsenal U14 girls when they took on Lagan Harps. All the players on both teams put in superb work making it a well matched performance. Brilliant tackling, fantastic defending and fighting to the bitter end from all. The game finished 0-0 which was a fair result to both teams. Well done everyone on an amazing first match
Group 3:
Cappry Rovers B vs Finn Valley (Finn Valley Win)
A tough start to the season for Cappry with a first match against local rivals Finn Valley. Finn Valley started strong with 6 very good goals in the first half. Cappry then started to fight back but it was not enough in the end. Finn Valley showing that they are one of the strongest teams in the county. Cappry fought well until the end but unfortunately did not have the quality to get a hold of the game.
Group 4:
Ballyraine Harps 3-1 Swilly Rovers
Mulroy Academy 2-1 Milford United
