Donegal Town win St Catherine's seven-a-side tournament

Donegal Town FC have kicked their new season off on the right foot after winning the St Catherine’s seven-a-side tournament on Saturday in Killybegs. 

The tournament which takes place at Emerald Park sees clubs from counties across Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Dublin, and Sligo participating in the event with the Donegal Town facing some stiff competition on route to winning the competition. 

Teams from across the country descended on Killybegs to take part in the legendary competition and this year the likes of Coolock Village, Ballaghadereen, Donegal Town, and Illies Celtic were present for a festival of football with the aim of winning €1,500.  

Carbury FC from Sligo returned to defend their crown, while the tournament also welcomed NFC Kesh to the event for the first time. 

In the group games Donegal Town first overcame Keadue Rovers 1-0, before beating Coolock Village 3-0. It got harder from there as they then fell to Ballaghaderreen 2-0 but bounced back to beat Strand Celtic 3-0 and advance to the semi-final. 

In the last four, it was a local derby for the Donegal Town men as they came up against home side St Catrherine’s. Leading 1-0 throughout, it looked like it was going to be St Catherine’s day until Ben Sweeney equalised at the last minute to send the match to penalties. 

Donegal minor goalkeeper Lewis McCaughan proved to be the hero in the shootout as he saved two penalties before Sweeney knocked home the winning kick to send the Donegal Town club to the final. 

Coming up against Ballaghadereen again, this time the result was different with the Town club winning 4-3 with Ronan McHugh netting home a brace, while Sweeney and captain Eoin Slevin scored one each with McHugh picking up Player of the Tournament while Sweeney won top scorer.