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06 Sept 2025

Gareth McElroy scores, but Sligo Rovers' Donegal contingent lose in U20 Cup final

Burnfoot’s Gareth McElroy put Sligo ahead with an early goal, but UCD came from behind to win the U20 Enda McGuill Cup final on home soil in extra time at the UCD Bowl on Saturday evening

Gareth McElroy scores, but Sligo Rovers' Donegal contingent lose in U20 Cup final

Colin Bolton of UCD in action against Gareth McElroy of Sligo Rovers

There was no joy for the strong Donegal contingent at Sligo Rovers in Saturday evening’s U20 Enda McGuill Cup final.

Burnfoot’s Gareth McElroy put Sligo ahead early on, but UCD came from behind to win on home soil in extra time at the UCD Bowl.

Killybegs’ Colin Mooney, Kevin Muldoon from Donegal Town and Shea Malone, a native of Glenties, were also included in the Sligo team.

The Sligo Rovers U20s are managed by Killybegs man and former Finn Harps captain Declan Boyle.

Defender McElroy fired home early in the game, brilliantly heading home from a Kyle McDonagh corner.

McElroy, who played schoolboys football at Aileach FC, has moved up to the Sligo Rovers first team in recent weeks.

Cathal McCarthy drew UCD level and, after a superb block by McElroy prevented a UCD winner in normal time, it was into extra time to settle the tie.

There, Roy Lawlor struck the magical winner to keep the silverware at the Belfield campus.

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