Donegal League: Keadue Rovers put six past Rathmullan Celtic in Premier Division

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division

Kilmacrennan Celtic 2-0 Kildrum Tigers

On a day of very difficult conditions at Letterkenny Community Centre, Kilmacrennan took all three points. 

The game was evenly matched for first half and Kilmacrennan should have took lead when Shane Mc Namee was straight through after beating the offside but his shot was just wide of Michael Lynch’s goal. 

Scoreless at the break, Kilmacrennan with aid of a strong wind in 2nd half took lead on 70 minutes when a short corner on right was cooly despatched from outside the box by Paul Bradley. 

On 80 minutes Shane Mc Namee was put through by Matty Mc Laughlin and with a delightful first touch he cooly chipped the Kildrum keeper from 18 yards. Lynch pulled off two great saves from Chris Dillon and Mc Namee.

Best for Kilmacrennan Liam Mc Bride and Shane Mc Namee. Michael Lynch and Shane Mc Ginty were best for Kildrum. Referee: Barry Maxwell

Letterkenny Rovers 5-1 Swilly Rovers

Letterkenny Rovers earned a commanding 5-1 victory over Swilly Rovers under blustery conditions at Leckview Park. 

The home side applied early pressure, and just 2 minutes in, Joel Bradley Walsh’s free-kick forced a great save from Swilly keeper Barry Gallagher. From the resulting corner, Walsh’s initial header was saved, but BJ Banda was on hand to ensure it found the back of the net for an early 1-0 lead. 

Rovers kept pressing, with Dean Mc Carry coming close, but Swilly threatened on the break, particularly through Thomas Mullen, who nearly equalised in the 11th minute. However, the Letterkenny defence, bolstered by Adrian Delap’s crucial block, held firm. 

Letterkenny doubled their lead just before halftime when Banda laid off a pass for Nathan Plumb who calmly slotted home. 

Despite playing against strong winds in the first half, Rovers took a 2-0 advantage into the break. Swilly Rovers started the second half brightly, and in the 54th minute, they pulled one back through Lawrence Toland after a well-worked free-kick. 

The visitors grew in confidence, but Rovers quickly regained control of the match. In the 73rd minute, substitute Lee Mc Monagle assisted Christopher Flanagan for a crucial third goal.

 And just five minutes later, Mc Monagle himself got on the scoresheet after pouncing on a rebound from a Bradley-Walsh free-kick. Rovers sealed the win in the 80th minute when Joel Gorman met Bradley-Walsh’s cross and headed in to make it 5-1. Referee: Gerard Devine

St. Catherine’s 2-2 Bonagee United

On what can only be described as an atrocious day for football, it’s hats off to both teams for serving up an exciting and competitive 90 minutes. 

Playing with the strong wind was not really an advantage and this proved to be so as Bonagee took the lead on 15 minutes through excellent one touch football across the Saints’ 18-yard line and a super low hard drive by Shay Maloney broke the deadlock. 

A brave young saints team didn’t drop the heads and on 25 minutes Alex Mc Ginley latched on to a low defence splitting pass from Ryan Cunningham and bravely slid the ball under the advancing Bonagee keeper for the equaliser. 

Gareth Harkin was orchestrating chance after chance for Bonagee but Odhran Mc Guinness was having none of it at centre half and kept the scores level until half time. Jamie Hoans’ always looked dangerous up front for the visitors and drew some excellent saves from the Saints’ keeper but possibly against the run of play the home side took the lead on 60 minutes.

Superb hold up play by Paul O’ Hare down the right flank saw him slide a low ball across the Bonagee 18-yard line which was then subsequently met by the sweet left foot of Ryan Cunningham for a 2 -1 advantage to the Saints. 

It was all hands to the pump as Bonagee pressed for an equaliser and after several goal mouth scrambles, bodies on the line, long distance shots, the Bonagee equaliser came from a corner where Jack Parke found himself unmarked for an easy finish with his head on 76minutes. 

Conditions deteriorated even further for the last 15 minutes and there was a sigh of relief around Emerald Park when Paddy Martin blew for full time on 95 minutes. 

Rathmullan Celtic 0-6 Keadue Rovers

Keadue Rovers secured a commanding 6-0 victory over Rathmullan in the Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division as the strengthening storm made conditions utterly miserable for the football purist. 

The Gulls had the wind in their sails in the first half, while Rathmullan pressed and did their best to respond in the second half but the damage had all been done. From the outset, Keadue Rovers established their intent, with Aidan Brennan opening the scoring in the 29th minute. 

A low finish that slipped under the outstretched hand of Rathmullan's goalkeeper, it was a simple but effective statement. 

Just three minutes later, he struck again, this time with a deftly placed shot that showcased his composure in front of goal. It was an early double that set the tone for the rout. By the 35th minute, Keadue were cruising. Martin Ferry launched an absolute missile from 35 yards out, finding the top corner with a laser-like strike.  

As Rathmullan struggled to respond, Keadue's Pauric Neely joined the scoring party in the 39th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot home. And just before the break Maurice Mc Gee added a wind-assisted goal. 

Keadue continued to apply pressure, and in the 80th minute, Mark Forker finished off the scoring with a powerful low shot from 20 yards, sealing Rathmullan's fate. Yet, amid the avalanche of goals, one player emerged with his reputation intact—Dominic Hull, the Rathmullan goalkeeper. 

Time and again, he demonstrated remarkable reflexes, thwarting several attempts that could have escalated the scoreline even further. His performance, though overshadowed by the final result, was worthy of praise. 

Keadue Rovers showcased a ruthless efficiency that will have opponents in the division wary. For Rathmullan, the challenge now lies in regrouping and finding a way to rebuild after tough afternoon at the office. 

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Castlefin Celtic 3-2 Ballybofey United

Castlefin secured a derby victory over Ballybofey in challenging conditions in Park View. Castlefin playing against the breeze started the brighter and took the when Jude Patton converted from the spot. 

The visitors came into it and equalised when Daithí Mc Mahon scored direct from a free kick in the last kick before the break. 

Ballybofey started where they left off and Bari Mc Gee rifled home to put the visitors ahead. Castlefin pushed on with the aid of the breeze and a Corrie Lee Bogan strike and a Bogan cross from the right which was deflected into the Ballybofey net put the host's ahead and in the end proved to be the winner.

Lifford Celtic 1-9 Lagan Harps

In a game reversed to Orchard Park and played in horrendous conditions Lifford began against the gale force wind and found themselves 3-0 down with 20 minutes gone before grabbing a goal from Justin Mc Bride from the penalty spot. 

Lagan added another wind assisted strike before the break. The second half was similar with Lifford trying to gain the advantage with the wind but it was Lagan who grabbed another five goals without reply. 

Lifford lost goalkeeper Karl Friel to a facial injury during the second half to compound their misery. 

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two

Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 8-0 Curragh Athletic

At a wet and windy Rabs Park the ‘71 put in a powerful performance and moved top of the division. 

Playing against the breeze in the first half they dealt the best with the conditions with Kevin Loughrey putting them ahead from the spot on 5 minutes. 

It was two on ten minutes when Shaun Kerr headed home a cross from brother James. James then got the 3rd on 20 minutes with a brilliant finish from the edge of the box. Patsy Friel got a well-deserved 4th and his first of the season on the stroke of half time after great play from Bernard Mc Gettigan. 

Curragh to their credit never stopped working and Shaun Friel made to good save at the start of the second half to keep his clean sheet intact. 

Captain Mark Friel got his first on 60 minutes again another great ball from James Kerr and it was James again on 65 minutes, again from outside the box with a fantastic strike. 

An OG on 75 minutes from Curragh made it 7 before Sparky rounded of the scoring in the 89 minute. Referee: Leo Devenney.

Letterbarrow Celtic 3-4 Drumoghill F.C.

Letterbarrow entertained Drumoghill in blustery conditions and started the brightest with the wind at their backs. 

Darragh Burke was looking sharp however it was Rory Kennedy who opened the scoring straight from a corner. 

After a defensive mix-up Drumoghill managed to level it however Gerard Mc Brearty made it 2-1 at the break with a cracking finish. 

Letterbarrow were very slow to start the 2nd half and quickly conceded two stunning strikes. A further blow in the 60th minute when a 4th was conceded. Letterbarrow introduced a raft of substitutions and one of them Conor Mc Daid continued his good form to make it 4-3. Man of the match: Rory Kennedy

Ulster Junior Shield

Cranford United 2-0 Dunree United

Cranford came out on top in rough conditions in Cranford Park. Cranford dominated throughout but Dunree sat in and defended well. 

The home side’s dominant play was rewarded after 30 minutes when Shane Coll’s perfect header from the edge of the box flew i to the bottom corner. 

Dunree played with the wind in the second half but everything they threw at Cranford, the defence dealt with. Kyle Mc Fadden secured the game with 15 to go with a great turn and finish

Saturday 19th October

Glencar Inn Saturday Division One

Drumbar F.C. 2-0 Oldtown Celtic

A narrow defeat but nothing short of a spirited performance against formidable opposition in Oldtown Celtic, who are aiming for four Division One League titles in a row. 

Having been promoted to the top tier of Saturday football last season, the opposition has gone up a level this year for our lads. 

However, for such a young team, they have adapted incredibly well so far, and today was no different.  

Oldtown were restricted to few chances over the course of the game but finished clinically from long-range strikes in either half. For Drumbar, there were strong performances from back to front with high levels of effort and quality on display throughout the team. 

The lads created several chances and set-piece situations, but just couldn't find the back of the net. 

A special word to our supporters who were out in their masses and continue to grow week on week.  There was widespread appreciation for the performance of the lads. 

Kildrum Tigers Reserves 3-2 St. Catherine’s Reserves

In a tight fought first half St Catherines pushed the Tiger's early on but a great ball through from CJ Clarke found Shane Mc Nulty to finish well. 

St Catherines pressed well and got their reward 5 minutes from halftime with a great effort to level the match. 

Tiger's got reward from a Daniel McNulty corner which found the top corner of the net to put the Tigers out in front again. 

The Tigers pushed hard to find a goal to kill the game but with 8 minutes to go St Catherines had another great strike to level the game once again. 

The Tigers then kicked into life and Conor Friel troubled the defence when the St Catherines keeper cleared at the edge of the box only to find Daniel Square McNulty 35 yards out to catch everyone out for a stunning strike to take all 3 points for the Tigers 

Donegal Town Reserves 3-1 Keadue Rovers Reserves

In an open enough first half first half Keadue took the lead with a finely struck shot from the edge of the area on 15 minutes. 

Town responded well and equalised through Aidan Mc Hugh from the spot after JP Byrne was taken down.  

The second half belonged to town with a double from Niko Dominik deciding matters. The first from a beautiful Stephen Curneen pass and the second from a fantastic Adam Wilson cross. 3 1 it finished. Best for Town were Wilson, Curneen and Ryan Mahon

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two

Dunlewey Celtic 1-2 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves

Kilmacrennan started the stronger of the two sides and broke the deadlock when Toby Taylor broke into the box to tap home the first goal of the day on 11 minutes. 

Dunlewey tried to get back into the game with Eamonn Collum causing havoc for the Kilmacrennan backline. 

The game was evenly matched for a period and Eamonn Collum broke through the Kilmacrennan defence to finish well from a tight angle on 33 minutes. 

The game was evenly matched right up toward the end of the first half but Kilmacrennan capitalised on a loose ball when Terence Shiels caught the keeper off his line and finished well from 30 yards out, right on the stroke of half time. 2-1 to the visitors at the break. 

The second half was a tight affair with both sides pushing for the next goal but there were no real chances of note. 

Kilmacrennan held their lead for the remainder of the game and made sure the three points were headed back with them. Referee: Mick Lagan

Fintown Harps AFC 5-1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves

In glorious conditions at Pairc Acla, Fintown kept up their unbeaten record so far. They started the brightest creating chances for Odhrán Doherty and Aaron Mc Glynn.

Castlefinn had a great chance on 10 minutes but Gamble’s header just went wide.

Just after the half-hour mark Fintown broke down the left wing with Shane Mc Devitt doing great work to find Aaron Mc Glynn who made no mistake from 10 yards out. Castlefinn did their best to get back into the game but the Fintown defence held firm.

 On 40 minutes anther cross into the box from Shane Mc Devitt saw Castlefin concede an Own-Goal to put Fintown two ahead at the interval. 

Fintown stared the 2nd half on the front foot and were awarded a penalty when Logan Quinn got upended in the box. Logan dusted himself down and beat Mark Gordon in the Castlefinn net with a great shot.  

On the hour, Aaron Mc Glynn got his second after a great run, finding the lower left corner of the Castlefin net.

Castlefinn to their credit never gave up and got one back on 75 minutes when they beat Fintowns’ offside trap. Fintown responded almost straight away with a great header from Leo Mc Loone coming back out off the crossbar for Michael Doherty  to score. Referee: Sean O’ Donnell

Finn Travel Saturday Division Three

Drumkeen United Reserves 3-2 Cranford United Reserves

The Visitors struck first when Shane Coll put them ahead after 19 minutes. 

Drumkeen got back on level terms almost immediately when Emmett O’ Boyle set up Michael Guthrie who finished well for the equaliser.

The hosts got their head in front about 10 minutes later when Michael Guthrie struck again, this time he was assisted by Sean Collum. 

Both teams tried hard for the rest of the first half but there were to be no more goals and so Drumkeen went in a goal ahead at the break. 

The second half began as the first half ended as Cranford tried hard to get back on level terms.  

Drumkeen probably thought they had wrapped up the points when the Colum Brothers combined as Owen set up Sean for their third goal.

Cranford however had other ideas and weren't giving up that easy. But with the clock running down and Drumkeen having a few half chances themselves it looked like they had weathered the storm and done enough to win the game. 

As we entered injury time Drumkeen gave away a free kick in the middle of the park. The Free kick was hoisted in on top of the Drumkeen goal and hit the crossbar and rebounded out to Andrew Cairns who fired it home. 

Drumkeen had to withstand a Cranford onslaught for the last few minutes. The home team defended well and were able to keep their goal intact and were glad to hear the final whistle from referee Matthew Hull.

Fanad United Reserves 4-0 Copany Rovers

Fanad United made it four wins from four in Saturday Division 3 with a 4-0 home win over Copany Rovers on Saturday. 

Played in near ideal conditions it was Fanad who took the early initiative and opened the scoring after 5 minutes. 

Dylan Mc Glone went on a good run down the left and when his ball to the back post was controlled by Shea Cannon, his pull back was met by Niall Toland who scored from close range. 

On 15 minutes Fanad were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box, Darragh O' Doherty stepped up but Copany keeper Oisin Bryson produced an excellent save to deny him. 

Fanad continued to push and were rewarded with a second goal in the 35th minute. Oisin Mc Hugh and Niall Toland did well on the right and Toland's cross was met by Dylan Mc Glone who fired home. 

Just 3 minutes later Fanad scored their 3rd. Darragh O' Doherty sent a dangerous free into the box and Dylan Mc Glone pounced to get his second of the match.  

Copany came more into the game in the second half and ten minutes in they missed a golden chance to get a goal back. 

David Harron did well to pressure the Fanad defence and when the ball broke to him he fired wide with the goal at his mercy. 

Ten minutes later Graham Harron seen his powerful drive from 25 yards drift just wide of the Fanad post. 

However, it was Fanad who got the only goal of the second half with ten minutes remaining. When Fanad were awarded a free on the right, Darragh O' Doherty floated the ball to the back post where Seamie Friel rose highest to power a header home. 

The final chance of the game came with 5 minutes remaining. After some great work from Shane Carr, he set up Charlie Mc Ateer who's shot went just over the bar.  Referee: Dessie Mc Laughlin 

Ulster Junior Shield

Lagan Harps 5-7 Gweedore United

There were plenty of goals in Orchard Park in a dramatic cup tie. The game started at a hectic pace with both teams creating and missing chances. 

Lagan took the lead on twenty-eight minutes when Damien Mc Fadden set up Michael Toner for a good finish.

Lagan keeper Kai Brown then pulled off several good saves, including two from Ciaran Mc Fadden. The goals flowed in the second half. 

Lagan got their second on fifty-one minutes when Robby Dolan found Michael Toner, he crossed for Damien Mc Fadden to finish. It looked like game over on sixty-two minutes when Ross Hamlyn found Michael Toner for a good finish. 

Gweedore had been a threat throughout and pulled one back on sixty-five minutes when Brian Mc Fadden headed home. 

Gweedore continued to find holes in the Lagan defence and Ciaran Mc Fadden made it 3-2. Right at the death from another scramble Ciaran scored the equaliser. 

The game then went in to extra time. Stephen Mc Fadden put Gweedore ahead in the first half of extra time. 

In the second half Aiden Devir crossed for Riley Dowds to equalise, on his senior team debut.  

Kai Brown pulled off another great save to deny Gweedore with the last kick of the game. Gweedore held their nerve to go through on penalties.

Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 1-0 Dunree United

From the start it was an evenly contested match until the 28th minute when Rovers created a chance for Nugent that was well saved by the Dunree keeper. 

On the 38th minute Adam Murphy had another strike which was again stopped by the keeper. 

As the first half was coming to an end Dunree tested the Letterkenny Rovers defence but the shot flashed wide In the second half Rovers were on the front foot creating two chances in the first 5 minutes. 

One hit the crossbar and the other was stopped by the Dunree keeper. Around the 60 minute mark Jordan Nugent lobbed the keeper but it went wide. 

Nathan Bonner had a great chance in the 70th minute but the keeper made a great save again. 

Dunree didn’t test the Letterkenny Rovers’ keeper until the last 10 minutes where the keeper made a great save. In the 87th minute Rovers were awarded a penalty that was scored by Jason Doherty which put them 1-0 up. The Rovers defence was outstanding in the game which resulted in a deserved win.