Donegal League: Gweedore Celtic prevail against ten-man Rathmullan

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division

Rathmullan Celtic 0–2 Gweedore Celtic
Gweedore Celtic secured a hard-fought victory against a resilient Rathmullan side, who played with ten men from the opening minute. Rathmullan’s Killian Hagan was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the area, leaving the hosts with an uphill battle.

Despite the setback, Rathmullan created chances in the first half, with Ridha Abdullah and Mark McAteer coming close. Gweedore broke the deadlock on the hour mark when Jamie Doherty’s fine wing play set up Darragh Mac Aoidh for a tap-in. Veteran Thomas Diver sealed the win late on, scrambling the ball past stand-in keeper Dominic Hull.

St. Catherine’s 0–0 Kilmacrennan Celtic
On an excellent Emerald Park pitch, St. Catherine’s and Kilmacrennan Celtic played out a competitive scoreless draw. Both sides were cautious in the first half, with Kilmacrennan probing through their midfield while St. Catherine’s threatened on the right flank through Matthew McClean and Paul O’Hare.

The second half mirrored the first, with Kilmacrennan coming closest when a corner struck the crossbar. Both goalkeepers, Gallagher and Byrne, made crucial saves, ensuring a share of the spoils in an evenly matched contest.

Swilly Rovers 0–2 Kildrum Tigers
Kildrum Tigers secured a late victory at Swilly Park, with Brian Breslin’s close-range finish and Johnny Robb’s injury-time penalty sealing the points. Swilly’s Laurence Toland was denied an equaliser by Kildrum keeper Michael Lynch, while James McNulty’s red card for Kildrum added drama.

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Ballybofey United 0–1 Donegal Town
A second-half goal proved decisive as Donegal Town edged Ballybofey United. Ballybofey’s Niall McCloskey and Daithi McMahon tested the keeper early on, while Donegal Town’s winger scored a fine goal shortly after the break. Despite Ballybofey’s efforts, Donegal held on for the win.

Castlefin Celtic 3–3 Glenea United
Castlefin and Glenea shared six goals in a thrilling encounter. Glenea’s Darren McGeever and Ciaran Coll struck in the first half, while Castlefin’s Gavin Sweeney and Jude Patton levelled in the second. McGeever’s second restored Glenea’s lead, but Sweeney equalised again to secure a point.

Gweedore United 1–4 Lagan Harps
Lagan Harps defeated Gweedore United in challenging conditions. Goals from Josh Hays, Philip Doran (own goal), and Kyle Martin (penalty) gave Lagan control, with Martin adding a late fourth. Niall Friel scored Gweedore’s sole goal, but their efforts were hindered by a red card in the second half.

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two

Drumkeen United 3–3 Deele Harps
Drumkeen and Deele Harps shared the spoils in a tightly contested game. Deele led early through Declan Lafferty, but Drumkeen equalised through Niall Sweeney. Jordy Duffy restored Deele’s lead before Drumkeen responded with goals from Conal McDermott and Shaun Doherty. Scott Macbeth’s late strike ensured a draw.

Drumoghill F.C. 6–2 Raphoe Town
Drumoghill secured a commanding win over Raphoe Town, inspired by a Liam O’Donnell hat-trick. O’Donnell struck three times in a decisive 15-minute spell, with additional goals from Jak Gallagher and Eunan Kelly. Raphoe’s Luke Donohue scored a consolation, but Drumoghill were deserved winners.