Donegal League: All results, reports and action from across Donegal at the weekend

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division 

Gweedore Celtic 2-0 Swilly Rovers 

Gweedore Celtic took a significant step towards securing a play-off position with a crucial victory over relegation rivals Swilly Rovers. 

Both teams recognised the importance of the fixture, resulting in an entertaining, end-to-end contest. Swilly, despite having the early possession, were the first to concede. A quick counter-attack saw Cronan McFadden’s effort rebound off the crossbar, and in an unfortunate attempt to clear, a Swilly defender bundled the ball over the line for the opening goal. 

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McFadden came close again in the 20th minute, drilling a fierce shot over the bar, and was later denied by Swilly keeper Blaney after beating the offside trap. Gweedore did double their lead before half-time when Ciaran McHugh’s precise through ball found Darragh McGee, who calmly slotted home. 

The second half was an even affair, with Swilly searching for a way back, but the Gweedore defence held firm. As Swilly pushed forward, they left gaps at the back, but Gweedore were wasteful in front of goal. McFadden, Jamie Doherty, and McGee all squandered chances to make the game safe. 

Gweedore’s Liam Wiggins and Micheal McGee impressed, while Kelly and Patterson stood out for Swilly. 

Referee: Mick Lagan 

Kilmacrennan Celtic 1-4 Fanad United 

Fanad United secured three points at Letterkenny Community Centre, overcoming an understrength Kilmacrennan side. 

Kilmacrennan had an early opportunity to take the lead but missed a penalty in the 15th minute when James Doherty failed to convert. Five minutes later, Fanad capitalised, with Edward O’Reilly opening the scoring. 

Kilmacrennan equalised in the 25th minute through a Conor Black penalty, but Fanad regained the lead just before half-time when O’Reilly headed home his second. 

The second half was controlled by Fanad, with O’Reilly completing his hat-trick on the hour mark after being played in by Logue. The win was sealed in the 79th minute when Darren McElwaine unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley into the top corner. 

O’Reilly was named Man of the Match for his hat-trick performance. 

Referee: Gerard Devin 

Rathmullan Celtic 1-4 Kildrum Tigers 

Kildrum Tigers staged a stunning late comeback, scoring four goals in the final half-hour to take all three points in a tightly contested match. 

Rathmullan started brightly and took the lead after just 10 minutes when Kevin Doran’s pinpoint free kick found Daire Sheridan, who headed home. The hosts pushed for a second and were left frustrated midway through the first half when new signing Serhii Orianbinskyi was brought down in a late challenge. Despite protests, the referee only issued a yellow card. 

The second half began with Rathmullan on the front foot, but the momentum shifted around the hour mark when Kildrum introduced Shane McGinty. He made an immediate impact, turning inside the box before drilling a superb left-footed strike into the bottom corner. 

Moments later, controversy struck as Killian Hagan was adjudged to have fouled McGinty in the area. Johnny Robb stepped up to convert the penalty, putting Kildrum ahead. 

With confidence soaring, Kildrum added two more in the closing stages. Keelan Gillen extended the lead before Tiernan Brown sealed the victory with a composed finish. 

Referee: Michael Connolly 

St. Catherine’s 3-1 Keadue Rovers 

St. Catherine’s took all three points in a feisty encounter against Keadue Rovers. 

The match got off to a flying start, with Josh Cunningham opening the scoring in the 8th minute, flicking a floated cross over the advancing Keadue keeper. Just two minutes later, Cunningham struck again, bravely meeting a delivery from Ryan Cunningham to beat the keeper low to his left. 

He completed his hat-trick on the half-hour mark after excellent work from Josh Maxwell, who drilled a low ball across the box that found Cunningham sliding in at the back post. Keadue’s troubles worsened when McKelvey was sent off before the break. 

Despite being a man down, Keadue showed resilience in the second half. Their pressure was rewarded with a penalty in the 60th minute, calmly dispatched by Fallon. However, the comeback never materialised, and St. Catherine’s held firm to secure three valuable points. 

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One 

Cappry Rovers 5-0 Lifford Celtic 

Cappry Rovers dominated from start to finish in a convincing victory over Lifford Celtic. 

Matthew McGeehan opened the scoring early, before Jack Burke McBride set him up for his second. McBride then got on the scoresheet himself, making it 3-0. 

Just before half-time, Conor Doherty converted a free kick to extend the lead further. Patrick McNulty rounded off the scoring with a close-range finish to secure a comfortable win. 

Gweedore United 4-4 Castlefin Celtic 

Gweedore United and Castlefin Celtic played out a thrilling eight-goal draw at Carrickboyle. 

A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off following a recent tragedy in Gortahork. 

The hosts took the lead in the 3rd minute when Ethan Harkin’s header was nodded in from close range by Dan O’Donnell. Gweedore doubled their advantage in the 13th minute through Cathal Gillespie’s tap-in. 

Castlefin pulled one back in the 26th minute when Emmet White’s corner curled into the net. Gweedore responded in the 37th minute after Kevin McColgan fouled Brian McFadden in the box. Ethan Harkin stepped up to convert the penalty. 

Castlefin fought back in the second half, with Ronan Tourish scoring twice—once from open play and once from the penalty spot—to level the game at 3-3. Gweedore regained the lead in the 79th minute through Ciaran McFadden, but Castlefin equalised again in the 85th minute when Paul Farrell headed home. 

Both teams contributed to a highly entertaining match played in challenging windy conditions. 

Referee: Ryan Carlin 

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two 

Curragh Athletic 0-2 Convoy Arsenal 

Convoy Arsenal secured an important away win against Curragh Athletic. 

The first half was evenly matched, but Convoy took the lead in the 40th minute when Curragh keeper Jason Woods spilled a cross, allowing Oran Patterson to slot home. 

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 65th minute, catching Curragh on the counter with a well-taken goal by Jamie O’Donnell. 

Both teams worked hard, but Convoy saw out the game to take the three points. 

Deele Harps 2-1 Drumkeen United 

Deele Harps edged past Drumkeen United in a closely contested encounter. 

The away side started well, but Deele grew into the game and created several chances before taking the lead in the 20th minute. 

Drumkeen looked dangerous and almost equalised before half-time. However, Deele won a penalty in the second half, which Sean McGowan converted. 

Drumkeen continued to threaten and thought they had equalised, but Eddie Connolly cleared off the line. Deele secured victory in the 78th minute when Jordy Duffy rifled home after a strong run down the right. 

Glencar Inn Saturday Division One 

Arranmore United 4-1 Swilly Rovers Reserves 

Arranmore dominated early, with Shaun Bonner netting twice before halftime. Gavin McGlanaghey added a third before winning a penalty, which Bonner converted for his hat-trick. Swilly grabbed a late consolation through Odhrán Grimes. Best for Arranmore: Shaun Bonner & Phil Boyle. 

Donegal Town Reserves 1-3 Kildrum Tigers Reserves 

A tight first half gave way to more action after the break. Donegal struck first through Kiernan Duignam, but Tigers responded with three second-half goals, sealing the win in injury time. 

Keadue Rovers Reserves 0-1 Drumbar F.C. 

In a crucial battle, Kevin Martin’s tap-in from a corner secured victory for Drumbar. Keadue had a late penalty but hit the crossbar. Best for Drumbar: Paul Lagan, Eoghan Gallagher & Oisin Burke. 

Ramelton Mariners 1-4 Oldtown Celtic 

Oldtown raced into a 3-0 lead early, with a scrappy fourth in the second half. Evan Hewitt pulled one back for the Mariners late on. 

Strand Rovers 3-0 Glencar Celtic 

Despite Glencar playing with ten men, Strand took time to capitalize. Cian McDaid opened the scoring, followed by a stunning Ethan McCaffery strike. A mix-up in Glencar’s defense sealed the win for Strand. 

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two 

Castlefin Celtic Reserves 1-5 Erne Wanderers 

A strong second-half display saw Erne net four times to claim a convincing win. 

Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 0-1 Cappry Rovers Reserves 

Drumoghill controlled much of the game but were undone by a well-taken header just before halftime. 

Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 6-4 Gweedore Celtic Reserves 

A goal-fest saw Letterkenny come from behind multiple times before sealing victory late on. Jack Duff and Oisin McMenamin starred in attack, with Oran Winston and Adam Murphy scoring crucial late goals. 

Finn Travel Saturday Division Three 

Cranford United Reserves 1-3 Ballybofey United Reserves 

Ballybofey led 2-0 at halftime. Cranford’s Paddy McGeever pulled one back, but the visitors struck on the counter late on to secure the win. 

Lagan Harps Reserves 4-3 Fanad United Reserves 

Lagan edged a thriller, overcoming Fanad’s comeback. Dean Murray’s late strike sealed the points after Robbie Dolan had equalized. 

Milford United Reserves 0-1 Gweedore United Reserves 

Francis Gallagher’s first-half goal proved the difference, as Gweedore defended resiliently to take all three points.