Donegal League: All the action, reports, and goals from this weekend's league

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division 

Kildrum Tigers 3-2 Gweedore Celtic 

Kildrum Tigers secured a hard-fought victory over Gweedore Celtic in an exciting contest.

The deadlock was broken after 20 minutes when James McNulty headed home from a Luke Toland corner. However, Gweedore responded immediately, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to equalise. 

Kildrum had a golden opportunity to regain the lead on the hour mark but missed a penalty. Shortly afterwards, Gweedore took advantage with a well-worked attack down the right-hand side to edge in front.

With just eight minutes remaining, Kildrum levelled the score when William Lynch nodded in a Tiernan Brown free-kick. The decisive moment came in the closing stages when Brown’s corner evaded everyone and nestled into the bottom corner. It was a spirited performance from both sides, but Kildrum emerged victorious. 

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two 

Curragh Athletic 0-2 Whitestrand United 

Whitestrand United kept their promotion hopes alive with a crucial win against Curragh Athletic. Although the game had an end-of-season feel for Curragh, Whitestrand still had plenty to play for. The visitors started brightly and took the lead after just eight minutes when Michael Sweeney ghosted in at the back post to convert from a corner. 

Curragh defended resolutely for the remainder of the first half and went into the break trailing by just one goal. They started the second half on the front foot, with Bob McShane forcing a fine save from the Whitestrand goalkeeper. Sweeney had the chance to extend the lead from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box, but he fired wide. 

With Curragh pushing for an equaliser, they were caught on the counter-attack as Sweeney beat two defenders before slotting home to make it 2-0. Whitestrand held firm to take the three points and remain in contention for promotion. 

Referee: George Clinton 

Drumoghill F.C. 1-5 Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 

Kerrykeel ’71 secured promotion with a commanding performance against Drumoghill at The Moss. The victory keeps their title hopes alive while effectively ending Drumoghill’s promotion chances. Despite the scoreline, the match was competitive, with late goals giving an unbalanced look to the final result. 

Kerrykeel started strongly and raced into a two-goal lead within 20 minutes, thanks to a brace from Bernard McGettigan. They continued to dominate, with Kevin Loughery particularly impressive. Drumoghill struggled to contain their intensity but managed to pull a goal back just before half-time through a stunning Gareth Hamilton strike. 

Drumoghill began the second half with more composure, with Karlos Rodgers controlling midfield and Dylan McElhinney stepping forward to initiate attacks. They pressed for an equaliser, but Kerrykeel’s defence, marshalled by Shaun Kerr and Brandon McClafferty, held firm. 

The crucial moment came when Patrick Friel’s shot ricocheted into the net, giving Kerrykeel breathing room. Late goals from Jonathan Friel and James Kerr secured a comfortable win. Congratulations to Kerrykeel on their well-earned promotion. 

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two 

Erne Wanderers 13-0 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 

Erne Wanderers sealed back-to-back promotions in emphatic fashion with a dominant display against Drumoghill at the Lakeside. 

Adam McGlone opened the scoring with a 20-yard strike after just five minutes and completed his hat-trick before half-time. Damien Weber, Declan Roper, and Dylan Gallagher also found the net, with Gallagher grabbing a first-half treble to make it 8-0 at the break. 

McGlone added his fourth just seconds into the second half, followed by a spectacular 25-yard goal from Mardy McGarrigle. Drumoghill continued to battle but were undone on the counter-attack, with John Roper and Dylan Gallagher adding further goals. Gallagher then produced the goal of the game, lobbing the goalkeeper from 40 yards with a free-kick. Damien Weber rounded off the scoring to complete an incredible 13-0 victory. 

Erne Wanderers return to the top tier next season, having reclaimed their place at the top of the table. 

Glencar Inn Saturday Division One 

Donegal Town Reserves 2-1 Strand Rovers 

Donegal Town Reserves returned to winning ways with a battling victory over Strand Rovers at Hospital Field. 

Strand started the stronger side and took an early lead with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box. They controlled much of the first half before Donegal Town finished the final ten minutes with more urgency. Despite a few chances, the score remained 1-0 at the interval. 

Town emerged for the second half with renewed energy and pressed early. Ryan Mahon levelled the match with a precise strike from the edge of the area. The introduction of fresh legs gave the home side momentum, and with just eight minutes remaining, Dermot Slevin found the net with a composed finish to secure all three points. 

Best for Donegal Town were Ryan Mahon, David Lagan, and Dermot Slevin. Strand Rovers fought hard and were unlucky to leave empty-handed. 

Ramelton Mariners 0-3 Drumbar United F.C. 

Drumbar United secured an impressive away victory over Ramelton Mariners. After a tightly contested first half, the visitors found the breakthrough and added two further goals to take all three points. 

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two 

Glenea United Reserves 3-2 Castlefin Celtic Reserves 

Despite the game being switched to Castlefin, the hosts were unable to capitalise as Glenea United Reserves came away with the win. 

Chris Barrett and Sean Doogan found the net for Glenea, with Lee Kennedy responding for Castlefin. Doogan extended the visitors' lead in the second half before Ronan Tourish pulled one back late on. However, Glenea held firm to take all three points. 

Ulster Junior League 

Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 3-1 Sea Rovers 

Letterkenny Rovers Reserves booked their place in the Ulster Junior Shield Final with a solid victory over Sea Rovers at Leckview Astro. 

Rovers made a dream start, scoring in the opening minute when Jordan Nugent latched onto Conor O’Donnell’s clever flick and guided the ball home. They continued to press, with James Barlow Gallagher and Oran Winston both going close. Sea Rovers threatened an equaliser in the 13th minute, but a crucial block from Gallagher denied them. 

Letterkenny doubled their lead in spectacular fashion in the 19th minute, as Winston unleashed a 40-yard strike into the top corner. They dominated the remainder of the half but failed to extend their advantage. 

Sea Rovers started the second half brightly and capitalised on a defensive error to pull one back through Conor McGettigan. However, Letterkenny reasserted control, with O’Donnell and Gallagher both going close. As Sea Rovers pushed forward, Rovers sealed the win in stoppage time when Adam Murphy played in Volodymyr Kevalchuk, who squared for Ben O’Donnell to finish from close range. 

Letterkenny Rovers now advance to the Ulster Junior Shield Final.