Donegal League AGM: Tam McLaughlin named Chairman of the DJL as motions discussed

Tam McLaughlin was named as the new Chairman of the Donegal Junior League at the Annual General Meeting held in Ballyare on Monday night.

The former Oldtown Celtic boss came onto the committee as Vice-Chairperson last year and will take over from McCafferty who steps down after over half a century of dedication.

DJL Secretary Nigel Ferry addressed it in his Review of the Year: “Apologies from John Joe McCafferty, our outgoing Chairman, who is currently recovering after a bout in hospital and we wish him well in his recovery.

“On behalf of the Executive, and I’m sure all the clubs agree, we wish him well.”

Raphoe Town’s Mike Kelly, who had served as the Lifford Area rep in previous years, was elected as the new Vice-Chairperson, while Liam Porter stepped in as Kelly’s replacement for Area rep.

Kevin Logue, who previously held the Treasurer position, has replaced Jimmy Haughey as Assistant Secretary, while Haughey has moved into the Treasurer position.

Nigel Ferry (Secretary), Christina O’Donnell (Fixtures Secretary), Karl McHugh (Assistant Treasurer) all returned to their positions, while Ernie Pollock has also come on as a General rep.

Logue’s Treasurer’s report confirmed a surplus balance of €14,432 on May 30 2024 and a balance of €62,256 on May 30 2025 with some outstanding bills yet to pay, including around €7,000 for the Presentation night held last Friday in the Silver Tassie.

Surveillance cameras installed at Diamond Park and generator work were some of the costs from the year, while Logue reminded that some of the profit currently held in the budget will be going towards fencing around the Astro pitch.

Dessie McLaughlin of the ISRS (Irish Soccer Referees Society addressed those in attendance after two serious assaults took place throughout the season.

“There were two heavy bans from the assaults but it’s two too many from our opinion and the ongoing verbal abuse is getting worse in the past few years.

“There are a couple of rule changes, with one of them being the goalkeeper has eight seconds to release the ball once he has it in his hands and the referee will count down for the final five seconds by raising his hand.” Punishment for this will be a corner kick to the opposition.

“Last year's rule will be ongoing of captains only (to speak to the referee) and it is compulsory for teams to wear a captains armband.

“We’re asking the Donegal League to implement that all teams will be confirmed thirty minutes before kick off because we’re seeing referees take their phone out to the pitch to see if teams have been confirmed before the game starts.”

Motions were proposed to change rulings within movement between Sunday sides and their Saturday reserve teams, with Cappry Rovers proposing to change Rule 27.2 allowing, after January 31, a maximum of three players who have played five or more Sunday games to be allowed to play in the Saturday League.

The rule was changed to ensure players under 18 are exempt from the rule.

A similar rule was proposed by Drumbar United that  player who has started 9 or more official fixtures (league and cup) for the clubs Sunday team shall be deemed ineligible to participate in Saturday team fixtures for the remainder of the season. Players who are still under 18 are exempt from this regulation. The motion was voted 18 in favour and 17 against with New Rules needing over a 50% vote. Due to it’s similarity to Rule 27.2, and with rule changes needing a two thirds majority to pass, the Donegal Junior League will seek further advice on this as it may clash with the rule discussed by Cappry. 

Fanad United’s proposal to settle if two teams draw on points at the top of the table, that their Head-to-Head record against each other would determine the league winner as opposed to goal difference, but again the motion failed.

The Executive proposed motions to tidy up some rules, looking to increase fines should a team fail to field, which failed, but a proposal regarding FAI digital match cards was passed in which players on the match card before the start of the game only are eligible to play.

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A further changed will see an incremental fine increase should home clubs fail to send in a detailed match report by 5pm on game day.

One final league restructure was mentioned by Raphoe Town, who suggested keeping the three Sunday and Saturday leagues, but that the Saturday Division One would act as a fourth tier and teams could be promoted to the Sunday leagues, was suggested, but after deliberation it will be spoken about sooner down the line.

Donegal League Executive, 2025/26

Chairman: Tam McLaughlin

Vice-chairman: Mike Kelly

Secretary: Nigel Ferry

Assistant Secretary: Kevin Logue

Fixtures Secretary: Christina O’Donnell

Treasurer: Jimmy Haughey

Assistant Treasurer: Karl McHugh

Area Reps:

Lifford Rep: Liam Porter

Donegal Rep: Aidan Cassidy

Milford Rep:  Hughie Walsh

General Reps: Gary Foy and Ernie Pollock