Cup draws set stage for new Inishowen League season

The countdown to the new Inishowen Junior League season is well and truly on after the draws were made for the early-season cup competitions - the Clubman Shirts League Cup and the Charlie O’Donnell Memorial Cup. Both tournaments will act as the curtain-raisers before league action begins in September, giving local soccer fans a first taste of competitive action for 2025/26.
The season kicks off on Sunday, 24 August, with the opening group stage fixtures in the Clubman Shirts League Cup. It’s a competition that produced one of last season’s most memorable finals, when Clonmany Shamrocks overcame Cockhill Celtic just 14 weeks ago to lift the trophy. The holders now face a tough route out of the group stages, having been drawn in Group B alongside their beaten finalists Cockhill Celtic and the reigning Premier Division champions Buncrana Hearts.
Group A of the Clubman Shirts League Cup features newly-promoted Quigley’s Point Swifts, who won the First Division title last term, alongside Carn FC and Redcastle United. Group C pits Illies Celtic against Aileach FC and Culdaff FC.

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The Charlie O’Donnell Memorial Cup, contested by First Division clubs, will also get under way on Sunday week. Holders Cockhill Youths have been drawn in a three-team Group C with Carn Youths and Aileach Reserves. Group A sees Greencastle FC - relegated from the Premier Division last season - drawn with newly-promoted Sea Rovers, Dunree United, and Gleneely Colts. Group B will be contested by Cockhill Reserves, Glengad United, and Buncrana Reserves.
The group stages of both competitions are expected to produce plenty of early drama as sides look to build form and confidence ahead of the league campaign. The tournaments are played on a round-robin basis, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stages.
The Inishowen Junior League’s staggered start means Division 2 teams will begin their own league competition on Sunday, 31 August. The Premier and First Division league seasons will then kick off on Sunday, 14 September, once the early-season cups are concluded.
For the Premier Division sides, the Clubman Shirts League Cup offers a valuable opportunity to fine-tune tactics and blood new signings. For First Division outfits, the Charlie O’Donnell Cup serves a similar purpose, while also providing a realistic chance of silverware.
The draws have thrown up some mouth-watering fixtures. Clonmany’s rematch with Cockhill Celtic is certain to be one of the early highlights, while Quigley’s Point Swifts will be eager to prove they can hold their own at the top level after last season’s promotion.
In the Charlie O’Donnell Cup, Greencastle’s clash with Sea Rovers is another to watch closely with both teams entering the new campaign with plenty to prove after eventful 2024/25 seasons.

Clubman Shirts League Cup
Starts Sunday, 24 August
Group A Quigley’s Point Swifts, Carn FC, Redcastle United
Group B Clonmany Shamrocks, Cockhill Celtic, Buncrana Hearts
Group C Illies Celtic, Aileach FC, Culdaff FC

Charlie O’Donnell Memorial Cup
Starts Sunday, 24 August
Group A Greencastle FC, Sea Rovers, Dunree United, Gleneely Colts
Group B Cockhill Reserves, Glengad United, Buncrana Reserves
Group C Carn Youths, Aileach Reserves, Cockhill Youths

League start dates
Premier Division and First Division: Sunday, 14 September
Division 2 League: Sunday, 31 August