Donegal League reports: Bonagee United go top in the Premier Division

Sunday 12th October 2025

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division

Fanad United 1-2 Bonagee United

Bonagee were quickest out of the blocks and scored within the opening minute when Jack Parke finished into the bottom corner. The next chance of the game didn't arrive until the 30th minute when an overhead kick from Eddie O'Reilly went just wide of the Bonagee post. Four minutes later, a corner to the back post found Patrick Moffitt, but his header hit the post, and from the follow-up, Eddie O'Reilly saw his shot blocked on the line. A minute later Bonagee doubled their lead when Jack Parke curled into the corner of the net for his second of the game.

Fanad then missed a good chance to get a goal back when Paddy Carr fired over after good set-up play from Eddie O'Reilly. Fanad started the second half on the front foot, and 3 minutes in Darren McElwaine volleyed wide from 20 yards. Fanad made their pressure count in the 55th minute when Darren McElwaine scored from inside the box via a deflection. Michael Doherty thought he had extended the lead for Bonagee in the 65th minute; however, his header was ruled out for a foul on Fanad keeper Mark McConigley. Fanad kept pushing for an equaliser for the remainder of the game. Deep into injury time they had a final chance when Eoin Logue fired over the bar when well-placed.

Referee: Mick Lagan

Glenea United 1-1 Keadue Rovers

The first 30 minutes saw few chances created by either side. The first notable chance came from a Stephen Doak cross that was headed back across the goals by Darren McGeever. A goalmouth scramble ensued, with Keadue dealing with the threat with a goal-line clearance. Glenea were dealt a blow just before half time when they were reduced to 10 men. Keadue finished the first half on top, but failed to convert any chances during their period of dominance.

The second half started as the first had, both teams shared almost equal possession but failed to trouble either keeper. Glenea took the lead on the 55th minute, a Shaun Curran free kick was headed down by Kevin Mulhern; Cathal McGeever found a yard of space and let fly from 25 yards into the bottom corner. Keadue equalised on the 72nd minute when the home side failed to clear. Keadue almost took the lead with a well-placed effort but Joe Coll got down well to save. As the game drew to a close, both sides pushed hard for the winner. The 10 men of Glenea had battled hard, but the extra man Keadue possessed became more apparent than ever in the final exchanges. In the end, the game finished a goal apiece and both sides left with a valuable point.

Best for Glenea: Joe Coll and Cathal McGeever Referee: Vincent McLaughlin

Kilmacrennan Celtic 0-1 Kildrum Tigers

An injury-time Jonny Robb penalty decided this game after a tight encounter in Kilmacrennan. Kildrum started the better and had the better chances in the first half. Jonny Robb and Brian Breslin both tested Chris O’Donnell in the Kilmacrennan goal. Kilmacrennan were much better after the restart and Paul Bradley caused problems down the left-hand side. Matthew McLaughlin fired over inside the 18 halfway through the half after more good work from Bradley. Kildrum substitute William Lynch also had a chance to put his side ahead but he also saw his shot go over the bar. A good break from Kilmacrennan in the dying moments of added time presented John Sandilands with a chance; however, his shot went wide. With the game looking like a draw, Kildrum were awarded a penalty after Enda McCormack collided with William Lynch in the box. Jonny Robb stepped up and sealed the points for the away side.

Letterkenny Rovers 1-0 Donegal Town

Letterkenny Rovers edged out Donegal Town in a hard-fought contest at Leckview Park, securing all three points thanks to a late goal from Lee McMonagle. Rovers started brightly, dominating possession and creating numerous chances throughout the first half. Rory Gallagher and Simon McGlynn caused constant problems down the flanks, while Shane McNamee and BJ Banda came close to breaking the deadlock with several well-worked efforts. A Zach Gorman header and a fine McGlynn strike both had the Donegal defence stretched, but the visitors held firm, aided by a string of strong saves from goalkeeper Gavin Mulreany.

Donegal Town showed their threat on the counter through Ronan McHugh and Mark Jordan, but their forward moves were often thwarted by a disciplined Rovers back line, well marshalled by Keith Cowan and Padraic Gilsenan. Despite the home side’s dominance, the sides went in level at the break, with Rovers frustrated not to have taken the lead. Rovers maintained control after the restart, McNamee forcing a full-stretch save from Mulreany within seconds of the second half kicking off. McGlynn and Banda continued to test Donegal’s defence, but Mulreany remained equal to their efforts.

The crucial moment finally arrived in the 82nd minute when McGlynn delivered a precise cross from the left and Lee McMonagle, only recently introduced, timed his run perfectly to guide the ball into the net from close range. The goal capped a persistent attacking display and proved enough to seal victory.

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Castlefin Celtic 4-0 Convoy Arsenal

Castlefin secured another 3 points at home to Convoy Arsenal. A tense opening half remained scoreless. Castlefin took control midway through the second half; a Corrie Lee Bogan brace, Ronan Tourish, and Thomas Devlin goals secured the victory for the hosts.

Milford United P v P Swilly Rovers

(No Report, Match Postponed)

Rathmullan Celtic 0-1 Cappry Rovers

Cappry Rovers claimed a narrow but hard-fought 1–0 victory away to Rathmullan Celtic in a tight and competitive clash at the Flagpole Field. An early strike from Conor McDaid proved to be the decisive moment, as Cappry held firm against sustained second-half pressure from the home side.

The visitors started brightly and almost took the lead inside the opening minute when Daire Quigley threaded a perfect through ball to Niall Ryan who fired just wide of the left post. However, Cappry didn’t have to wait long to make their breakthrough. In the third minute, a dangerous cross into the Rathmullan box was only half-cleared, and the ball dropped kindly to Conor McDaid, who rifled a superb finish into the top corner to give his side an early advantage.

Rathmullan looked to respond, and Conal McGonigle went close twice midway through the first half – first forcing a smart save from the Cappry keeper from long range, before seeing another well-struck effort denied following a teasing delivery from Kevin O’Donnell. At the other end, Killian Hagan kept Rathmullan in the game with a string of fine saves, denying Barrie McGhee, Niall Ryan, and goalscorer McDaid in quick succession. The Hoops almost drew level on the stroke of half-time when Jay Curran swung in a dangerous cross that found Matt McNulty, but his header was cleared off the line.

Rathmullan pushed hard after the break, dominating possession and territory, but they found Eoin Gallen in inspired form between the posts for Cappry. On 53 minutes, Kevin O’Donnell slipped a clever pass through to Jay Curran, who dragged his shot just wide of the far post. Seven minutes later, another O’Donnell cross found Curran again, but his volley was brilliantly saved by Gallen. The hosts continued to press, with Taylor Cassidy testing the Cappry keeper from distance on 82 minutes. Deep into stoppage time, a corner dropped to Curran once more, but his powerful effort was deflected up into the grateful hands of Gallen, sealing a vital three points for the visitors. Cappry’s early goal and resolute defensive display ultimately proved enough to see them over the line.

Standout performers for Cappry: Conor McDaid, Barrie McGhee, Daire QuigleyStandout performers for Rathmullan: Jay Curran, Kevin O’Donnell, Taylor Cassidy

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division Two

Deele Harps 7-0 Dunfanaghy Youths

Deele welcomed new boys Dunfanaghy Youths to Marty Duffy Park for this Division Two clash which was played in perfect conditions. The home side dominated from the start and went ahead as early as the 4th minute when a long throw-in was flicked on by Thomas Mullan and Jordy Duffy finished well. Scott Macbeth added Deele's second goal on 10 minutes following a mazy run in from the left. Goal three arrived on 35 minutes when Louis Gallagher's trickery on the wing led to Jordy Duffy tapping home from close range.

The second half was more of the same although David Arthur in the Deele goal was called into action on two occasions to save well. Goal four arrived on 50 minutes when Johnny Mahon scored a superb long-range effort. The home side extended their lead following good approach work from Thomas Mullan, who squared for Louis Gallagher to finish. Goal six arrived on 80 minutes following a corner routine between Adi Gallagher and Declan Lafferty, who crossed for Scott Macbeth to power home a header. Goal seven arrived when Dean McCullagh hooked a cross into the box for Thomas Mullan to head home. Team performances.

Referee: Ryan Carlin

Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 5-0 Curragh Athletic

Drumoghill cruised to another 3 points with this impressive 5-0 win over Curragh Athletic to keep the pressure on the early-season league leaders. Ben Cassidy (2), Conor Doohan, Reuben Doherty, and Dean Murray were all on target as Drumoghill kept up their 100% home record.

Drumoghill were the better side throughout and looked a much stronger team than last season. They started the game well and took a deserved lead on 18 minutes when Ben Cassidy was in the right place to get on the end of Conor Doohan’s pass to break the deadlock. Curragh did try to get back into the game with the lively Aaron Toner and Josh Bradley looking a threat, but Sergey Alcorn and Dylan McElhinney were in no mood to surrender their advantage as the first half wore on before Drumoghill grabbed complete control in the dying minutes of the first half. Conor Doohan doubled his side’s lead when he beat Oisin Coyle after good work from Josh Hay before Cassidy got his second of the game on the stroke of half time.

The second half followed much of the same pattern with Drumoghill always looking the more likely to score, and it was no surprise when Reuben Doherty added to the scoring when he got in front of Conor Galvin to hammer home Josh Hay’s cross. Dean Murray wrapped up the scoring on 77 minutes when he was quickest to react after charging down Oisin Coyle’s clearance to find the net from the edge of the box.

On this form, Drumoghill look set for a promotion charge this season. Jockey Wilson has assembled a strong squad that will hope to improve on last year’s finish. Leon Doherty and Niall McCrossan were excellent in midfield with Josh Hay and James Lenty a constant threat down the left. Credit to Curragh who always played the game in the right way despite coming up against a stronger opponent on the day.

Referee: George Clinton

Dunkineely Celtic 2-5 Drumkeen United

The home team started well and went ahead on 24 minutes from the boot of Aaron O'Shea. Drumkeen created chances but the scoreline was unchanged at half-time. The visitors started the second half strongly and were level within a minute courtesy of a superb strike from Deji Basharu. Ten minutes later Drumkeen took the lead when Gavin Bonner pounced at the near post. Dunkineely were awarded a penalty on 60 minutes, which was converted by Adrian Nesbitt.

The visitors replied with 2 goals in as many minutes from Deji Basharu and Rory Craig. Dunkineely created chances but were unable to convert, and the game was settled 2 minutes from time when Niall Howley converted from a free kick.

Letterbarrow Celtic 2-5 Raphoe Town 

Letterbarrow welcomed Raphoe to Tymeen for the first home game of the season. Raphoe capitalised on a slow start to go one up. Daniel Meehan equalised from the penalty spot to leave it 1-1 at HT. A few injuries to key players hurt the home side, and Raphoe capitalised on it to go 2-1 up. A corner from Christy McLaughlin was headed in by James McGroary to make it 2-2. Raphoe however upped the pressure and scored three in quick succession to leave with the 3 points.

Man of the Match: Martin Breslin

Lifford Celtic 2-2 Cranford United (No Report Submitted)

Friday 10th October 2025

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Gweedore United A-A Ballybofey United

It was a rather cold Friday evening under the floodlights at Carrickboyle for this league encounter and the pitch was in immaculate condition. Both teams were presented with a few opportunities in the first half to gain the upper hand. Martin O'Reilly had the best effort early on for the visitors which produced a great save from Oran Craig. Gweedore's Matthew Gallagher found himself clear from the away side's defence but Joe O'Donnell snuffed out the goal threat. Ballybofey were awarded a corner in the 24th minute and Martin O'Reilly's headed effort looped into the top corner of the host’s net. The home side had further opportunities for James McGlinchey and Roan Turk to restore parity in the game. Momentum was definitely with the visitors in the last ten minutes of the first half. Oran Gallen should have made it 0-2 after he was played in by Martin O'Reilly; however, his shot trickled past the post. Another move from Ballybofey down the left-hand side involving Kieran Thompson and Noah Reid saw the latter unfortunate not to score as his effort smacked the post.

The young Gweedore side pushed hard in the second half for an equaliser. Brian McFadden almost scored from a solo effort when he went on a marauding run down the left-hand side and produced a smart save from Joe O'Donnell. Callum Feireatéar's shot from outside the box was just inches over. The hosts' best opportunity to level the game came from a Seighean O'Baoill corner and Oran Ferry's header was cleared off the line. The visitors' best chance of extending their lead in the second half came from nice link-up play between Andrew McCloskey, Noah Reid, and Oran Gallen, who shot just over. However, in the 70th minute, Gweedore's Maítíú de Gallaí sustained an injury which left the referee with no other option than to abandon the game. Wishing a full and speedy recovery for Maítíú.

Referee: Mick Lagan

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two 

Bonagee United Reserves 6-0 Glenea United Reserves

(No Report Submitted)

Saturday 11th October 2025

Glencar Inn Saturday Division One

Erne Wanderers 1-0 Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves

(No Report Submitted)

Drumbar F.C. 3-1 Donegal Town Reserves

Drumbar welcomed Donegal Town for a local derby played in front of a good crowd in perfect conditions. Drumbar shaded the first half and went in front on the stroke of half time thanks to a fine long-range effort from Paul Lagan. Donegal struck back early in the second half, capitalising on a mix-up in the Drumbar defence, and Nico Dominik finished well. Drumbar came back strongly, and after good work from Odhran Meehan on the left, Vincent Breslin slotted home. Drumbar kept the pressure up and Ryan Gaughan headed home from a pinpoint delivery from Caolan Sweeney to deservedly increase the lead to 3-1. Both teams were reduced to 10 in the closing stages as Donegal pushed to get back into the game. Drumbar stood firm and saw the game out to claim the three points. Daniel Bennett stood out for Drumbar and a good team effort from Donegal.

Glencar Celtic 0-6 St. Catherines Reserves

(No Report Submitted)

Letterkenny Rovers Reserves 4-2 Strand Rovers

Letterkenny Rovers came out on top in an entertaining contest at Leckview Park, defeating Strand Rovers 4–2 after a lively and attacking display from both sides. Rovers started brightly, pushing forward through the wings with Artem Tymoshchenko and Paddy Collins linking up well. Early chances saw Vlod Kovalchuk head narrowly over and Collins shoot from distance, while Gareth Temple’s delivery from the right was met by Nathan Bonner whose header went just wide. Strand almost caught Rovers out on the break before Josh Wade was quick off his line to clear.

Despite Rovers’ dominance, Strand took the lead on 14 minutes when Oisin McKelvey produced a clever flick over Wade, the ball bouncing in off the underside of the bar. The home side responded quickly, with Temple’s corner finding James Gallagher, and Caolan Kelly ensured it crossed the line for the equaliser. On 38 minutes, Kelly put Rovers ahead with a stunning strike from 30 yards that arrowed into the corner. Jordan Nugent came close to extending the lead before half-time when his shot struck the post.

Strand levelled early in the second half through Daire Gallagher’s penalty after a foul in the box, but Rovers restored control. Winston and Tymoshchenko both tested the defence before Nugent drove in a low cross on 74 minutes which substitute Adam Yisau converted to make it 3–2. Just two minutes later, Nugent’s corner found another substitute, Fouad Bashar, who headed home Rovers’ fourth. Rovers continued to press late on, with Odhran Kelly seeing a shot deflected over and Dylan Doogan adding fresh threat up front. The defence stood firm in the closing stages to secure the win after a strong all-round performance.

Oldtown Celtic 0-2 Kildrum Tigers Reserves

(No Report Submitted)

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two

Arranmore United 1-1 Fanad United Reserves

Arranmore welcomed a young Fanad side to Rannagh Park in perfect conditions for football. The home side started better and were rewarded for their efforts after 20 minutes. A free kick was flicked on by Paul Early towards Phil Boyle who headed the ball to Alan Stephenson and his volley found the top corner. Chris McGlanaghey had a chance to double the lead at the back post but couldn't convert. Despite a few good chances, Arranmore couldn't find a second goal.

Fanad had a better second half and equalised with 15 minutes left after a good forward run by full-back Shane Carr. The ball found its way to the back post and Carr finished well low off the post. Arranmore thought they had won the game when Ben Gaughran closed down the keeper but the ball deflected wide. Team performance from Arranmore as Johnny McAteer stood out for Fanad.

Referee: Patrick McCauley

Fintown Harps AFC 1-0 Ramelton Mariners

(No Report Submitted)

Keadue Rovers Reserves 3-1 Copany Rovers

Keadue Rovers went top of Division 2 of the Saturday league with this deserved and hard-fought win over Copany in ideal conditions at Central Park. The home side started much the brighter, pressing Copany back, and with some good play on the right wing by Dylan Boyle early on, his inviting cross on three minutes found Sean Boyle at the back post and he slotted home for an early Keadue lead. Both Aidan McHugh and Dylan Boyle were showing well for the hosts in the opening minutes, but Copany gradually fought their way back into things after the ten-minute mark and David Graham was keeping the Keadue defence on its toes.

Aidan McHugh rasped a good effort just over the bar from a free kick on ten minutes for Keadue. Copany were starting to move well and Daniel Brogan had a shot saved on twelve minutes. Keadue had some good set pieces and corners, particularly from Paddy Bonner, and Sean Boyle should’ve increased the Keadue lead on sixteen minutes from a corner but his header was cleared off the line. The visitors were getting more possession in midfield as the half wore on with Calvin Kiely proving a good target off the front two. Keadue battled well in defensive midfield with Jordan Doogan getting in a winning tackle just after the half hour and his through ball found Dylan Boyle and he held off the defenders superbly to rifle in a close-range right-foot shot to make it 2-0 on 32 minutes.

However, Copany were rewarded for their persistence when on thirty-eight minutes, Daniel Brogan capitalised on some defensive errors from Keadue and shot home from the edge of the box to make it 2-1. Copany forced a corner a few minutes before half time with John Hanna heading just over the crossbar. It was a half where Keadue could’ve been out of sight and yet Copany’s fighting spirit kept them in it and they were proving a real handful physically for Keadue.

At the start of the second half, the home team were the brighter and weren’t long in putting a 2-goal gap between the sides again, when good work down the left flank by both Dylan Boyle and Jordan Doogan led to a partial Copany clearance and Odhran Boyle was at the edge of the area to rifle home a superb shot low to the net for 3-1. Around the hour mark, Keadue made a number of changes around the midfield area and Copany were able to get a bit more ball around there, particularly to Callum Doherty Kennedy, but Liam Boyle for the home side won a lot of ball around the midfield, breaking up Copany play and setting up some Keadue attacks, with Aidan McHugh proving a focal point for these attacks. Copany did get another chance on seventy-five minutes, when Calvin Kiely hit the post from close in. Keadue were content to see out the final ten minutes with less possession but proved dangerous on the counter, with late chances falling to Mikey McFadden, David MacShane, and Oisin McDowell.

Overall, a good game, with a deserved 3 points for Keadue. Best for Copany were Calvin Kiely, Daniel Brogan, and Callum Doherty Kennedy, while best for Keadue were Dylan Boyle, Aidan McHugh, Jordan Doogan, and Liam Boyle.

Referee: Sean Ferry

Swilly Rovers Reserves P v P Gweedore Celtic Reserves

(No Report, Match Postponed)

Finn Travel Saturday Division Three

Ballybofey United Reserves 1-2 Lagan Harps Reserves

Lagan came into this game in fine form with three wins from their first three league games, but it was clear to see from the start that Ballybofey weren’t here to lay down to the league leaders. The first half was a real defensive battle with both teams struggling to break down one another’s defence. Lagan had the first real chance of the game when their winger cut in and shot, but a brilliant block on the line by Cian Thompson kept the sides level. Ballybofey goalkeeper Joe O'Donnell was then called into action but made a superb save to keep the sides level. Half time 0-0.

Kieran Thompson was substituted on for Ballybofey shortly after half time, and it wasn’t long until he made his impact. After a great ball by Gavyn Harley into his path, he slotted it past the Lagan keeper with ease to put the blues ahead. Ballybofey were well on top at this stage but failed to add to their lead and were punished after a mistake in their back line led to the Lagan attacker firing one into the Ballybofey net to level the sides. Then, in the final few minutes, Lagan were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area; they took it quickly and slipped their attacker in, who finished well into the top corner to give the away side all three points.

Cappry Rovers Reserves 4-3 Dunlewey Celtic

In a game played in perfect conditions in Cappry Park, Cappry started the strongest and raced into an early two-goal lead with goals coming from Niall Ryan and Odhran O’Connor, who finished off two great team goals. Cappry were inches away from making it 3-0 with Shaun Ward unable to turn home a fine cross from Odhran O’Connor, and Dunlewey raced up the pitch to get one back. Five minutes later Dunlewey scored again to make it 2-2 from a corner.

The second half started evenly with both teams having chances. Cappry took the lead once again after Aaron Kelly scored from a free kick. With 10 minutes to go, Aaron Kelly made it 4-2 after picking the ball up on the halfway line and racing forward to place the ball in the back of the net from the edge of the box. Credit to Dunlewey, they never gave up and scored with 2 minutes left. Final score 4-3 with two good team performances.

Convoy Arsenal Reserves 1-7 Drumoghill F.C. Reserves

A youthful Convoy side took on Drumoghill at Orchard Park. Drumoghill capitalised on a slow Convoy start. An early penalty followed by a few defensive errors had Drumoghill 4-0 up after 25 minutes. Convoy went down to 10 men, which allowed Drumoghill to increase their lead. Drumoghill went in at half time 7-0. It was a game of two halves. Convoy came out and battled hard. Luca Vance, who was excellent throughout the game, eventually got a well-deserved goal with a calm finish to make the game 7-1.

Drumkeen United Reserves 1-1 Milford United Reserves

Drumkeen welcomed Milford to St Patrick's Park on Saturday afternoon. The visitors dominated the early stages of the game and the home team were on the back foot for a good while and it took them a while to grow into the game. Milford went ahead in the 21st minute when they were awarded a penalty, which was well dispatched by Dhahi Rayes. That was it as far as the scoring was concerned for the first half.

Drumkeen began the second half a lot better than the first. The home team had a great chance to equalise when a great back heel from Lee Guthrie set up Ryan Diver, who saw his effort go over the bar. Drumkeen were doing okay now and got back on level terms when they were awarded a penalty. Lee Guthrie stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to get his team back on level terms. There were still 20 minutes left for either team to win it.

As mentioned at the start, a draw was probably a fair enough result, but Drumkeen will have to thank their Player Manager Goalkeeper Nigel Hegarty, who made a couple of good saves to keep his team in the game, especially one which he tipped over the bar. At the other end, Ryan Diver and Luke Toye both had chances for Drumkeen which neither managed to convert.

Referee: George Clinton

Gweedore United Reserves 3-1 Castlefin Celtic Reserves

Gweedore United reserves secured all three points in a very entertaining game at Carrickboyle. Tyler Flood produced two fantastic saves to thwart United's Brian McFadden from close range. The home side did eventually take the lead on the 19th minute. Tyler Flood again denied Brian McFadden; however, Cian O'Heifearnáin reacted the fastest to tap in from close range.

The away side had two opportunities to draw level, and Clint Ferry stopped Rory Matthewson's strike from 6 yards out. Clint Ferry also produced a fine save when Matthew O'Rourke found himself one-on-one with the keeper. Five minutes before half time the hosts doubled their lead. This time, Cian O'Heifearnain provided the assist and Francis Gallagher fired in from just inside the Castlefin box. The visitors were presented with a lifeline just before half time. Rory Matthewson lobbed the advancing Clint Ferry in the Gweedore goal to make it 1-2 at half time.

The hosts were provided with two early opportunities in the second half to put daylight between themselves and Castlefin Celtic. Callum Feireatéar was played in by Brian McFadden, but Tyler Flood made himself big to ensure the scoreline remained the same. Strong hands from Tyler Flood produced another fantastic save from Brian McFadden. Brian McFadden's shot from 20 yards out looked destined for the top corner. At the other end, Clint Ferry was kept busy; he was tested by Rory Matthewson, David Farry, Lee Kennedy, and Matthew O'Rourke.

Gweedore United made sure of their first victory in this season's league on the 65th minute. A superb team goal involved Seighean O'Baoill, Cian O'Heifearnain picking out Brian McFadden, who drilled his shot past Tyler Flood. David Farry had the ball in the net for the Castlefin men; however, he was adjudged to have been offside. Tyler Flood kept the scoreline at 1-3 after pulling off another top save from Kyle Doohan in the last 5 minutes of the game. Neither team was able to add to their tallies for the day. Cian O'Heifearnain and Brian McFadden were very instrumental in the hosts taking all three points today. Rory Matthewson and Tyler Flood were excellent for the visitors.

Referee: Seimi Ferry