Donegal League reports: Fanad and Kilmacrennan share the spoils in Traigh-A-Loch

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division

Fanad United 2 v 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic
Fanad United and Kilmacrennan Celtic shared the points in an entertaining match at Traigh-a-Loch on Sunday. Fanad started on the front foot creating several chances. On 10 minutes Paddy Carr headed the ball down to Eddie O'Reilly but his effort produced a decent save from Kilmacrennan keeper Christopher O'Donnell.

Fanad made their pressure count and took the lead in the 25th minute when Eddie O'Reilly swung in a corner and Paddy Carr rose highest to glance a header into the net. Ten minutes later Fanad extended their lead. Eddie O'Reilly played Keelin McElwaine through but his shot came back off the base of the post, however the ball fell to Peter Carr who crossed to Paddy Carr who scored from close range.

Two minutes before half time Kilmacrennan pulled a goal back. They were awarded a free on the left, Paul Bradley's ball in was met by Matthew McLaughlin who scored from six yards. At the start of the second half Fanad created several chances. Three minutes in, Paddy Carr went on a good run into the box but his effort was saved by Christopher O'Donnell. On the hour mark Peter Carr crossed to the back post but Darren McElwaine saw his header come back off the post.

Four minutes later Kilmacrennan got an equaliser. From a kickout, the ball found Paul Bradley down the left and he outpaced the Fanad defence before rounding the keeper and scoring. A minute later Fanad missed a chance to go ahead when a Keelin McElwaine cross found Paddy Carr who fired wide.

On 80 minutes Kilmacrennan were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. Matthew McLaughlin stepped up and his thumping effort looked goal bound only for Fanad keeper Mark McConigley to make an outstanding save to deny him. The last chance of the game fell to Oisin McHugh but his effort was saved by Christopher O'Donnell. Referee: John Coll

Bonagee United P v P Donegal Town
(No Report Submitted)

Keadue Rovers 1 v 2 St. Catherines
(No Report Submitted)

Kildrum Tigers P v P Glenea United
(No Report Submitted)

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Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. 5 v 1 Ballybofey United
The ’71 got another three points at a wet Rabs to make it three wins on the spin. Shaun Kerr put the hosts ahead on four minutes with a brilliant strike giving the keeper no chance. Ballybofey, to their credit, started to control the game and got level on 32 minutes when Noah Reid slotted home from ten yards.

It was fully deserved. Kerrykeel came out a different team in the second half and got in front on 49 minutes with a great header from Shaun Carr. Captain Mark Friel got their third on 70 minutes with a great finish from the edge of the box after great work from Bernard McGettigan.

Two late goals from James Kerr and Jimmy Coyle sealed another great three points for the ’71. Another team performance from the ’71. Noah Reid and Martin O'Reilly were best for Ballybofey. Referee: Martin McGarrigle

Cappry Rovers 2 v 1 Milford United
Cappry started the game brightly and went close when Shaun McMenamin’s effort was well saved and Ronan Coyle’s follow-up just went wide. Milford came into the game as the half wore on but neither team created any clear-cut chances.

Milford started the second half brightly and got their reward when Joey Cullen headed across goal for Cathal McGettigan to finish from close range. Cappry pushed to get level and forced Caolan McGettigan into a couple of fine saves. Cappry did get level when Reece Coyle found the net from outside the box.

Cappry were on top and pressed to get in front and they did get ahead when Shaun McMenamin’s cutback found Jack Long at the edge of the box who found the top corner with a fine strike. Cappry had chances to add a third late on the break as Milford pushed to get level. Cappry held on for the three points. Two Team Performances. Referee: Ryan Carlin

Gweedore Celtic 0 v 2 Rathmullan Celtic
(No Report Submitted)

Swilly Rovers 2 v 1 Castlefin Celtic
A cracking game at Swilly Park before a very large crowd. Swilly showed real grit and effort to hang on for a win against a good Castlefin side. Castlefin went ahead on five minutes when Corey Bogan scored with a wonderful goal from 30 yards. They had the better of the first half against Swilly who were minus a few regulars.

On 30 minutes Swilly were level when a superb through ball by Shay Durning released Corey Oliver and he produced a real cool finish much to the delight of the home crowd. Swilly played much better in the second half and put in a huge effort.

The winner arrived on 72 minutes when Michael Kerr delivered a superb corner and Marty McDaid volleyed home in some style. Heavy pressure near the end by Castlefin but Barry Gallagher in the home goal, with his teammates, stood firm.

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Drumkeen United 3 v 1 Curragh Athletic
Curragh Athletic were the visitors to a damp St Patrick's Park on Sunday morning for this fixture which had an early kick-off. The home team got off to a great start when they took an early lead. Paul Clark played a great ball up the line on the left-hand side which found Chris Darby who finished it well as he chipped it over the advancing Curragh keeper Jason Woods.

Drumkeen had a good opening twenty minutes in this game. Chris Darby could have had another goal when he made space for himself with a good turn but unfortunately for him and Drumkeen his effort went just wide. Curragh had a couple of chances during this time as Conor Galvin saw his effort go just wide of the Drumkeen post. Curragh were later awarded a free kick just outside the box which was taken by Dean Hannigan but it went over the bar. Drumkeen added a second goal after good work from Ciaran McLaughlin who won the ball and passed it out to the right side. The ball eventually ended up in the middle and Rory Craig was there to fire it home.

Drumkeen could have added a third when Fergal Quinn set up Gavin Bonner who put his effort just wide. Drumkeen went in at the half-time break with a two-goal lead and looking comfortable enough. Curragh began the second half well as Drumkeen were struggling to get their own game going again after the break. As the second half wore on the tide had turned and you could sense from the sideline that a Curragh goal was coming and it duly arrived.

Curragh worked the ball out to John Chambers on the left wing and his long-range effort ended up in the Drumkeen net just inside the right-hand post. Drumkeen were getting nervous now as Caolan McLintock nearly added a second for Curragh but his effort went wide of the Drumkeen post.

Gavin Bonner had a chance to increase the Drumkeen lead but his free kick on the edge of the box didn't unduly trouble Woods in the Curragh goal. Drumkeen needed another goal to give themselves a bit of a cushion. The third goal did come when a ball up the middle saw Gavin Bonner contest with keeper Woods out on the edge of his box and the ball ended up in the Curragh net much to the relief and delight of the Drumkeen contingent.

The final whistle went and Drumkeen had all three points but this was a hard-earned win against a Curragh team who never gave up. Drumkeen had plenty of defending to do in this game and the ever-reliable Mickey Black covered lots of ground as usual as he and his fellow defenders did their best to keep Curragh at bay. It wasn't an ideal day for football due to the damp conditions underfoot but both teams did their best in the circumstances. Referee: Danny Doherty

Lifford Celtic 1 v 2 Drumoghill F.C.
(No Report Submitted)

Ulster Shield
Cockhill Celtic Youths 3 v 2 Arranmore United
(No Report Available)

Culdaff F.C. 1 v 7 Letterkenny Rovers Reserves
(No Report Available)

Glengad F.C. 4 v 1 Fanad United Reserves
(No Report Available)

Whitestrand United 5 v 2 Dunree United
Whitestrand United took on Dunree United in cup action. Whitestrand started quickly with Michael Sweeney going through only to see his effort saved. The first goal arrived quickly after when Kai Corcoran scored a lob over the keeper. Whitestrand had chances to extend the lead but Dunree began to get a foothold in the game and got the equaliser from a penalty. Dunree had chances to take the lead but found Whitestrand keeper Declan Brougham in inspired form and kept the score to 1-1 at halftime.

Whitestrand started the second half well and retook the lead when Cormac Dunleavy scored from distance in what was a great finish. Whitestrand extended their lead when Cian Sweeney won the ball and played it to Ciaran Sweeney who played Michael Sweeney through who made no mistake. Cormac Dunleavy scored a penalty of his own and then Ronan Sweeney came off the bench to play Michael Sweeney in for his second. The score somewhat flattered Whitestrand as it was a tight game, but in the end, an excellent result. Best for Whitestrand were Cormac Dunleavy and Kai Corcoran.

Raphoe Town 3 v 2 Buncrana Hearts
(No Report Submitted)

Aileach F.C. P v P Deele Harps
(No Report Available)

Saturday 18th October 2025
Old Orchard Saturday Division Two

Glenea United Reserves 7 v 2 Swilly Rovers
Glenea Reserves added three more points to their league tally with a hard-earned but well-deserved win over Swilly Rovers. Despite playing against the breeze, it was the home side that started brightly and went close to opening the scoring on a couple of occasions. Glenea pressure finally came to fruition on 10 minutes when Ciaran McGeady’s through ball released Niall McGee and he lobbed the ball over the keeper. Swilly pushed for an equaliser, and it took a fine save from Shaun McClafferty to keep Glenea’s lead intact. The home side continued to press and went close to extending their lead through efforts from Ronan McGee and Michael Ferry.

They eventually got their second goal on 22 minutes when Ronan McGee broke quickly and his through ball found Niall McGee and his cross was finished at the back post by Michael Ferry. The home side continued to press for another goal but were unable to convert several chances that came their way. On 40 minutes Glenea were made to pay for their misses when good interplay between the Swilly forwards freed Cory Oliver and he slotted home. Glenea regained their two-goal lead on 44 minutes when Neil McGeever headed home a Tarlach Coll corner at the back post.

In the second half the home side looked to add to their tally but were caught out on 50 minutes when they failed to deal with a Swilly through ball and Sultan Ejiwumni pounced to score from a tight angle. Despite this setback, the home team regained control of the game and had chances to restore their two-goal lead, with Darren McGeever seeing his header well saved and Ciaran McGeady reacting quickest to the rebound but seeing his effort clear the bar. Glenea were finally rewarded on 68 minutes when Ciaran McGeady got clear down the left and his cross found Niall McGee, who scored from close range.

Michael Ferry got his second goal when Swilly failed to deal with a corner and he drilled the ball home. Ronan McGee added a sixth goal on 80 minutes when he was played in by Niall McGee and he slotted home. Patrick Doohan completed the scoring on 89 minutes with a shot from the edge of the box. Best for Glenea were Tarlach Coll and Niall McGee, while Ryan Moore and Louis Dube were best for Keadue. Referee: Danny Doherty

Finn Travel Saturday Division Three
Castlefin Celtic Reserves 1 v 1 Dunlewey Celtic
(No Report Submitted)

Drumoghill F.C. Reserves 1 v 4 Drumkeen United Reserves
(No Report Submitted)

Ulster Shield
Bonagee United Reserves 2 v 0 Sea Rovers
(No Report Submitted)

Convoy Arsenal Reserves 0 v 1 Gweedore United Reserves
Gweedore United made the long trip to Orchard Park which ended up being a tough battle between the two sides. Nothing could separate them in the first half, both teams defending well and battling hard in midfield, neither side creating any clear-cut chances, with Convoy’s youths proving they can hold their own at senior level. Gweedore started the sharper in the second half, creating two or three chances they couldn’t quite capitalise on. With Gweedore looking the more dangerous, Convoy fought back and began creating some chances of their own. Tiarnan French forced an excellent save from the Gweedore goalkeeper from a free kick. Not long after, a great ball played across the box was narrowly missed by Gibson. Gweedore managed to take advantage of a deep long ball which fell to Gallagher, who poked it in after the Convoy defence failed to clear. Convoy thought they had equalised shortly after when Tyler Harkin arrived at the back post and slotted it home, only for it to be ruled offside.

Erne Wanderers 3 v 2 Cockhill Celtic Youths
(No Report Submitted)

Glencar Celtic 1 v 3 Oldtown Celtic
(No Report Submitted)

Kildrum Tigers Reserves 4 v 1 Carn Youth
Kildrum started brighter when Brett McGinty got on the end of a corner in the 10th minute. Kildrum never looked back, then Glenn Bovaird got on the end of a loose ball from the Carndonagh defence and rifled one into the top left-hand corner from 25 yards.

Carndonagh did get a goal, a good finish from their No. 11, but Kildrum were too strong and experienced and eventually got another one before the half when Conor Clarke slotted home from close range after a great run in behind. The fourth came when Conor Crosson won the ball, ran 20 yards, and slotted home.

Lagan Harps Reserves 5 v 0 Glengad F.C.
A lightning-quick start saw Lagan take firm control of this game. Cody Hannigan scored his first senior goal for Lagan on three minutes. Aogan Rodgers made it 2-0 on five minutes.

Jack McConnell then made it 3-0 on eight minutes. The game settled down after this with Stephen McLaughlin a steadying force at the back for Glengad. The game was more even at this stage with Lagan carrying the bigger threat. Lagan started the second half strongly and Ben Coyle also scored his first senior goal on 49 minutes. Glengad had a few shots at goal without really bothering Robby Dolan.

Faolan Gibson added Lagan's final goal on 82 minutes. Referee: Liam McLaughlin

Milford United Reserves 5 v 1 Dunree United
Moyle View hosted this Ulster Shield game between Milford United and Dunree United. Milford started the brighter with chances falling to young George McNulty, Aidan McGettigan and Lee Burke, but the breakthrough came through the evergreen TJ Evesson from the spot after winning a penalty. Dunree came into the game after this goal and created a couple of chances. HT 1-0.

The second half was even and the next goal came through TJ again after some great skill in the box before placing into the corner. As Dunree looked for a goal, Milford capitalised with an emphatic counter — great play from Aidan McGettigan set up TJ for his hat-trick, with the 36-year-old getting booked for removing his jersey.

Dunree scored straight from the kick-off to create a shaky couple of minutes before Milford ended the competition with a fourth goal through Ryan McElhinney and a fifth through Aidan McGettigan. Best for Milford were TJ Evesson, young Flynn Nash and Fallon McBride.

Strand Rovers 6 v 2 Cranford United Reserves

What a day of football in Maghery played in excellent conditions. The first half-hour saw Strand come very close to the opening goal on numerous occasions, with one coming off the crossbar and another being flicked off the line. The travelling Cranford FC got the first goal with the ball coming up the left wing and into the box, bobbling around a few times until Martin McBride fired home past Paddy McGarvey in the Strand nets.

Just at the half-time mark, Oisin McKelsey was taken down in a last-man tackle by Cranford keeper Dean Fleming in the box and so a penalty was awarded. Ethan McCaffery stepped up and fired the ball into the net, leaving the sides level just before the break. The second half got underway and so did the goals, with a total of six scored between the two teams. Conor Greene got the first of two for himself on 56 minutes from a corner taken by Mark Brennan, finished nicely with a trademark Greene header.

Two minutes later he had his second when a throw from Stephen Glackin was sent forward to Greene and, with the outside of his boot, he chipped it in over the keeper. Cranford got one back on 79 minutes from a free kick delivered into the box and sub Danny McBride, losing his marker, was able to slot the ball past Paddy. Only a minute later, a free kick from just inside the Strand half was delivered into the box from James McCole and was met perfectly on the penalty spot by the onrushing Jordan Saville, who fired a powerful header into the back of the net leaving the substitute keeper with no chance.

Strand added another when a throw-in from James O’Donnell was flicked on into the middle and was met on the half volley by Daniel Ward, the ball flying into the top corner — a goal worthy of any field in the county. Strand finished off the scoring when Killian Gillespie was sent through by Daniel Ward and he thought about taking it on his right but checked inside the defender and finished coolly into the keeper’s near post with his left foot, a cultured finish. That sees Strand into the next round of the Ulster Shield.

Fintown Harps AFC 4 v 2 Ramelton Mariners
Fintown had a chance straight from the kick-off with Michael Doherty getting inside the Mariners defence, but Roulston was quick off his line to stop and clear.

After ten minutes Mariners took the lead with a screamer of a shot from 25 yards out by Eoin Roulston, beating Dylan McGlynn in the Fintown nets. Fintown captain John Molloy was off the field getting treatment and Sean Bryant put the Mariners two up on 15 minutes. Odhran McCallig didn’t give up on a ball and he got it back in from the end line to find Sean Doherty, who was upended in the box for a penalty. Odhran McCallig stepped up and made no mistake.

With their tails up, Fintown equalised on 35 minutes as great work on the left wing by McCallig saw him find Michael Doherty, who applied a great first touch and found the bottom right corner. The game was all level at the break. The Mariners started the second half the better, but Fintown rode the storm and took the lead with the move of the game, Michael Doherty again finding the target in the 55th minute. Ramelton battled hard but found Fintown’s defence, with Peter John Dermot hard to get past.

A late goal in the 88th minute from young Sean Doherty sealed the victory after a great defence-splitting pass by returning player Keelan McMonagle, finding Peter on the overlap, who found Sean to finish from six yards out. Great team effort from both sides.