Derby delight as Cockhill Youths clinch Inishowen First Division title

Cockhill Youths were crowned champions of the Inishowen League First Division on Sunday after edging neighbours Dunree United 1-0 in a tense derby at St Egney’s Park.
The HML Plant Hire Division One title was secured the hard way, with Paul Mullan’s second-half strike enough to separate the sides in a contest where chances were at a premium and defences largely on top.
Dunree made the champions-elect battle all the way.
“They put it up to us. It was a tight battle, and was always going to be that way when we go down to Dunree for a derby,” a relieved Cockhill Youths manager Seamus Donaghey said afterwards.
After a scoreless first half, Cockhill began to turn the screw, testing Dunree keeper Sean Daly time and again. Dunree had chances, with Cockhill keeper keeping out efforts from Adam Barrett, Joe McCallion and Paddy Doherty.
The decisive moment arrived on 72 minutes.
“Conor McDaid played a through ball to Paul Mullan for the goal, and he slotted it past the keeper,” Donaghey said. “Dunree put us under pressure in the last 20 minutes, but we held tight.”
The win maintained Cockhill’s flawless record, with Mullan and Darragh McDermott contributing the bulk of the goals across an unblemished campaign with 16 wins from 16 outings so far.

Shaun Baldrick from HML presents the First Division Shield to Cockhill Celtic Youths captain Ryan Downey. Included on right is Liam Baldrick, chairperson of the Inishowen Junior League and mainstay of the Dunree United team. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Donaghey pinpointed an earlier victory over Greencastle - pre-season favourites after relegation from the Premier Division last term - as the turning point.
“Our goalkeeper, Darragh O'Donnell, was sent off early and our centre half Oisin McColgan went into nets,” the manager recalled. “We won 4-1 and that was the big day. The boys dug deep to get the result, and after that the momentum grew and confidence too and we kicked on from there.
With Cockhill Celtic’s first team 12 from 12 in the Premier Division and set to join the inaugural third tier of the League of Ireland in the autumn, the Youths’ title win ensures promotion to the top flight next season.
“We were beaten in the play-off last year, and while we knew we couldn't be promoted then, the boys really wanted to win the league this year because they knew Gavin [Cullen] and the first team were moving on.
“Our goal was to win promotion to the Premier Division, and we've done that. The boys will have to kick on next season.
“Our squad is young. We have Darragh McDermott and Conor Allen who are 30, but the rest of them are 23 and younger.
“The goal next year will be to stay in the Premier Division and give it a rattle.”

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The progression of the first team into the new National League is providing a major boost to Cockhill Celtic as a whole.
“It's a massive thing for the club,” Donaghey says. “All our players will be one step closer to Gavin's team next year. That's the pathway, from under-age football all the way up - get to Gavin's team.
“The squads train together every Tuesday night. Gavin, Jazza and Donal O'Brien are a great help to our boys, giving them wee tips here and there.
“They come to our matches when they're not playing themselves, so they keep a good enough eye on our boys. They know what's coming through, and when they'll be ready.”
There was time for a few celebratory pints on Sunday night, but attentions quickly turn back to business.
Cockhill host Sea Rovers and travel to Glengad in their remaining league fixtures, though Donaghey’s focus is already on silverware elsewhere. Next up is a Charlie O’Donnell Cup semi-final away to Greencastle on Sunday, followed by a Fr O’Gara Cup tie against Clonmany Reserves.
For now, though, winning the league title with two games to spare is a job well done.