Donegal League reports: Kildrum win Saturday D1 top of the table clash

Sunday 22 February 2026

Brian McCormick Premier

Bonagee United 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic 2 

(No report submitted)

Glenea United 1 Fanad United 3

In blustery conditions, it was Fanad, which came out on top in this tightly fought encounter. Despite playing against the wind, it was the away side that started quickest with Patrick Carr seeing his effort come back off the bar. Fanad continued to put the home defence under pressure but were unable to create a clear-cut chance. As the half progressed Glenea came more into the game and Darren McGeever’s effort well saved by Mark McConigley in the Fanad goal. As half time approached Fanad almost opened the scoring with Darren McElwaine missing a chance from close range and Patrick Moffit was denied by a double save from Shaun McClafferty. 

In the second half Fanad started strongly and took the lead on 48 mins when Keelin McElwaine’s cross was turned in by Damian McElwaine. Glenea pushed hard for an equaliser and came close with efforts from Ethan Friel and Cathal McGeever. Fanad extended their lead on 76 mins when Glenea defence failed to deal with a corner and Edward O’Reilly was on hand to force the ball over the line.  As Glenea pushed for a goal, Fanad had a couple of chances on the break but failed to convert them until got the 83rd min when Daibhid Lynch drilled the ball home from close range after Shaun McClafferty had saved a shot from Eddie O’Reilly. Glenea pulled a goal back on 87 mins when Darren McGeever was fouled in the box and he converted the resultant penalty. 

Team efforts from both sides

TDA Appliance D1

Convoy Arsenal 1 Kerrykeel 71 3 

(No report submitted)

Ballybofey United 5 Swilly Rovers 2 

(No report submitted)

Gweedore United 1 Cappry Rovers 3 

This game played at Carrickboyle saw Cappry Rovers collect all three points to continue their push at the top of the table on tough conditions for football. The home side started strongly and took the lead in the 4th minute when Seighan O’ Baoill’s Crossfield ball set Ciaran McFadden away  down the left and he did well to beat the defender and squared to Francis Gallagher who finished excellently to give the home side the perfect start. United nearly doubled their lead on 12mins when Brian McFadden saw his shot go just over the bar. Cappry Rovers nearly equalised just before half-time when Jack Long shot just passed Dylan Clift’s post. Half Time 1-0.

Cappry Rovers playing with the aid of the breeze in the 2nd half started brightly and were awarded a penalty on 49min when the Gweedore defender was adjudged to have fouled the Cappry attacker and referee Patrick McCauley pointed to the spot. 

Conor Doherty stepped up and dispatched the penalty past Clift in the Gweedore goal. 

Cappry then hit a quickfire double to secure the three points. Luke McGlynn put Cappry ahead on 73 minutes when he found himself in space in the box and finished well. Two minutes later, McGlynn grabbed his second of the game with a good shot into the corner, leaving Clift with no chance to secure the three points for the visitors. 

Luke McGlynn was in excellent form for the away side, while Cathal Gillespie and Shaun McFadden put in excellent performances for the home side. Gweedore now change their attention to Milford United who they face on the road next weekend.

Referee: Patrick McCauley

Castlefin Celtic 3 Gweedore Celtic 1 

Castlefin secured a vital three points against Gweedore Celtic.

Gweedore deservedly took the lead after 20 minutes. Aaron McBride latched onto a one-two to volley home. 

Castlefin responded with a Rory Dalton header, and Ronan Tourish's strike had the hosts ahead at the break.

A Ryan O’Hagan header increased the home side's lead to secure all 3 points.

Milford United 1 Rathmullan Celtic 2 

(No report submitted)

Donegal Physiotherapy D2

Dunfanaghy Youths 9 Dunkineely Celtic 1

(No report submitted)

Cranford FC 8 Drumkeen United 1

(No report submitted)

Deele Harps 3 Letterbarrow Celtic 3 

Deele welcomed the men from Tymeen to Marty Duffy Park on a cold wet afternoon. The away side settled quickest, and a Christian Ward effort was cleared off the line by Conor Breslin on two minutes. Letterbarrow took the lead on 14 minutes when Christopher McLaughlin finished following a corner. 

Deele equalised on the stroke of half-time when Johnny Mahon scored direct from a corner. Christian Ward gave the visitors the lead again on 63 minutes following a good move. Corey Lindsay stepped up to finish well to draw the sides level again on 69 minutes. 

Deele took the lead for the first time on 80 minutes with a superb individual goal from Tom Mullen. But the away side were not to be denied and equalised again on 84 minutes when James McGroary struck from long range. Team performances. Referee Mick Lagan.

Whitestrand United 2 Lifford Celtic 1 

Whitestrand United took on Lifford Celtic looking to respond to the draw at home to Dunfanaghy and get their promotion push back on track. The game started in cold conditions with each team finding the other out. 

Whitestrand had chances to take the lead, but Lifford took the lead from a free kick. Whitestrand responded immediately and good inter play between Kai Corcoran and Michael Sweeney resulted in Whitestrand equalising. The game went in 1-1 at half time.

The game started in the second half with Whitestrand making most of the play without any clear-cut chances. A 50/50 challenge resulted in Whitestrand being reduced to 10 men. 

It looked as if the game was drifting to more dropped points, but Ronan Sweeney crossed to Keelan Ward who showed composure to slide under the keeper with the last kick of the game.

Best for Whitestrand was Cormac Shovelin and Cormac Dunleavy

Raphoe Town 4 Drumoghill 1 

Raphoe Town FC produced a dominant display to secure a crucial 4–1 victory over Drumoghil FC in a top-of-the-table clash, claiming all three points in style. The hosts wasted no time asserting themselves and took the lead after just 15 minutes. Conor Friel showed great determination to break through the Drumoghil defence and fire at goal. 

Although the goalkeeper managed to make the initial save, Keeling Boyle reacted quickest to the rebound, slotting home to make it 1-0. Raphoe didn’t have to wait long to double their advantage. Anton Murtagh surged down the wing before delivering a pinpoint cross to Friel, who cleverly laid the ball off to Dylan Brolly. 

From the edge of the box, Brolly made no mistake, striking cleanly to put Raphoe 2-0 ahead.  With Raphoe dominating possession and piling on the pressure, Drumoghil struggled to gain a foothold in the game. Their resistance held until just before half-time when Brolly produced a moment of brilliance. Letting fly from 30 yards, his thunderous effort flew into the bottom corner, giving Raphoe a commanding 3–0 lead at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Raphoe controlling proceedings. Their fourth goal arrived in the 70th minute, and it was an instant impact from substitute Oisin Kelly. Just one minute after coming on, he was set up perfectly by DJ Kelly and finished superbly into the top corner to make it 4–0.  Drumoghill  managed to pull one back two minutes later with a consolation goal, but it proved little more than a footnote on a day that firmly belonged to Raphoe with a 4-1 Win.

Ulster Cup  

Letterkenny Rovers 1 Buncrana Hearts 1 (aet)

Buncrana Hearts won 6-5 on pens

Holders Letterkenny Rovers were knocked out of the Ulster Junior Cup at the quarter-final stage losing on penalties at Leckview Park.  In a tight and tense contest, all the drama came late in the game with Liam Jordan scoring in stoppage time for the visitors to cancel out BJ Banda’s 85th minute penalty.

Neither side could find a winner in extra-time, and it was former Rovers player Shane Monaghan who converted the decisive kick in the shoot-out. The two sides were meeting in this competition for the third year in a row, with Hearts having won the final on penalties back in 2024 and Rovers gaining revenge last season en route to their success.

 Overall, it was a game of few chances. In the first half, played in heavy rain, Zach Gorman tested Hearts ‘keeper Taylor Clarke with a couple of efforts from outside the box while Blake Forkan showed good reflexes to keep out Jordan’s close-range effort. Lee McMonagle came close to the breakthrough just before the hour mark, but from a pinpoint Shane McNamee cross, he steered his effort just the wrong side of the post. 

Rovers looked to have won it when BJ Banda was hauled to the ground inside the penalty area after racing through on goal and he duly converted from the spot. However, the hosts failed to hold on to their lead. 

In the 95th minute, Forkan got down well to tip a Caolan Doherty effort around the post. But from the resulting corner kick, Liam Jordan guided home a dramatic equaliser. 

With the penalty shoot-out at 5-5 going to sudden death, David Shovlin had his penalty saved by Clarke, and Monaghan sealed the win with a well-struck effort to send Gary Duffy’s men into the semi-finals.

Referee - Paddy Martin.

Donegal Town 4 Kildrum Tigers  5 AET

(No report submitted)

Saturday, February 21

Glencar Inn Saturday D1  

Oldtown Celtic 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic 3

(No report submitted)

Kildrum Tigers 3 Strand Rovers 2 

Kildrum claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Strand Rovers in a tense encounter, extending their lead at the top to six points with just five games remaining. Strand Rovers made the brighter start and stunned the hosts by taking an early lead, putting Kildrum on the back foot in the opening stages. 

However, Kildrum responded well and were handed a lifeline when they won a penalty midway through the first half. Keelan Gillen stepped up confidently and converted from the spot to level the game before the break.

After half-time, Kildrum emerged with renewed energy and quickly took control of proceedings. Their pressure paid off early in the second half when a well-delivered corner found Frank McBrearty, who rose highest to power a header home and give Kildrum the lead.  Momentum stayed firmly with Kildrum, and they soon added a third goal. A superb pass from Ciaran Tinney released Keelan Gillen, who finished clinically to grab his second of the game and put daylight between the sides. 

Strand Rovers refused to give in and pulled a goal back with ten minutes remaining, setting up a nervy finish as they piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. But Kildrum stood strong defensively, showing determination and composure to see out the win.

The result sees Kildrum go six points clear with five games to play, strengthening their position after getting the better of a very tight contest.

St Catherines FC Reserves 3 Erne Wanderers FC  0 

(No report submitted)

Glencar Celtic 1 Donegal Town 7

(No report submitted)

Drumbar FC 2 Letterkenny Rovers 4 

(No report submitted)

Old Orchard Saturday D2

Ramelton Mariners 1 Keadue Rovers 2 

The Mariners welcomed top of the table Keadue Rovers to the Flagpole Field in Rathmullan. After a short delay the game kicked off and both sides started well chasing for the opening goal. The opener came from Keadue when they worked the ball down the right and scored from distance. 

Mariners responded well when a Luke Friel corner was turned into the net by a Keadue defender and the boys went in 1-1 at half time. The second half was tense with both sides looking for the winner, but it was Keadue who got the stroke of luck when the Mariners conceded a penalty that the Keadue forward was able to slam home to end the game 2-1 in a disappointing loss for the Mariners.

Fintown Harps AFC 4 Bonagee United 0 

In wet and windy conditions, Fintown wanted to redeem themselves after their horror show at Bonagee back in October. They set their stall out early doors with a high press and on nine minutes they got the breakthrough with great pressure from Odhran Doherty on the Bonagee defende,r winning the ball back in the six-yard box and squandering the ball to young Odhran Bonner who made no mistake from five yards out.

Bonagee shell-shocked and struggling to get a foothold on the game, Fintown, piling on the pressure again and on 20 minutes, Thomas Tucker McDevitt was upended in the box and a penalty was given. Jamie McMonagle Quinn stepped up to coolly fire it past the keeper to put Harps 2-0 up. Bonagee had a great chance on 28 mins but a wonderful point plank save from Jordan O’Donnell in the Harps nets. 

Harps were winning all the second ball in midfield with Kealon McMonagle and big Keelan McGill putting in a great shift. Keelan McMonagle then put Harps 3 nil up on 35 mins with a great strike from 25 yards to see his shot hit the back of the net. 

Fintown were ready for Bonagee in the second half as they made a few changes, but Fintown were firm at the back with Logan Quinn and John Molloy playing well.  Bonagee created a few chances but nothing too serious, until the 60th minute when Jordan was again off his line sharply to deny a certain goal.

On 70 minutes, Shane McDevitt was sharp on the high press and nipped in to intercept a cross ball, and he made no mistake from 12 yards out, 4-0 with around 20 minutes left. Bonagee threw all they had at Fintown, but they were not to be denied today.

A great ball in from Odhran Doherty from the left flank found Aaron Thompson with a great header, just going wide at the far post. A great team performance from Fintown and Bonagee tried hard, but it just wasn’t their day.

Ref Barry Tourish

Glenea United Reserves 0 Arranmore United 1 

In blustery conditions, it was Arranmore that came out on top in this tightly fought Gaeltacht derby. It was the home side playing with the wind that started quickest, and on five minutes, Luke McCarry reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box but saw his effort cleared off the line. 

As the half progressed, Arranmore came more into the game and put the home defence under pressure without creating any clear-cut chances. The away side opened the scoring on 35 mins when a cross from the left found Ben Gaughran and he slipped the ball past Joe Coll. In the second half despite playing against the wind.

Glenea started strongly but could not create any clear-cut chances until the 65th minute when Chris Barrett’s ball released Niall McGee, but he saw his effort well saved by Frankie Earley. Glenea continues to press with Arranmore happy to try and play on the break. Glenea came close to equalising on 75 mins when Tommy Rodgers pass set Chris Barrett free, but he saw his effort go just by the post. 

As Glenea pushed for an equaliser, Arranmore created a couple of chances but failed to convert them. But the home side were unable to find an equaliser despite a couple of goalmouth scrambles. Team efforts from both sides.

Gweedore Celtic 0 Fanad United 2 

(No report submitted)

Finn Travel Saturday D3

Milford United 0 Ballybofey United 0 

(No report submitted)

Dunlewey Celtic 4 Convoy Arsenal 0 

Dunlewey welcomed Convoy to Glentornan Park, aiming to keep their strong run going, having gone six games unbeaten, winning five of those. The hosts began the match with the wind at their backs. Both sides started the game brightly, with battles in the middle of the park dictating the majority of the early exchanges. 

Dunlewey broke the deadlock when Lorcan Gallagher pounced on a loose ball from a Dunlewey corner to put the hosts ahead after 24 minutes. Convoy edged back into the game and tried to claw a goal back, but Dunlewey's defence stood strong and kept them at bay. 1-0 to Dunlewey at the halfway point. 

The second half started brightly with Dunlewey pressing for a second goal and got the second of the day after 60 minutes when Cian Gallagher whipped a good cross into the box, which was met by Convoy defender Hegarty who directed the ball into his own net when he tried to clear his lines.

13 minutes later Cian Gallagher got a goal of his own after a strong run from Fionn Bonnar who struck a powerful shot across the keeper which fell in the path of Cian Gallagher to slot home. Convoy didn't create too many chances in the second half with Dunlewey's defence having a really strong performance. 

With the game wrapped up Dunlewey got their fourth of the day when Joseph Devenney added to the scoring after 82 minutes to keep Dunlewey's strong run of form going and keep the three points in Glentornan park for the hosts. A strong team performance from Dunlewey today who are still in the hunt for the top three. 

Referee: Eamonn Sheridan 

Cappry Rovers 3 Drumkeen United 2 

Cappry Rovers picked up three valuable points with a late winner in an exciting competitive game at Cappry Park. Cappry took the lead in the 19th minute when a Jamie Gallagher cross was tapped home by Ronan Coyle. 

David Carr hit the post during a period of Cappry dominance, but they failed to increase the lead and Drumkeen equalised through a Tarlach O'Boyle header which sneaked in off the butt of the post. David Carr headed Cappry back in front after 57 minutes from an Odhran McGlynn long throw. 

However, Drumkeen came back into the game again when Chris McMonagle got space in the middle and hit a spectacular equaliser into the top corner which the impressive Karl McGlynn in nets just couldn't reach. 

Cappry heads didn't drop and a clever passing sequence on the right wing between Corey Doherty, David Carr and Niall Ryan found Ronan Coyle in the box and he finished well to seal the three points in stoppage time. Good performances by both teams in difficult weather conditions. 

Referee: Seamus Ferry.

Castlefin Celtic 1 Lagan Harps 3 

The game reversed to Manor started off at a frenetic pace. Damien McFadden shot over for Lagan when put through in the first minute. Castlefin responded with Cathal Kennedy's effort coming off the crossbar. Matthew O'Rourke then had a shot blocked down. 

Ross Hamlyn then shot narrowly wide for Lagan. Slightly against the run of play Lagan took the lead on twenty-eight minutes. A partially cleared corner was crossed back in by Ronan Lynch and Robby Dolan rose highest to head home. Glenn Gallagher then came to Lagan's rescue with a last-ditch tackle on Cathal Kennedy. 

The second half started off evenly balanced with few chances. Lagan then grabbed the important second when Damien McFadden knocked home a Faolan Gibson cross. Castlefin started to put on pressure with Jordan Tourish heading narrowly wide and Cathal Kennedy shooting over. 

They then grabbed a lifeline on seventy-six minutes. Lagan keeper Kai Brown punched an in-swinging corner against the head of a defender and it ended up in the net. The game swung from end to end as both teams chased the next goal. Kai Brown then pulled off a good save from the dangerous Cathal Kennedy and Senan Kavanagh cleared. In the final minute, Castlefin threw everyone, including keeper Mark Gordon, forward for a corner. Lagan cleared the corner, and Ronan Lynch sent Faolan Gibson clear to shoot into an empty net. 

Referee: John Coll.

Drumoghill 3 Gweedore United 6

Francis Gallagher's hat-trick was the difference as Gweedore United stunned Drumoghill by taking home all 3 points from The Moss.

The home side were well fancied to secure all 3 points given the visitors were bottom of the table and were well on the way to doing so by taking a two-goal lead early in the second half. But the visitors produced a terrific fightback to damage the home side's promotion hopes.

Darren Coyle had got his side off to the ideal start when he opened the scoring with his first touch in the opening minute, and soon it was 2-0 when Matthew Brogan-Brennan doubled the lead.

However, Calum Feireatear reduced the arrears when he pulled one back on 31 minutes and the comeback was complete when Gallagher got the first of his treble on 39 minutes before Stephen Mulhern was on target to leave the visitors 3-2 up at the break.

Drumoghill chased an equaliser for much of the second half until Jack Rennicks made it 4-2 on 79 minutes. 

Jordan Rodgers would again reduce the arrears to the minimum when he made it 4-3 on 80 minutes before Gallagher completed his hat-trick (82, 90) to make it a memorable day for him and his team. 

Referee Mick Lagan