DJL reports: Ballybofey United confirm survival after seven-goal thriller

Premier Division

Donegal Town 1-1 St Catherine’s

Town for the second week running drew 1-1, this time against St Catherines in a game reversed to the Hospital Field. Town, with a strong wind behind them, just had the better of play in the first have creating a few half-chances. While Town had more of the ball, St Catherines posed a threat at times on the break, but couldn't create anything clear against the wind. 

St Catherines the happier of the sides to go in 0-0 at the break against the wind.

The second half started in a similar fashion with St Catherine's attacking with the wind at their backs, but Town smartly kept the ball on the ground and created numerous dangerous counter-attacks. This is where the goal came from as Ben Sweeney broke from right back and pulled the ball across to Niko Dominik, who scored with a first-time finish.

St Catherines forced a great finger tip save from young Fintan James soon after.

The two sides kept attacking, looking for the next goal and late on, St Catherine's got their equaliser from the penalty spot through Matthew McClean.

A fair result in a tight game.

Best for Donegal Town were Ben Sweeney, Joe Campbell, Adam Campbell and Jamie McMonagle on their first Sunday starts.

Kildrum Tigers 3-4 Glenea United

Played under wintry conditions at Station Road Park, it was Glenea who deservedly left with all 3 points. Glenea played with the wind in the first half and made the most of it, scoring four goals. Kildrum fought hard in the second half and reduced the deficit to a goal, but couldn’t get an equaliser.

Fanad United 0-2 Kildrum Tigers 

Fanad United welcomed Kildrum Tigers to Traigh-a-Loch on Wednesday evening, and it was the away side who left with the three points after a 2-0 win. 

Played in ideal conditions, it was a game of very few clear chances throughout. The opening goal came in the twenty-second minute when Kildrum were somewhat harshly awarded a penalty after a handball, and Jonny Robb stepped up and fired home.

Just before half-time, Robb created space for himself on the edge of the box, but he shot wide. 

Five minutes into the second half, from a Fanad corner, the ball fell to Caolan McElwaine, whose shot went just over the Kildrum bar.

Both sides showed great endeavour without creating many clear attempts on goal. Kildrum made the points safe twelve minutes from time when Ronan McKinley capitalised on a defensive mix-up to fire home from close range. 

Ref Dessie McLaughlin.

Temple Domestic Appliance Division 1

Gweedore United 2-0 Rathmullan Celtic

Gweedore United secured their status in the TDA Appliance Division 1 League after a tremendous win at the Carrickboyle. The hosts went into the game knowing that the bare minimum required today was a win, even that didn't necessarily guarantee that they would avoid the much-undesired play-off game.

As before kick off today, either Gweedore United, Ballybofey United or Convoy Arsenal would be involved in the dreaded play-off game to remain in the league. The wind was hugely significant today as both teams had to adapt accordingly to it.

A cagey first half saw limited opportunities for either team to get their noses in front. The visitors had the best opportunity in the first half when Shay Lindsay went around Oran Craig in the Gweedore goal, and his shot looked destined for the net, but a last-ditch clearance by Shaun McFadden kept the score 0-0. Achul Eldad also came close for the away side. Roan Turk and Shaun McFadden both tested Dominic Hull in the Rathmullan goal.

Oran Craig produced a quality save from Shay Lindsay at the start of the second half, which looked like a certain goal. The hosts won a freekick on the 53rd minute, Stephen McFadden whipped in a free kick into a heavily congested Celtic area, and Roan Turk reacted the quickest to fire in from close range. Jay Curran had an excellent opportunity to get the away side back into the game when he shot from six yards out, his effort went just over the crossbar.

Rabeh Hamdi put Shay Lindsay through, and his effort was comfortably saved by Oran Craig. Dan O'Donnell came close to extending the lead for United, but his shot from six yards out was superbly saved by Dominic Hull. The game was settled on the 90th minute after an exquisite ball by Stephen McFadden sent Brian McFadden through on goal, and he unselfishly set up Stephen Mulhern to tap into the empty net.

A fantastic team performance from Gweedore United, especially given the magnitude of their final league game of the season. Roan Turk and Shaun McFadden were immense today for the hosts. Stephen McFadden was hugely instrumental in the two goals scored. Rathmullan were also excellent today and were unlucky not to have gotten at least one on the score sheet.

Shay Lindsay, Rabeh Hamdi, and Achul Eldad all had a great game for the visitors. The result today, coupled with Cappry Rovers also winning against Convoy Arsenal, ensured that United retained their status in the league.

Referee: Seimi Ferry

Ballybofey United 4-3 Gweedore Celtic

Ballybofey maintain Division 1 status in a seven-goal thriller in Dreenan. Ballybofey United guaranteed safety in Division 1 following a pulsating 4-3 victory over Gweedore Celtic in a game defined by grit and second-half fireworks. The visitors struck first, punishing a defensive lapse with a clinical finish to lead at the break.

Second half 0-1

The second half ignited when Kieran Thompson’s pinpoint free-kick found Josh McMenamin, who took the ball down superbly and finished well to level the game. Ballybofey goalkeeper Daniel Crawford then kept the home side level with a world-class save, though he was powerless shortly after against a Gweedore thunderbolt that went into the top corner.

Trailing 2-1, the introduction of Colin Kearns changed the game. Kearns turned creator, sprinting down the wing to cross for Paddy Murphy, who bravely chested the ball home at the back post.

Momentum shifted entirely as Niall McCloskey slipped a pass to Thompson to put United ahead, before Kearns again provided the assist for Diarmaid O'Donnell to make it 4-2. A late Gweedore strike set up a nervous finale, but United held firm. This result caps a superb unbeaten run of five games, three wins and two draws, that ultimately secured our survival. This form proves that in another season, this talented squad is more than capable of competing at the opposite end of the table next season.

Cranford 3-2 Lifford
Cranford kept themselves on track for promotion with two games to go, but were nearly made to pay for missed chances. Playing with the wind, Cranford missed several chances to put the game to bed at half-time but couldn't find the net. Cranford deservedly took the lead on 55 minutes when Chris Carr headed home from a free kick. It was 2-0 five minutes later as James Lee McBride bundled home after a save from the keeper.

Cranford thought they put the game to bed, then when Shane Coll curled a lovely finish in to make it three. But Lifford had other ideas and scored a goal against the run of play and added a second a few minutes later from a deflected free kick to make it a nervy finish. But Cranford saw it out for a well-deserved three points.

Drumkeen 9-0 Dunkineely Celtic
Drumkeen welcomed Dunkineely to St Patrick's Park on Sunday Afternoon for this Donegal Physiotherapy Division 2 game.
Drumkeen dominated proceedings and found themselves five goals to the good at the half-time break.
Kevin Boyle opened the scoring early on for the hosts, and Nigel Hegarty added a couple of goals to have Drumkeen well ahead after half an hour. Nigel Hegarty completed his hat-trick, and Kaz Balogun added a fifth goal before half-time.
Things didn't improve much for the visitors in the second half as Shane Laverty, Niall Howley, and Gavin Bonner added further goals. Despite the scoreline, Dunkineely battled on gamely throughout. One of the positives to take from the game was the appearance of Dabhan Doherty as a second-half substitute for Drumkeen.
It was good to see young Dabhan back on the pitch again as he made his first appearance since he got injured in the very first game of the season.

Dunfanaghy Youths FC 1-0 Deele Harps
With five wins in six games, Dunfanaghy Youths FC were looking to extend their winning streak against a strong Deele Harps. The sides met today at Callum Friel Park (Sunday 12th April).

The game started in very windy conditions with DYFC playing with the wind. The home team pushed hard from the start and took control, and were the stronger team going forward, having some great chances and having a goal disallowed. Deele were to get a couple of chances of their own but were denied by some great goalkeeping from DYFC’s stand-in keeper, Kyle McMullan. Neither side were to break the deadlock. Half-time score 0-0

Deele had the wind in the second half and were looking to use it to their advantage, but Dunfanaghy remained disciplined and snuffed out any danger. The home side were finally to be rewarded for their efforts when they won a penalty in the 63rd minute for a handball. Ciaran Kelly stepped up and coolly slotted home to give the hosts a deserved lead.

Deele needed to push hard to get something from the game, but a defiant and dogged Youths withstood some pressure. Dunfanaghy were still the more dangerous of the teams going forward with some neat counter-attacking football, but just couldn’t find the elusive second goal. The home team held out to secure yet another win to put them on level points with the visitors. Big thank you to Deele players and staff for making the trip to Callum Friel Park, and to everyone who came out to give their support to the team, thank you.

Raphoe Town 4-1 Letterbarrow Celtic

Raphoe welcomed Letterbarrow as the visitors formed a guard of honour for the newly crowned league champions.

It was Raphoe who struck first after 15 minutes. A well-worked move saw Jake Watt pass down the wing before, with DJ Kelly delivering the cross for Ryan McCullagh to finish, giving the champions a 1–0 lead.

Letterbarrow got lucky on the half-hour mark, drawing level through an own goal to make it 1-1 at the break.

The champions made changes at half-time and came out with renewed intensity, dominating proceedings. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 75th minute when Dylan Brolly’s effort took a deflection, resulting in another own goal to put Raphoe 2-1 ahead.

Now in full control, the home side extended their lead soon after. Keelin Bogle latched onto a clever flick from Oisin Kelly, surged from the halfway line, and calmly beat both defender and goalkeeper to make it 3–1.

Raphoe rounded off the scoring when Christy Bogle’s dangerous cross into the box forced yet another own goal, sealing an emphatic 4-1 victory for the league champions. 

Saturday 

Glencar Inn Division One

Kildrum Tigers 2 Letterkenny Rovers 0

Kildrum Tigers marked their title-winning season with another strong performance as they beat second-placed Letterkenny Rovers in a tight contest. It was a game of two halves, with little between the sides before the break. The difference came in the second half, as Kildrum’s subs made an impact. Brett McGinty broke the deadlock with a header from a long throw, before Michael Lynch doubled the lead, getting on the end of an Aaron Temple ball. The hosts saw it out comfortably to maintain their unbeaten home record, finishing the season with a perfect nine from nine.

Attention now turns to the Voodoo Cup semi-final against Keadue in two weeks.

Referee: Mick Lagan

Kilmacrennan 3 Donegal Town 2

Kilmacrennan took all three points in this important match. The result means they kept their position in the top division for next season. 

Both teams needed to win, and Kilmac were one down after ten minutes when Donegal Town were awarded a penalty for a foul on James McMonagle.

Nico Dominik scored the resulting penalty. 

On twenty-five minutes, Kilmacrennan equalised when Terence Shields scored from close range after a good corner from Ciaran McCormack.

Kilmac took the lead on sixty minutes when Mark Patterson broke away from the Donegal defence and calmly rounded the keeper to slot home. 

On seventy minutes, Donegal got a second penalty, and Dominik scored his second goal.

On eighty-five minutes, Edwin Doherty scored a good header from another Ciaran McCormack corner. Donegal pushed hard, and Bryan Da Costa in the Kilmacrennan goals was equal to the late pressure and was in excellent form to keep the points for Kilmacrennan. 

It was a good end to the season, and a big thanks to Kilmacrennan manager John Rab Sandliands for his huge effort and commitment for the last few years, as he now steps down to get a house built with his fiancée Erin Mallon. 

The club wishes them well, and hopefully, he will be back in the dugout soon, managing again.

Referee Rory Gorman

Strand Rovers 1 St Catherine’s FC  0

As the wind wreaked havoc on the field today in Maghery, it was hard to know where the ball was going to end up.

Twice in the first half, the Saints came centimetres away from the ball curling into the top corners with the wind dragging it wide at the last second.

Nearing the end of the first half, after some excellent ball work up the field from Oisin Mc Kelvey, he was fouled in the box, and ref Seimi Ferry pointed to the spot. Ethan McCaffery stepped up and slotted home to put Strand ahead going into the break.

Second half Strand had the wind at their backs but didn’t use it to much avail as they created a few chances but couldn't find the killer pass to make the score line 2-0.

That sees the end of the 2025-2026 season, with Strand finishing in third place.

Ref: Seimi Ferry

Old Orchard Saturday League Division Two

Gweedore Celtic 3 Glenea Utd 2

In a game reversed to An Screaban, Na Ceiltigh edged out their neighbours by the odd goal.

In blustery conditions, both sides found it difficult to master the gale force wind, but Glenea hit the front in the twentieth minute from the penalty spot. Brendan Coll was adjudged to have handled the ball, and Cathal McGeever duly dispatched his kick.

Gweedore hit back almost immediately when Micheal Mc Gee struck low and hard from the edge of the box. Dara Sweeney had two further chances to extend the home team's lead, but his efforts were saved by McGeever in the Glenea goals.

Charlie Gallagher was a constant threat to the Glenea rearguard, and his two second-half goals put Gweedore firmly in front.

Glenea did respond well and should have reduced the deficit in the last fifteen minutes with chances of their own.

Cathal McGeever did pull a goal back in the ninetieth minute, but Gweedore managed to hang on for the points.

Tarlach Mac Giolla Bhríde, Joey Coll and Charlie Gallagher shone for the home team, whilst Cathal McGeever had an astounding game for Glenea.

Referee Sean Ferry.

Saturday League Division Three

Lagan Harps 3 Drumkeen Utd 1

The original game had been abandoned after twenty-six minutes due to a serious injury to Robby Dolan. Lagan were leading 1-0 at the time through a Mattie Doran goal. The game restarted today from that point. Unfortunately for Drumkeen, it means they played seventeen minutes with the wind at their backs and forty-five against it. They took advantage of the elements with Jack Patton driving a shot past Kai Brown.

They kept up the pressure, but Lagan held on to the break. With the wind at their backs, they pushed Drumkeen back in the second half. However, they failed to create clear openings. Lagan took the lead on sixty-two minutes when Ross Hamlyn and Faolan Gibson worked a short corner.

Ross's cross took an unfortunate deflection off a Drumkeen defender and ended up in the net. Drumkeen threatened a couple of times on the break before Lagan got the all-important third goal on seventy-four minutes. A long clearance was spilt by Drumkeen keeper Nigel Hegarty, and Faolan Gibson knocked it home. The game became very scrappy with both teams struggling with the conditions. But Lagan had done enough and saw the game out. 

Referee: George Clinton.