IF THERE’S AN author around Glenties way, there’s a story still being penned by the footballers of Naomh Conaill as their latest chapter saw victory over Clontibret in the Ulster Club SFC semi-final, writes Alan Foley.

Naomh Conaill 0-12 Clontibret 0-9

Six points from Eoghan McGettigan and an all-round superior performance means Naomh Conaill have the chance to keep the Ulster SFC in the north-west. Tomorrow, Kilcoo from Down and Fermanagh’s Derrygonnelly meet in the second semi-final.

It’s the second time the club from Davy Brennan Memorial Park have reached the provincial showpiece, with the previous occasion being the loss to Crossmaglen Rangers in the coldest of cold winters back in 2010.

Conor McManus was kept to two of his six that weren’t frees and Naomh Conaill conceded just five from play, whilst showing their own offence qualities in the chill of Omagh’s Healy Park.

It was almost an explosive start, as within a minute, Brendan McDyer went right at the Clontibret defence and his shot for goal clipped the base of the post and went wide.

Another man who began on fire was McGettigan. He posted three points from his advanced position inside of the first 10 minutes, two frees and a fine effort from play where he showed his strength to give Conor Boyle the necessary nudge.

With McGettigan getting the nod ahead of the statuesque Kieran Gallagher, you got the impression that the Glenties-based team wouldn’t be overdoing the aerial route. They didn’t.

Conor McManus had levelled for Clontibret. That, though, was merely a brief quelling of the tide as Naomh Conaill continued their excellent start based on strong running and each time they ripped forward there were options everywhere.

McDyer got his score, then Kevin McGettigan popped over a fabulous effort from the shadow of the main stand and Leo McLoone, who ran right at the heart of the Clontibret defence, made it 0-6 to 0-1 in 17 minutes.

Losing AJ Gallagher to a black card was a blow to Naomh Conaill and McManus scored two frees to make it 0-6 to 0-3. Naomh Conaill’s economy wilted towards the end of the first half, kicking four wides in succession.

However, a close-ranger from Eoghan McGettigan just as the clock trickled from black to red did provide a settler and a 0-7 to 0-3 lead at the break.

Martin Regan’s team had come through a marathon series in the Donegal SFC final having eventually overcome last year’s provincial champions Gaoth Dobhair in a second reply thanks to a last minute John O’Malley point.

Less than 96 hours after Ciaran Thompson lifted the Dr Maguire, Naomh Conaill were at Breffni Park where there was a dust-blowing victory over Castlerahan from Cavan. Regan had shown a versatility in team selection, substitutes used and tactical implementation to keep opponents guessing.

Whatever notions about an instant replay in part two were shown in two incidents. Firstly McManus, who was wriggling gamely to create space for a shot was turned over and then, at the other end, Ciaran Thompson scored a peach of a point in his left foot to make it 0-8 to 0-3.

McManus, five minutes into part two, added his fourth point Naomh Conaill would’ve probably taken that, having conceded just once from play in the opening 35 minutes and nobody bar McManus getting their name chalked on the board. Francis Hughes on 38 minutes did score for Clontibret, as did McManus from a free three minutes later, to take their arrears down to two at 0-8 to 0-6.

Ciaran Thompson’s long-range free was splendid and with his teammates willing to put their head on the blocks all over the field – no more so than McLoone – it looked good for Naomh Conaill as things entered the final quarter. Eoghan McGettigan popped over another  precise score to make it 0-10 to 0-6.

Dessie Moan pointed after a McManus effort had been wide when shoulders were shrugged. Naomh Conaill managed to keep Clontibret at arm’s length as Eoghan McGettigan scored his sixth and Ciaran Thompson his third from successive frees for an 0-12 to 0-7 advantage with five to play.

McManus’s free pulled back a point, although with three to go it seemed as though it was more than a point that the Monaghan champions needed. Darragh Hughes, second after coming on, also pointed and it was down to three.

Naomh Conaill, certainly deserving of their lead, just had to be wary of a sucker-punch. Their possession maintenance peeled off most of the three minutes of injury time and when Killian Lavelle lumped a Hail Mary into the square, it was Marty Boyle who answered the Naomh Conaill prayers to batten down the ball.

And that was that. The next chapter will be penned in two weeks’ time. Naomh Conaill probably hope that 2019 will never end.

Naomh Conaill:Stephen McGrath; Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí, AJ Gallagher, Kevin McGettigan (0-1); Ethan O’Donnell, Anthony Thompson, Ultan Doherty;  Ciaran Thompson (0-3, 2f), Leo McLoone (0-1); Eunan Doherty, Eoin Waide, Marty Boyle; Eunan Doherty; Charles McGuinness, Eoghan McGettigan (0-6, 3f). Subs: Kieran Gallagher for AJ Gallagher (23, black card), Dermot Molloy for McDyer (54), Stephen Molloy for McGuinness (55), Darragh Gallagher for E Doherty (60+1)

Clontibret:Darren McDonnell; Conor Doyle, Conor Boyle, Liam Savage; Jack Gormley, Dessie Mone (0-1), Colum Greenan; Francis Hughes (0-1), Killian Lavelle; David Savage, Michael P O’Dowd, Brian Greenan; Pauric Boyle, Vinny Corey, Conor McManus (0-6, 5f). Subs: Ryan McGuigan for D Savage (23), Dean McDonnell for McGuigan (50), Kieran Grennan for Boyle (54), Darragh Hughes (0-1) for F Hughes (60).

Referee:Noel Mooney (Cavan)

Buncrana manager Malachy McCann admitted that he thought his team were “looking good” in their quest to become Ulster JFC winners in Omagh this evening.

The Inishowen side were in a superb position after the first quarter, leading 0-5 to 0-1, but a poor second half showing against Blackhill from Monaghan meant the silverware was on its way to the Farney County, on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-9.

McCann spoke to Charlie Collins afterwards …

The one and only time that Naomh Conaill reached the final of the Ulster SFC, Ciaran Thompson was 15 as he shouted his support of his three elder brothers Leon, Aaron and Anthony.

That was in 2010 when the Donegal champions from Glenties eventually lost out to Crossmaglen Rangers at Breffni Park, at the outset of the coldest of cold winters.

Fast forward nine years and Thompson has another provincial showpiece to look forward to as club captain. His three second half points in the foggy surroundings of Healy Park on Saturday night made sure Naomh Conaill got the better of Monaghan’s Clontibret on a 0-12 to 0-9 scoreline.

Thompson spoke to Charlie Collins afterwards

DONEGAL Ladies ace Geraldine McLaughlin has missed out on an All-Star once again.

McLaughlin plundered seven goals and 33 points across Donegal’s five Championship games this year, but a TG4 Ladies All-Star has once more eluded the Termon woman.

The Ladies All-Star awards were presented at a banquet in the City West Hotel, Dublin.

2019 represents the fifth time that McLaughlin has been overlooked without getting a final nod, in spite of being one of the country’s most prolific and consistent markswomen.

McLaughlin’s 2019 haul included a stunning 14 points in Donegal’s 0-24 to 2-13 extra-time win over Cavan in the Ulster semi-final. McLaughlin caught fire that night in Killyclogher to inspire Donegal to an Ulster final berth.

In the final, when Donegal soared to a 5-12 to 1-9 success over Armagh, McLaughlin bagged 2-4 – the same total she scored in the opening win over Tyrone.

In the All-Ireland group phase, although Donegal lost against Tyrone and Mayo, the Termon ace scored 2-5 and 1-6 in those games. 

Despite being Ulster champions for the third year in a row in 2019, Donegal had no players in the 15 – McLaughlin was the sole nominee from the county.

All-Ireland champions Dublin had seven inclusions on the final team with Niamh Collins, Sinéad Golbrick, Olwen Carey, Siobhan McGrath, Carla Rowe, Niamh McEvoy and Lyndsey Davey selected. 

Four players from Galway were chosen, two from Cork and one each for Mayo and Meath.

TG4 Ladies All-Stars: Monica McGuirk (Meath); Sinéad Burke (Galway), Niamh Collins (Dublin), Melissa Duggan (Cork); Nicola Ward (Galway), Sinéad Goldrick (Dublin), Olwen Carey (Dublin); Louise Ward (Galway), Siobhan McGrath (Dublin); Carla Rowe (Dublin), Niamh McEvoy (Dublin), Lyndsey Davey (Dublin); Tracey Leonard (Galway), Rachel Kearns (Mayo), Orla Finn (Cork).

THE DONEGAL League drew first blood in the first leg of their Oscar Traynor derby with the Inishowen League.

Donegal League 2 Inishowen League 1

By Stuart Connolly at The Diamond Park

The encounter was scoreless at the interval but the deadlock was broken five minutes after the restart with Kevin McHugh getting on the scoresheet. 

Daire McDaid doubled the lead just shy of the hour before John Gerard McLaughlin halved the deficit after the hour.

McHugh was dismissed halfway through the second half as Inishowen tried to make their man advantage count but trail going into the second leg.

Inishowen won the Oscar Traynor Trophy in 2015, with several players from that squad maintaining their spot in this years bunch. 

Donegal, winners in 1983, made a valiant run to the semis in 2016, losing out to eventual winners Clare. The one thing that hasn’t changed over the years, especially recently, is the encounters between the two neighbouring sides, which are always closely fought.

Dylan Doherty was the first goalkeeper called into action, just under ten minutes in after a fast paced start as Corrie Lee Bogan saw a strike outside the area deflected just over the crossbar.

Daire McDaid had been a victim of the linesman’s flag a number of times during the opening exchanges, one such occasion had the Kilmacrennan Celtic player displeased and in disbelief after the winger had put the ball in the back of the net.

Bogan came close once more on the half hour, firing at goal from close range following a well worked corner routine but his effort rustled the side netting.

The first half was predominantly spent being played from left to right as Inishowen were forced to sit deep and weather a storm of sorts. Donegal enjoyed a lot of possession but lacked that killer touch in the final third. The visitors did break away on occasion but were limited to corners which failed to test the home rearguard.

Inishowen League

After the restart, the hosts took the lead with five minutes on the clock.

Matthew Crossan made a surging run from his centre back position all the way up field, playing and receiving a couple of passes on the way. His run forced Doherty off his goal line, that move saw the Kildrum defender upended, but the ball fell nicely for fellow Tigers player Kevin McHugh, who delicately lobbed the ball over the crowd and into the back of the net. Less than ten minutes later and Donegal had doubled their lead.

McHugh with the assist on this occasion, curling in a free kick from the left, Daire McDaid was unmarked in the centre and he made no mistake from close range.

The spectators witnessed the save of the match minutes later, Chris O’Donnell called into action, clawing a strong shot from Darren McMonagle off the line somehow.

There was nothing O’Donnell could do two minutes later as Inishowen had halved the deficit. Matthew Byrne whipped in a set-piece from the left side and John Gerard McLaughlin had acres of space in the middle, allowing him to chest the ball into the bottom left corner.

 Inishowen looked to have found the right game plan after conceding the second goal as they were having the better of the play and with just under 20 minutes to go, they had a man advantage.

Christy McLaughlin was cautioned for a foul on McHugh in the defensive half, but the retaliation from the former Finn Harps man saw him receive a straight red card after the ref had a word with his linesman on the right side.

The visitors applied the pressure in the latter stages of the game in search of an equaliser but to no avail as Donegal hold a slender lead ahead of the return leg in 11 days time.

Donegal League: ​Chris O’Donnell; James Doherty, David Ward, Ryan Shields, Matthew Crossan; Corrie Lee Bogan, Brian Breslin, Damien Crossan, Kevin McHugh; Chris Dillon, Daire McDaid. Subs: ​Ryan Higgins for Ward (69), Shaun McGowan for D.Crossan (78)

Inishowen: ​Dylan Doherty; Paul Doherty, Matthew Byrne, John G McLaughlin, Thomas McMonagle; Dillon Ruddy, Darren McMonagle, James Henry, Terence Doherty; Gavin Doherty, Christy McLaughlin. Subs: ​Conor Barrow for D.McMonagle (69), Kevin O’Loughlin for C.McLaughlin (75) Dermot Doherty for Ruddy (85)

Referee: ​Mick Lagan

DEELE COLLEGE was packed tonight as Raphoe ABC hosted an English select in a major boxing tournament.

By Chris McNulty, ringside at Deele College. Pictures by Joe Boland, North West News Pix

The air outside was thin, but the flames burned bright inside the sports hall as 14 contests had the capacity audience on the edge of their seats. 

The temperature was plummeting, but the mercury between the ropes rose as the night gathered pace.

Paddy Brennan, an Englishman with strong connections to Lifford, brought an English team, comprising boxers from Worchester City ABC, Baker Street ABC, Western Counties and Finchley ABC for their latest mission in Raphoe. 

Meetings have become a regular part of the calendar now and Brennan honoured Peter O’Donnell, the Raphoe ABC President, who celebrated his 70th birthday earlier in the week, while he also made a presentation to Donegal County Council. 

Strabane light-welterweight Daire Feeney gave Raphoe ABC an excellent win over their English counterparts. The Strabane man was already firmly on his way to victory over Demetrius Aceto when he gave the Worchester man a count late in the third stanza for good measure. 

Raphoe’s Ulster 9 County Champion Liam McMonagle defeated Clonmany’s Adam McDaid on a 4-1 split decision. The Lifford native could perhaps could himself a tad unfortunate that he didn’t take a unanimous decision.

McMonagle was caught by an early left from McDaid, but in a rugged scrap the local fighter held sway with some stinging blows.

Raphoe ABC debutant Francie McGinley was given a unanimous verdict from his cagey contest against Ankush Goswami. It was a contest that never really sparked to life, but McGinley did enough in the pocket to get the nod against the Londoner.

There was no joy for Daniel Duggan as the Raphoe ABC man lost to England’s Jesse Brandon in the penultimate bout of the night.

The night ended with Illies heavyweight Michael McConigley edging a 3-2 split decision against Jack Bannister from Baker Street ABC in England.

McConigley ended well in the first and had a good second round, particularly in the midway stages.

By the third, McConigley had begun to take the lead and the bout ended with a fierce right by the Illies man as Bannister rocked.

Raphoe’s double European bronze medalist Leah Gallen was among the capacity crowd that also included Donegal’s newest professional puncher, Brett McGinty – who recently moved to Manchester, where he is training under Ricky Hatton – as well as Muriel, Jayde and Hollie Quigley, mother and sisters of Golden Boy Promotions contender Jason Quigley. 

The just-crowned Irish Senior champion Rosie Doherty from Carndonagh, former Ulster champion and long-time Raphoe boxing supporter Councillor Frank McBrearty junior and 1970 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Paddy Doherty were among the other notable names at ringside. 

Another Commonwealth Games medal winner, 1986 bantamweight gold medalist Sean Murphy – a former trainer of British boxing star Anthony Joshua – was also at ringside in his capacity as coach of London’s Finchley ABC.

Murphy had a mixed night. While Thomas Hunter defeated Illies Golden Gloves’ Charlie Duffy, Goswami was beaten by McGinley.

Cahir Donaghey of Clonmany overcame Raphoe’s Kyle McHugh in a cracking Boy 3 contest, while Ryan Jones began the night on a winning note for the English team, the Tenbury schoolboy claiming a unanimous decision win over Clonmany’s Kyle McGonigle in the opening bout and was awarded the visiting boxer of the night gong.

Ryley Doherty impressed as he crunched his way to a 4-1 split decision win over Peadar Coyle from Dunfanaghy in a Boy 3 bout matched at 46kgs. Doherty began how he meant to go on in a fire-cracking fight. 

Doherty caught the eye with a quick-fire series of combinations in the opening round and, although Coyle did grow his way into the bout, Doherty – energised by the big crowd – maintained the levels to the final bell. Doherty was later named as the best home boxer of the night. 

Raphoe’s Aaron McDaid scored an emphatic win over Seamus Maughan from Cookstown at 50kgs. 

McDaid imposed his worth on the bout from the off and his was an excellent display of ring craft. 

England’s sharp Amali Davis took a 4-1 split decision against Letterkenny’s Cillin Boyce in a senior 60kgs fight.

Anton Esson wasted no time in ending the night of stand-in opponent Bernard McGovern. The slick and skilful Esson had McGovern on the canvas twice inside of 30 seconds. The fight was stopped and Esson slipped out of the ring as neatly as he’d eased through the rapid fight. 

Patrick Morgan overcame Finbar Donaghy from Carrickmore via a unanimous decision and Cookstown’s Charles McDonagh was twice given a count by lively Englishman James Scarrot before referee Thomas McCarron called a halt in the third. 

RESULTS

Boy 4 44kgs Kyle McGonigle (St Bridget’s) lost to Ryan Jones (England) 0-5

Boy 3 46kgs Ryley Doherty (Raphoe) beat Peadar Coyle (Dunfanaghy) 4-1

Boy 3 33kgs Kyle McHugh (Raphoe) lost to Cahir Donaghey (St Bridget’s) 2-3

Boy 4 50kgs Aaron McDaid (Raphoe) beat Seamus Maughan (Cookstown) 5-0

Youth 1 65kgs Daire Feeney (Raphoe) beat Demetrius Aceto (England) 5-0

Senior 69kgs Finbar Donaghy (Carrickmore) lost to Patrick Morgan (England) 0-5

Youth 1 63kgs Charles McDonagh (Cookstown) lost to James Scrarrot (England) RSC 3

Youth 60kgs Liam McMonagle (Raphoe) beat Adam McDaid (St Bridget’s) 4-1

Senior 64kgs Bernard McGovern (Erne) lost to Anton Esson (England) RSC 1

Senior 60kgs Cillin Boyce (Letterkenny) lost Amali Davis (England) 1-4

Senior 69kgs Charlie Duffy (Illies) lost to Thomas Hunter (England) 0-5

Senior 69kgs Francie McGinley (Raphoe) beat Ankush Goswami (England) 5-0

Senior 71kgs Daniel Duggan (Raphoe) lost to Jesse Brandon (England) 0-5

Senior 88kgs Michael McConigley (Illies) beat Jack Banninster (England) 3-2

Eoghan McGettigan returned to the Naomh Conaill team to impressive kick 0-6 in their Ulster Club SFC semi-final win over Clontibret on Saturday night.

The Glenties-based side ran out winners on a 0-12 to 0-9 scoreline to follow up on their victory of Castlerahan from Cavan in the previous round, which McGettigan missed through injury.

He spoke to Charlie Collins after the victory in Omagh last night.

IT was cold! But the performance of Naomh Conaill in Omagh last night certainly warmed the hearts of football followers from Glenties, Fintown and the surrounding areas as Naomh Conaill took their next step in the Ulster Club SFC, writes Alan Foley

The Donegal champions overcame Clontibret from Monaghan on a 0-12 to 0-9 scoreline at Healy Park in Omagh and now have a final against either Down’s Kilcoo or Derrygonnelly from Fermanagh in two weeks time to look forward to.

Naomh Conaill will be hoping to keep the provincial title in the county, following on from the splendid success of Gaoth Dobhair 12 months ago.

Here’s some of the smiles from the Naomh Conaill supporters, taken by Evan Logan:

All decked in blue for the big game are Terence, Sean, Rachel and Jamie

Naomh Conaill colours at the ready for supporters Lisa and Maryl

Naomh Conaill supporters Martin, Gerard, Pauline, Brenda and Senan ready to get behind their team.

Naomh Conaill men Gerard and John in good cheer before the game.

Buncrana supporters Roisin, Jack and Rosemarie before Saturday’s final.

Naomh Conaill supporters Terence Gallagher and Connie Doherty all set for the big game.

Martin Regan admits each occasion on Naomh Conaill’s majestic championship run is getting better than the last, following his side’s Ulster Club SFC see-final win last night, writes Alan Foley.

The Naomh Conaill manager was delighted with the 0-12 to 0-9 win over Clontibret from Monaghan at a chilly Healy Park and his team now have a final to look forward to as they chance their first ever provincial crown in two weeks’ time.

Regan spoke to Charlie Collins afterwards

A drunk Convoy man who challenged his neighbours for having Northern Ireland registered cars has been fined for being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour.

Paul Cooke appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged in connection with the incidents at Townparks, Convoy on September 21st last.

The court heard the 40-year-old father-of-three left his home in a drunken state and went into Convoy.

On the way, he was shouting a roaring accusing his neighbours of having Northern-registered cars.

Gardai arrived and tried to calm Cooke down and asked him to leave the area and to behave.

He resisted and Gardai were forced to use pepper spray to calm him down.

The accused man’s solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client had previously had an issue with alcohol but had been clean for some time.

However, on the day in question, he had been drinking again but had remained off alcohol since.

He added that Cooke has since apologised to his family and to his neighbours.

Judge Paul Kelly fined Cooke, of Townparks, Convoy a total of €200 and gave him four months to pay the fine.

Donegal County Council gritters were dispatched to all main roads in Donegal this morning following an overnight frost.

Temperatures reached 0C in parts of Donegal on Saturday night.

Motorists are being advised to drive with care and assume that no road is ice-free.

Gritters have been out on the following main routes from 6am:

• 01: National Primary North
• 02: National Primary Central
• 03: National Primary South
• 04: Inishowen South
• 05: Inishowen East
• 06: Inishowen West
• 07: Milford South
• 08: Milford North
• 09: Cill Ulta East
• 12: Binswilly
• 13: Stranorlar North
• 14: Stranorlar East
• 15: Stranorlar West
• 16: Donegal West
• 17: Donegal North
• 18: Donegal South
• 19: Donegal National Secondary
• LT: Letterkenny Town
• BT: Buncrana Town Council

Home is where the heart is… and the people of Donegal are fiercely proud of their home county when it comes to travel and tourism.

So proud, in fact, that we have successfully voted Donegal in as one of Ireland’s favourite home holiday destinations in the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards.

The 2020 Travel Awards shortlist was announced this weekend, with Donegal ranked in the top five counties where locals love to visit.

The five finalists are Donegal, Galway, Kerry, West Cork and Wexford.

Donegal was in fifth place in the same awards category in 2019, and it is hoped that the north-west can be the best and take the top spot from Kerry next year.

The Reader Travel Award winners will be revealed on January 17th 2020 at an event in Dublin’s Mansion House.

ROMA McLaughlin and the Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) upset the odds to defeat Rutgers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night.

McLaughlin scored the only goal of the game last weekend as CCSU defeated Fairleigh Dickinson to win the NEC title.

The Greencastle woman had been named the Midfielder of the Year and her team is still standing in the NCAA Tournament thanks to Friday’s win over the fourth-seed Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Erica Bardes netted the 88th minute winner for CCSU.

McLaughlin’s fellow Irish woman Amanda McQuillan, the CCSU goalkeeper, had a superb game on Friday with ten saves for the Blue Devils.

There are fresh hopes for the reopening of Glenties community playground after it was announced today that funding has been secured for repair works.

The playground was locked to the public last month after the committee said they could no longer fund the insurance and upkeep of the space.

The playground was originally constructed through local funding, Leader and Lottery grants, which meant that the local authority was not in a position to cover the insurance costs.

Recent interventions have sparked fresh hope that Donegal County Council can take over the responsibility of the playground so it can be enjoyed by families again. 

Glenties Community Playground. Photo: Sue Barrington Photography

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher and local County Councillor Anthony Molloy confirmed today that funding has been secured to carry out the necessary repairs at the playground. A notice of motion to takeover the playground will be submitted to Donegal County Council “at the earliest opportunity”, they said.

In a joint statement, Pat the Cope and Cllr Molloy said: “The playground was originally funded through Leader, Lottery and by local contributions, and since its opening the running costs have been the responsibility of the local committee, who have carried out trojan work over the years. We wish to compliment the commitment of the local voluntary group who continue to look after the playground.

“We would be hopeful that once the repairs are completed and the playground brought up to a high standard, that the Council will then be in a position to take over the responsibility.

“Both of us would like to publicly acknowledge the co-operation of the Playground Committee, Glenties Community Development Group and the benefactor for funding the repairs. We will both maintain the pressure so that the repairs are completed and that Donegal County Council can secure the long term viability of the playground.”

Raphoe commenced their Irish Hockey Trophy campaign with a trip away to North Down on Saturday – and came from behind to win.

North Down 1 Raphoe 2

Raphoe anticipated a tough match against their Senior 1 counterparts. The game started off with an even pace, until Raphoe gradually started to maintain possession. 

Raphoe missed a goal opportunity in the opening ten minutes of the game. Vicky Wray played a swift ball out right to Arlyne Kilpatrick who drove the right line.

Kilpatrick played the ball to Leanne Patterson at the 25, who used her speed to penetrate the North Down’s circle.  

Patterson passed a perfect ball into the penalty spot which was narrowly missed by Wendy Patterson and Sabrina Barnett . 

Raphoe had the majority of possession in the opening half,  and penetrated the opposition’s circle on numerous occasions but they were lacking the final pass or touch to capitalise on their efforts, and the game remained scoreless at half-time.

Raphoe received a wake-up call not long in to the second half, with North Down scoring against the run off play when they caught Raphoe’s defence unaware. 

North Down attacked at speed down the right flank, where a midfielder picked out one of her forwards who was waiting eagerly on the back post and tapped the ball over the Raphoe goal line.

But this lead for North Down was short-lived.  Two minutes later, Raphoe’s Lisa Patterson passed the ball from a hit out to Sabrina Barnett.  

Barnett laid the ball off to young Sophie Wallace who had made a well timed run down the left.  Wallace broke down the line and found Lisa Smyth in the circle. 

Smyth’s reverse stick shot was going just wide of the post, but Wendy Patterson made a last ditch dive to deflect the ball home to tie the game 1–1. 

This was the point when Coach Richard Tinney decided to change the formation of his team, with North Down absorbing as much pressure as they could. 

Raphoe continued to pressurise North Down in search of a second goal.  Captain Sabrina Barnett found herself in open possession at the top of the D, but had to watch in agony as her shot zoomed narrowly wide of the left post. 

Raphoe’s forward line of Leanne Patterson, Katy Love and Zara Tinney placed a lot of pressure on North Down defence.  

Love was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, when her shot from close range came off the goalkeepers pads.

The key goal of the match came from a well worked move down the right side.  Leanne Patterson slipped the ball wide to Zara Tinney on the wing.  

Tinney cleverly worked her way along the back line and placed the ball across the goal mouth, where from out of nowhere appeared Patterson again to one handily reverse stick the ball into the roof of the net securing Raphoe their lead. 

North Down fought hard in the fourth quarter to get themselves back in to the game.  

The encouragement from their supporters on the sideline, became their 12th woman and seen them go very close to equalising, only for the post to deny them.

This win now takes Raphoe in to the quarter-final stage of the  cup, and their opposition should be known in a week or two.

The Donegal girls will be back to league action again next week, when they travel to take on Rainey.

Raphoe: Heather Humphrey, Arlyne Kilpatrick, Victoria Wray, Lisa Patterson, Janice Nelson, Sarah McErlean, Wendy Patterson, Lyndsey Tinney, Shannon Porter, Sabrina Barnett, Leanne Patterson,  Katy Love, Lisa Smyth, Zara Tinney, Sophie Wallace, Rebecca Wauchope 

TYLER Toland made her Barclays FA Women’s Super League debut today as Manchester City recorded a big win over West Ham.

The St Johnston woman played the last 15 minutes of the game at the Academy Stadium as Nick Cushing’s team won 5-0.

England forward Georgia Stanway marked her 100th appearance for Manchester City by scoring twice – before later being sent off.

City found the target four times in a dominant opening 45 minutes with Ellen White and Lauren Hemp also scoring.

Stanway added to another fine individual display by then providing an assist as Tessa Wullaert struck a fifth goal after the break.

On Women’s Football Weekend, Toland – who had played in the Continental League Cup agains Leicester City in September – came in for Lauren Hemp in the 75th minute as the Republic of Ireland international got her first taste of League action.

HERE’S A full round-up from the Donegal Saturday League action that took place yesterday.

Glencar Inn Division One

Milford United Reserves 0 Arranmore United 3

Both sides started well, Brian Proctor put the visitors ahead after some good work down the right that ended with a good finish past Gallagher in the Milford nets.

The Islanders doubled their lead midway through the first half after a cruel deflection somehow crept under Gallagher. 

Milford pushed to get back into the game with ex-manager Ciaron Gibbons coming close with what would have been a one in a million volley had it gone in.

Ryan Campbell also came close. Milford competed well in the 2nd half but an Aiden Proctor goal 20 minutes into the second half killed the game completely, it was a well-deserved strike, he had terrorised the Milford right side for much of the game.

Milford introduced several subs towards the end but even the fresh legs of Corey Strain and Enda Merritt couldn’t get Milford back into the game.

Glencar Celtic P-P Fintown Harps AFC

(No Report, Match Postponed)

Keadue Rovers Reserves 2 Strand Rovers 1

Keadue Reserves continued their recent good form to move second in the table after this hard-fought victory over neighbours Strand Rovers on Saturday at Central Park. 

The visitors were quicker out of the blocks, both Shane O’Donnell and Matthew O’Donnell had good chances but both shot over the bar. Keadue got into it more after the opening ten minutes as both Peter McGee and Jack Doherty got to the pace of the game and started ruling midfield. 

Michael Greene had the home side’s first good chance on eighteen minutes when his shot on the turn was saved by Kevin McGovern. 

It began to get scrappy half-way through the half but on twenty-five minutes a good run down the right wing by David McCarron ended up with a cross into the Keadue box where it deceived the defence and Doalty Boyle nipped in at the back post to score. 

Strand were the hungrier outfit in the opening half and despite a decent closing ten minutes from Keadue, where Luke Neely had a shot over the bar, they were good value for their lead. 

In the second half Keadue made a substitution at the start and were on the front foot straight away. 

On 47 minutes a free kick from Damien Hanlon was blocked on the line. The home side continued to press but Strand were holding firm. Keadue started to create openings following some good work and forced several set pieces. 

The pressure finally paid off after 66 minutes when Adam Neely’s free-kick was fumbled and Damien Hanlon followed up to poke it over the line for the equaliser. Keadue were now dominating and Shaun Yank Boyle had a great chance on 74 minutes but fired over. It looked like ending in a draw when after a corner-kick Damien Hanlon fired low to the net in a crowded penalty box. 

In injury time Keadue almost added a third but it went just wide. It ended in a deserved victory for Keadue. 

Best for the visitors were Matthew O’ Donnell, Shane O’Donnell, Doalty Boyle and David McCarron, while best for Keadue were Damien Hanlon, Luke Neely, Michael Greene and Malachi Boyle. Referee: George Clinton.

Kildrum Tigers Reserves P-P Glenea United Reserves

(No Report, Match Postponed)

Old Orchard Division Two

Cranford United Reserves 0 Copany Rovers 3

Copany Rovers overcame Cranford United Reserves in this basement match at Cranford Park. In fact they led 3-0 at the interval and never looked back. 

The visitors knew that a victory would keep them in touch with the sides above them in the table and they produced a decent performance to do just that. 

They are now on six points alongside Cranford with a game less played. Ballybofey United Reserves are next on nine points.  

Drumkeen United Reserves 4 Drumbar F.C. 0

Drumkeen got back to winning ways with a good victory against visitors Drumbar on Saturday afternoon. The visitors had been in good form in recent weeks but they found Drumkeen just too strong on the day.

Rory Gildea opened the scoring for Drumkeen with a great 35-yard free-kick midway through the first half. Ryan Feeney added a second goal before half time. 

Drumbar tried hard throughout but it wasn’t to be their day. 

Aaron Doherty added two second-half goals to claim all three points and complete a good day for the home team. 

Good team efforts from both teams in a good sporting contest played on another cold day at St Patrick’s Park.

After three years of studying and on-the-job training, Donegal locals James Carr and Keara Mc Glinchey graduated last week from The Insurance Institute’s first-ever Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship. 

They along with 31 other apprentices from all over Ireland, the two students graduated at an awards ceremony in IT Sligo.

The apprenticeship is the first of its kind in Ireland and the first apprenticeship to award a Level 8 honours degree.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in IT Sligo, Dermot Murray, CEO of The Insurance Institute, said: “We know from our members that employers in the insurance industry have been struggling to hire talent and, often, once they hire new employees, they are struggling to retain them.

“While apprenticeships have long been associated with the trade and craft industries, three years ago, we adapted the apprenticeship model to the insurance industry, and it has been hugely successful so far.

“I congratulate all those graduating this week,” he added.

“They are Ireland’s first-ever cohort of graduates from this insurance industry apprenticeship.”

CAPPRY Rovers made it five wins out of five as they defeated Bonagee United in the Donegal League Premier Division today, while Raphoe Town were the big winners, scoring SEVEN goals away to Glenree United.

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division

Cappry Rovers 4 Bonagee United 1

Cappry Rovers claimed another three points in an entertaining game played in ideal conditions at Cappry Park.

Cappry started the stronger and created numerous chances but good defending and goalkeeping by the visitors kept the home team from scoring. 

Calvin Bradley opened the scoring for Cappry in the fourteenth minute when he got on the end of a free-kick. Bonagee went in search of the equaliser but the Cappry defence held firm. 

Bradley got his second and Cappry’s second goal in the 19th minute with a header to the corner of the net. Bennie Gallen in the Cappry goal made a few good saves to deny the visitors.

Noel O’Donnell gave Bonagee a lifeline on the stroke of half time when he headed home following a series of corners.

Cappry went further ahead in the 50th minute when Sean McBride received the ball and he beat the defence and crossed the ball to Alan Gethins who scored to the corner of the net.

 Bonagee tried to reduce the deficit creating numerous chances but to no avail.

Cappry’s fourth goal came in the 79th minute when Sean McBride received a pin point cross from Aaron Kelly, he beat the defence to once again cross for Alan Getins to score his second. Bennie Gallen made a wonder save in the 82nd minute to keep the score as it was.

Alan Gethins and Calvin Bradley were best for Cappry. Goalkeeper John Carr was best for Bonagee.

Referee: Paddy Duffy.

Milford United 1 Cranford United 2

Cranford came out on top in this local derby with Kevin Doherty scoring the winner with 15 minutes to go. In a dull first half Cranford looked the more likely to score only for some fine goalkeeping by John Matthews in the Milford net. 

At the start of the second half Cranford created a few good chances but the Milford defence made a few important blocks in the box and also cleared the ball off the line. 

The first goal came on the hour mark when Cathal Mc Gettigan burst forward and drove the ball to the top corner from 20 yards. 

Five minutes later a penalty was awarded to Cranford. Chris Carr calmly slotted the ball right down the middle of the goal. 

The winner came from a corner and overall Cranford deserved the 3 points. Best for Milford were John Matthews and Cathal Mc Gettigan and best for Cranford were Kevin Doherty and Andrew Mc Fadden.

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Convoy Arsenal P-P Letterbarrow Celtic

(No Report, Match Postponed)

Drumoghill F.C. A-A Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.

(No Report, Match Abandoned)

Glenea United 2 Gweedore Celtic 1

Glenea came out on top in this local clash, making sure all three points remained in Glasserchoo.

It was Gweedore who stuck the first blow in the 12th minute when Eamonn McGee managed to deliver a great cross from a tight angle and veteran Tomas Diver got on the end to finish high to the net. 

Within three minutes Glenea had a chance to equalise when Ciaran McFadden found space, his powerful shot was well saved by Michael McKelvey in goals for Gweedore.

The equaliser did come in the 18th minute when Mark Harley made a great run to the by-line and his inch perfect cross was met by Ciaran McGeady who picked out the top corner. 

Ciaran McGeady found himself through on goal again five minutes later, but not realising he had time, his hurried effort drifted wide. 

Gweedore were unlucky not to be in front again in the 37th minute, Odhran Mac Niallais unleashed a 30-yard strike that rattled the crossbar and Tomas Diver failed to capitalise on the rebound. T

he second half started with Ciaran Mc Geady having a strike from 12 yards with Mc Kelvey getting strong hands on it, happy to concede the corner. 

Glenea got their second goal in the 57th minute, Ciaran McGeady who was a thorn in the Gweedore defence all afternoon was brought down in the box and Darren Ferry made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

In the last 10 minutes both teams had chances to add to the scoreline.

 Gweedore had Ciaran Mc Hugh clip the post with a strike and Mac Niallais making Joe Coll pull off a top save while at the other end, McGeady and Ryan McFadden made the Gweedore keeper pull off a few good saves. Ciaran McGeady and Odhran Mac Niallais were the standout players on the day.

Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two

Dunkineely Celtic 0 Swilly Rovers 6 

This game kicked off at a cold but dry Darney Park and Swilly pushed from the start, creating a chance after only six minutes which was headed over the bar. 

Two minutes later Corey Byrne had to be at his best to get down to save to his right from a rasping shot. The breakthrough came for Swilly in the 18th minute when a shot from James McCahill found the back of the net. 

Ten minutes later Swilly doubled their lead when Marty McDaid found the net after a mix-up in the Dunkineely defence. 

Swilly took advantage of their dominance ten minutes from half-time when Tyler Dunnion got on the end of a cross to slot home. 

Dunkineely started the second half better but had few chances and Swilly extended their lead in the 55th minute when a corner was saved on the line only for Marty Doyle to convert the rebound. 

Swilly added another goal on 63 minutes, having been awarded a free kick on the edge of the box Tyler Dunnion stepped up and drove the kick under the Dunkineely wall and into the net. 

Swilly added their final goal ten minutes from the end when Matty Sweeney found the net. 

Dunkineely pushed for a goal and were awarded a free-kick from 20 yards which Mark Hutchinson hit, his effort was destined for the bottom corner but the Swilly keeper got down well to push the ball away. 

A good team performance from both sides.

Glenree United 0 Raphoe Town 7

Raphoe took this game by the scruff of the neck and played some fine passing football throughout earning themselves a deserved win. 

Raphoe took the lead after 15 minutes when a shot from Kyle Mullin hit the net and they got their second goal five minutes later when DJ Kelly swivelled on the edge of the box to find the top corner. 

Glenree were competing well around the pitch but couldn’t find a defence splitting pass to punish the visitors. 

In the 34th minute Raphoe got their third when a free-kick was whipped in an ended up in the net. 

The visitors again started the second half sharply and got their fourth goal from Paddy Kelly when a flick on at the near post landed right on his head to nod into the net in the 56th minute. 

The next goal came through DJ Kelly when he skipped past a few defenders to find the bottom corner in the 58th minute. Kelly completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute from the penalty spot. 

The final goal of the game came in the 84th minute when Kelly did well down the wing and found Darren Hughes who finished well.

Man of the match was John Manus Caldwell. 

Referee: Marty Mc Cauley

Gweedore United 2 Deele Harps 4

Deele Harps scored twice in each half to collect three points from their visit to Carrickboyle. 

They deservedly led 2-0 at the break but didn’t have thing all their own way as Gweedore United levelled within ten minutes of the start of the second half. But Deele were strong and went on to get two further goals to claim the points. 

Referee: Diego Rainey.

Lagan Harps 2 Whitestrand United 3

The game was a hard-fought encounter. Liam O’Riordan went close early on for Whitestrand with Ross Hamlyn replying for Lagan. 

Strand’s Darren Ferry then forced Damien Mc Fadden into a fine save. Liam O’Riordan broke through on 15 minutes to open the scoring for Whitestrand. 

They doubled their lead on 30 minutes when Kevin Loughrey converted a penalty. At this stage Whitestrand were well in control. Lagan began to get their act together and responded with John Rodgers heading home a Ross Hamlyn free-kick.  

The second half was a keenly fought with Lagan pressing hard for the equaliser. Josh Hay got on the end of a Ronan Carlin cross but Kyle Byrnes saved well. He then produced another fine save from a Ross Hamlyn free as Lagan pushed forward.

 Whitestrand then scored a crucial third with a swift counter-attack, Kevin Loughrey raced through from halfway to score.

Lagan responded again with Ross Hamlyn scoring from another penalty. The final twenty minutes was end to end with Josh Hay and Jack Canning going close for Lagan with Darren Ferry and Kevin Loughrey threatening for Whitestrand.

Best for Lagan were Seamie Cullen, Ruairi Crawford, Nicholas Nelis and Ciaran Cunningham. Best for Whitestrand were Ronan Morris, Kevin Loughrey and Darren Ferry. 

Referee: Seamie Ferry.

MAXI Curran has been reappointed as the Donegal senior ladies team manager for the 2020 campaign.

Curran’s ratification for a third year in charge of the team was confirmed at the AGM of the Donegal LGFA this afternoon at the Mount Errigal Hotel.

Donegal have won the last three Ulster senior titles and Curran has been at the controls for the last two.

Curran’s appointment was given the green light by delegates at today’s AGM.

St Eunan’s clubman Greg Harkin will be in charge of the Donegal minor ladies in 2020, with Liam Skelly of Moville managing the Donegal Under-14s.

The Under-16 manager’s post has yet to be filled.