Donegal GFC Boston

Our New Website

2010-04-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

Our new club website is now up and running. Please come visit us for all the latest club news, pictures and events

www.donegalbostongaa.com

No silverware this year for Juniors

2009-09-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Donegal juniors failed to retain the Boston junior championship after a below par performance again Adain McAnespies in Canton on Sunday.

See report from www.tharantrasnan.com

Murphy the saviour

2009-08-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

Donegal 1:10
Cork 2:07

Colin Murphy was the saviour for Donegal juniors in their semi final battle with Cork in Canton on Saturday night. At least four top saves from the big Galway man meant that Donegal would progress to defend their title in this years Boston final. After a 13 point defeat the previous week to Donegal, Cork were in no mood to be stream rolled. Right from the throw in Cork looked like they meant business, fielding a number of new recruits in key positions, the Corkmen pushed Donegal all the way. Fine performances from Robert Porter, Emmet Doonan, Thomas Caldwell and David Bell meant that Donegal had the extra class to get over the finishing line. Note must also go to Donegals bench who made an impact in the second half when Donegal were against the wall, Ciaran O'Hara's introduction steadied the ship, he also got his name on the scoresheet for a vital score.

Donegal did dominant the first half, probably having 75% of the possession but failed to make it count on the scoreboard, at the half Donegal led 1:05 to 1:02, David Bell getting the Donegal goal with a fisted effort after a play that started in the Donegal back line, Felix Granaghan carried the ball to the edge of the square where he passed to Bell who expertly punched to the net.

Cork came out all guns blazing in the second half, 3 unanswered points brought them back level and Donegal looked like they were going to let it slip. Some timely subs from the Donegal line got Donegal moving again and they were soon ahead on the scoreboard. Inspired running from Caldwell and Doonan resulted in a number of scores. Another Cork goal put the minimum between the teams, but Donegal would hold on for victory. Donegal now meet the Macs for the 3rd time in 4 years in the junior final. With the seniors defeat to the Blues in the senior semi, this is Donegals only chance of silverware this year, the same can be said for the Macs, it is sure to be an entralling final. Throw in 12 o'clock Sunday.

Donegal winning team: C. Murphy, R. Porter, P. McNulty, P. O’Connor, E. Doonan, K. McGee, J. Byrne, T. Caldwell, F. Grenaghan, E. McCarney, J. Deery, D. Bell, C. Rush. Subs: P Friel, B Boyce, C O'Hara, R Flannery, F Matthews, D Bell, E Kelly, S Doherty

Heartbreak for seniors

2009-08-25T04:57:00.000-07:00

Donegal seniors went down to the Shannon Blues in the championship semi final by a score of 0:14 to 0:12. In a lively affair, both teams were neck and neck right up to the final whistle, 2 points right at the death from blues midfielder Gilmartin stole it for the blues, had Donegal converted two goals chances mid way through the second half, things could have been entirely different. The Blues now meet Christophers in a final that no one would have predicted a the start of the season. Donegals effort will now go into retaining the junior championship against the Macs.

Click here for report on senior game

Donegal easily beat Cork

2009-08-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Both Donegal sides easily defeated Cork in the last league fixture on Sunday. In the senior game, Cork awarded Donegal a walkover. A token game was played where Donegal easily won on a score line of 1:14 to 1:04.

The junior game was somewhat more competitive. Played in very hot conditions, Donegal were the fitter team and made full use of the bench.

Follow this link for junior report.

The draw for the semi finals took place after Sundays game, draw was as follows;

Junior A Semi Final
Saturday August 22nd 5.30PM Donegal v. Cork
Sunday August 23rd 11.30am Macs v. Wolfe Tones

Senior Semi Final
Sunday August 23rd 5.00PM Donegal v. Shannon Blues
2.30PM Christophers v. Macs

See link for a full list of fixtures

Last league fixture against Cork

2009-08-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

With both Donegal sides assured of a semi final place going into this weekends games against Cork, its just a matter where in the table both teams finish. Wins for both sides will see them share top spots in their respective league tables. Both JC and Felix will hope to see good performances from both teams as semi final weekend quickly approaches.

Reports on both games to follow next week.

Seniors give up unbeaten record

2009-07-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Our seniors gave up their unbeaten record to the Macs on a scoreline of 0.13 to 0.08 at the weekend. The Donegal side were totally outclassed in all areas in the first half. If it were not for 2 superb saves from Fergal Murphy and a last gasp tackle on Colm McCrory from Cahir Healy, this game would have been far out of Donegals reach at half time. Instead a 6 point margin gave Donegal every chance. A much improved second half performance saw Donegal get back to within 2 points, but the Macs pulled away to win by 5. To read a report on the game, follow the below link to Rory O'Donnells blog @ www.tharantrasnan.com

Click here to read report

The juniors received a walk over against Kerry on Saturday due to Kerry inability to field. This sees Donegal stay joint top with the Macs. A friendly game followed which Donegal won comfortably.

Both teams now see a break until Sunday August 16th when both teams meet Cork in their final league games before the championship semi finals.

Our golf classic goes ahead this weekend at the Newton Commonwealth GC. First tee time is 11.00am. All welcome

Donegal remain unbeaten

2009-07-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Our seniors remain unbeaten in the 2009 Boston championship after surviving a Galway comeback in the second half of yesterdays game at Canton. Solid performances from Fergal Murphy, Cahir Healy and Kevin Curran meant that Donegal did enough do keep their unbeaten run in tact. Next up for Donegal is a rematch of the 2008 championship decider against MacAnespies. With Donegal 2 points clear of the Macs, there is everything to play for as both teams try to secure top place and a better seeding for the semis.

Follow this link for a full report on Donegals victory over Galway

Next weekend also sees our Juniors in action against Kerry at 5.45PM on Saturday.

Entries are still welcome for our golf outing on August 1st @ the Newton Commonwealth GC. Please contact any club member for further information.

Donegal GFC Boston featured on Hoganstand.com

2009-07-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

See link below for a recent article in Hoganstand celebrating the 21st year of Donegal GFC Boston.

Click Hoganstand Article here

Great wins for both Donegal teams

2009-07-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

It proved to be a very fruitful weekend for both Donegal teams. The Seniors overcame an eight point deficit with ten minutes on the clock to defeat Kerry while the juniors kept the Wolfe Tones from going two points clear at the top of the junior division. The Shannon Blues victory over Aidan MacAnespies means that the seniors are 2 points clear of Christophers and the Macs with 3 games left to play. Next up for the seniors is Galway this weekend, while the juniors have a bye week and meet Kerry on Saturday July 25th.

Follow link to read the Senior report in Rory's blog on www.tharantrasnan.com

Junior Report
Donegal 0:11
Wolfetones 1:06

Donegal got back to winning ways after a painful defeat to the Macs the previous weekend. The Macs games left Donegal without Midfielders Patterson and Byrne through injury, Ruddy and Boyce were also suspended. Donegal management faced some difficult decisions regarding the remaining playing personnel, Felix Granaghan made some unorthodox positional switches but his tactics worked out for the better. John Deery put in easily his best performance in a Donegal shirt at centre forward. His tireless running meant that Donegal played with a tempo that was sadly lacking the previous Sunday.

Early exchanges were equal as point teams tried to get the measure of each other. Doonan was getting the better of the Tones centre forward and pushed forward at every opportunity even getting his name on the score sheet. Micheal Byrne knocked over a few frees to keep Donegal in touch. The Tones were awarded a fortuitous penalty as their centre forward looked like he fell into the Donegal box. Marty McGeogh coolly slipped the penalty beyond Colin Murphy's outstretched hand and in off the post. The Tones went in at the break with a 2 point lead.

The second half started with Donegal getting a grip in the middle of the field. The centre field paring of Thomas Caldwell and Eamon McCarney eventually got the better of Murrier and Foley. Caldwell defended well while the Fermanagh man McCarney attached at every opportunity. Donegal clawed back the Tones lead with scores from McCarney and Byrne and took the lead through an excellent score from Malin man John Deery. The Tones weren't giving up easily and continued their attached. Despite the Tones adding three more points the Donegal full back line of McNulty and Porter stood tall.

With 15 minutes left on the clock and James Troy out of gas, Donegal sent in last years winning captain Paul Friel. He immediately made a nuisance of himself winning two frees converted by Byrne. Sean Doherty of Urris came into the back line for Porter and was unlucky not to covert on his first foray forward. Donegal held out for a much deserved victory and they now find themselves in a 2 way tie at the top of the junior division with Cork. Also many thanks to Paddy O'Connor for making a flying visit from the nations capital to star at wing forward.

Donegal Team: Colin Murphy(Galway),Paul McNulty(Tyrone),Robert Porter(Malin),Felix Granaghan(Bundoran),Emmet Doonan(Fermanagh)0:02,Ciaran McGee(Robert Emmets),Thomas Caldwell(Galway),Eamon McCarney(Fermanagh)0:02,Paddy O'Connor(Tipperary),John Deery(Malin)0:01,James Troy(Westmeath),Michael Byrne(Malin)0:06,Christopher Rush(Dedham,MA) Subs: Paul Friel(Urris) for Troy, Sean Doherty(Urris) for Porter, David Bell(Buncrana) for Byrne, Brian Boyce(Carrigart) for O'Connor(blood sub), Donny Bell(Buncrana), Fearghal Matthews(Carndonagh), Kieran O'Hara(Derry), Rory Flannery(Kerry), John Carr(St.Eunans), Eamon Kelly(Buncrana)

Also congratulations from all the Donegal club to Paul Boyce and his wife Erika on the recent birth of their baby boy a few weeks back.

The new Donegal polo shirt is on sale for $20, please contact club secretary Denise Trimble.

I hope to post pictures with my next report.

Another win for Donegal

2009-07-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

Donegal continued their winning start to the 2009 season with an impressive win over the Shannon Blues. See report below.

The Juniors lock horns with Aidan MacAnespies in a repeat of the 2008 championship decider at 12.00pm on Sunday.

Donegal 1-10 Shannon Blues 0-6

With the surface of the main field in Canton sodden thanks to another week of rain, a spectacle was not on the cards. Not surprisingly there was a lot of hard work put in by both sides in the poor conditions. With an already strong side joined by Ryan Bradley, Donegal would have been favoured to win. The men from Tir Chonaill ended up comfortable winners on the scoreboard, but truth be told had the Shannon Blues not missed a plethora of chances in both halves the Donegal faithful would have been a lot more nervous come the last five or 10 minutes. After 20 minutes it looked as if Donegal could run away with the game, but the Blues started to dig in late in the first half. Things looked hopeful for a time, but the Blues never got close enough to put Donegal under some real pressure.

Donegal dominated the first 20 minutes of the game. The northerners registered the first 5 points of the game, and a goal at that stage would have settled matters early. One almost came from Cormac Mullins whose shot hit the outside of the post as he bore down on goal. The Blues failed to score during that time, and had themselves partly to blame, kicking 6 bad wides in the first half. Corner forward, Eddie Mannion, opened the scoring for Donegal with a point in the first minute. Donegal defended well, not letting the Blues forwards find any sort of stride. Cahir Healy put in a good performance at corner back, as did Peter Fahy at wing back. Further scores came from Ryan Bradley, Kevin Curran, and the aforementioned Fahy. The Blues came back into the game for the final 10 minutes. The defence lifted the team as time and again the Donegal attack broke down and things did not come as easy for them as in the opening quarter. A bit of niggle came into the game and Brian Gallagher issued 4 yellow cards, two to each side for bad challenges. The Blues also lost keeper Declan Hawes to injury, and Ken Kileen came in to replace him. The Blues registered their first score of the game in the 28th minute – a free from corner forward Alan O’Donoghue. O’Donoghue soon followed with another, and with half time approaching, things looked brighter for the Blues. Eddie Mannion pointed a free just before the break to make it six points to two in Donegal’s favour at the half.

The Blues started the second period well, and registered the first score. Philip Lydon reduced the deficit to three points. Donegal’s response was immediate, and unfortunately for the Blues, it was in the form of a goal. A sweeping move after the kickout ended in Cormac Mullins sliding the ball under the advancing keeper. Now behind by 6 points, and scores at a premium, the Blues now had it all to do. O’Donoghue put a beautiful kick over the bar with eight minutes gone in the second half, but in spite of a lot of hard work, the Blues could not make significant inroads. The northerners pointed three times on the trot to kill off any chance the Blues had of getting a result, Bradley, Fahy, and Eddie Mannion were the scorers. With the game beyond them, the Blues continued to battle, and continued to waste good scoring chances. A hard fought win for Donegal, and with a little work on the shooting, the Blues could be there or thereabouts.

Donegal: M. Hennessey, C. Healy, S. Lee, P. Fahy (0-2), S. Hannon, M. McGowan, M. McGinty, D. McNulty, K. Curran (0-1), R. Bradley (0-3), R. Withery, E. Mannion (0-3), C. Mullins (1-1). Blues: D. Hawes, S. Kelly, T. Wallace, B. Maloney, P. O’Brien, J. Blade, E. O’Neill, S. Gilmartin (0-1), E. Mularkey, S. O’Mahoney, C. McGee, A. O’Donoghue (0-3), P. Lydon (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell www.tharantrasnan.blogspot.com

Donegal 2nd Annual Golf Outing 2009

2009-06-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday August 1st 2009
Where: Newton Commonwealth GC
First Tee Time: 11:00am
Teams of four $500 Per Team
Contact Colin Murphy(617)8724901 or Felix Granaghan(617)7991231
All Welcome, plenty of prizes. Prize giving afterward in the Center Bar on Dorchester Ave

Seniors do enough against the Tones

2009-06-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday June 21st
Donegal 2:05
Wolfe Tones 2:02

Played in atrocious conditions, Donegal continued their unbeaten run in the 2009 Boston Championship. After heavy rain on Saturday night and throughout the day Sunday, conditions in Canton were as far from Summer football as you could get. The players must have thought they had been transported back to the hills of Donegal. Donegal certainly adapted better to the conditions on the day. Their ball possession and efficient passing gave them the edge in the rainy conditions.

Early signs were not good for Donegal as the Tones grabbed a quick goal, a long punted ball into the square was punched to the net by the Tones gangly full forward. Donegal keeper Hennessey was rooted in his mud pool and watched the ball fly to the bottom corner. Soon after, Gavin Hoeys goal bound shot was well saved by the Tones keeper. Donegal came back at the Tones and points through Curran, Mangan and Mullins brought them level. A sweeping Donegal move found Mangan in space and he coolly slotted the ball home. Donegal led at the half by 1:04 to 1:01.

Both teams battled it out in a rather forgetable second half. The highlight a Cormac Mullins penalty when he had been downed by the Tones keeper inside the 14. Mullins expertly dispatched to the top corner to give Donegal a 6 point lead. The WolfeTones did manage a late goal, but Donegal held out for a deserved win. On a day where defences ruled, Sean Lee and Mark McGowan stood out for Donegal. Next up for Donegal are the Shannon Blues on Sunday at 2:30.

Donegal Team: Donegal Team: M. Hennessy(Carlow), S. Lee(Cavan), C.Healy(Laois), R. McLaughlin(Donegal), M. McGowan (Donegal)(0.01), S. Hannon (Offaly), D. McNulty(Fermanagh), R.Wherity(Donegal)(0.01), K. Curran (0-1)(Donegal), M. McGinty(Donegal), G. Hoey (Westmeath), C. Mullins (1-01)(Carlow), E. Mangan (1-01)(Kerry). Sub:Christy Bell(Buncrana), Derek Nolan(Kerry), Paul Roper(Donegal)

Juniors squeeze past Gaels

2009-06-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 20th
Donegal 2:11
Gaels 3:07

Donegals just did enough to get past the Gaels at Canton on Saturday evening. Both teams struggled to get into top gear as they fought the humid conditions. A worrying trend that continued from Donegals first game was their ability to take their scores, doing so would have meant a far different scoreline. As Donegal struggled in front of goal, Connamara got themselves in front and led at the half 1:4 to 0:06. A physical second half ensued, the younger Donegal team showed their fitness levels and took the game to the Gaels. McGee and Flanagan excelled in the back line and got forward at every opportunity, captain McGee even getting on the scoreboard. The Buncrana Bell brothers David and Donny finally found their shooting boots and knocked over some great scores. Eamonn Kelly was sent in to steady the ship and as it looked like Donegal were easing to victory, Gaels scrambled a goal. Donegal were glad to hear the final whistle after a near escape.

Donegal Team: Dean Bourke, Paddy O'Connor, Felix Granaghan, Ciaran McGee(0:01), Rory Flannagan, James Troy, Barry Patterson, Jonathan Byrne, Michael Byrne(1:02), Donny Bell,(0:04), Christopher Rush(1:00), David Bell(0:04) Gareth Ruddy. Subs Eamonn Kelly, Alan Kavanagh, Chuck O'Donnell

Donegal seniors ease past Mayo

2009-06-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

Donegal 3-20
Mayo 1-7

After a disappointing result for their counterparts back home against Antrim, Donegal Boston impressed with an easy win over Mayo at Canton. Donegal were always in control of this game, one minor lapse in concentration from the back line allowed Mayo in for a goal. Donegal started with a number of few faces and it didn't take them long to gel. Carlow man Cormac Mullins quickly became a threat for Donegal and despite some missed early opportunities finished the game with 2-3 to his name. In the back line Cahir Healy was full of running ably supported by Eunans men McGowan and McLaughlin. A nasty facial injury meant that Sean Lees day was cut short and Nolan stepped in. Hannon controlled the back line well throughout the game. New boy Hennessey debutised well in goal, perhaps lucky not to see the referees book when he dashed from his goal in the first half. At the half Donegal were comfortably ahead 1:10 to 0:04.

The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with Donegal scoring at ease. We also saw the introduction of Wherity after a few weeks out injured, he soon got himself on the scoreboard, and finished with 1:02. All the Donegal forwards got themselves on the score sheet. Tougher challenges are sure to lay ahead for Donegal. Next up for seniors are the WolfeTones. The Juniors take on the Gaels on Saturday afternoon at 4:30.

Team: M. Hennessy(Carlow), S. Lee(Cavan), R. McLaughlin(Donegal), M. McGowan (0-3)(Donegal), S. Hannon (0-1)(Offaly), C. Healy(Laois), D. McNulty(Fermanagh), C. Bell (0-1)(Donegal), K. Curran (0-2)(Donegal), M. McGinty (0-1)(Donegal), G. Hoey (0-3)(Westmeath), C. Mullins (2-3)(Carlow), E. Mangan (0-3)(Kerry). Sub:Derek Nolan(Kerry) R. Wherity (1-2)(Donegal)

Juniors power past the Celtics

2009-06-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

Donegal 2:12
Celtics 1:04

2008 Junior A champions Donegal opened their title defence with an impressive win over the New England Celtics. The Celtics step up a grade to Junior A after their 2008 Junior B win. It proved to be a fruitful afternoon for the Rush family, Ricky got his name on the score sheet early, he was replaced by son Christopher who finished the game with 2:02. Grandfather Jackie was also in the stands to shout the rest of the family on.

Early exchanges were even between the sides, new boys McGowan, Kavanagh, Patterson and McLaughlin seeing plenty of possession.In the middle of the park the Celtics were gaining the advantage as man giant Dan Kennelly used his size to muscle Donegal out of the game. Donegal wasted a number of excellent scoring changes, Patterson and McGowan guilty of missing goals when a point may have been the better option. As the half drew to a close, the Celtics were awarded a penalty, Dean Bourke got down well to save but he couldn't keep out the rebound. The Celtics led at the half by 1:03 to 0:05.

A stern half team talk from managers Granaghan, Carr and Duffy let the Donegal players know exactly what they needed to do in the second half. Donegal got off to a great start in the second half and quickly found themselves ahead on the scoreboard. As the Celtics struggled to get out of their own half and Donegal gaining the upper hand at midfield, there was only ever going to be one winner.

It was an impressive start from Donegal but there will be much bigger challenges ahead as they hope to defend their 2008 title.

Man of the match: Christopher Rush

Play of the game: Eamonn Kelly point from just inside the sideline.

Donegal Team: Dean Bourke, Ronan McLaughlin, Paddy O'Connor, John Deery, Alan Cavanagh, Ciaran McGee(0:01), Barry Patterson(0:01), Jonathan Byrne(0:01), Felix Granaghan(0:01), Mark McGowan(0:04), James Troy, Ricky Rush(0:01), Gareth Ruddy. Subs Christopher Rush(2:02), Eamonn Kelly(0:01)

Donegal down the Gaels

2009-06-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Donegal 2:08
Gaels 0:07

Donegal started their 2009 league campaign in the best possible way with a hard fought win over a stubborn Connamara Geals side. Both sides fielded a number of new recruits in what proved to be a bruising encounter. Both teams deserve credit for a game of such fast flowing football at this early stage of the season.Donegal dominated the early exchanges and within 20 minutes commanded a 0:06 to 0:02 lead. The Gaels then found their feet and enjoyed the territorial advantage until the half time whistle. Donegal went in at the half with a one point lead. The Gaels got the game back on even terms shortly after the restart to bring the game to 7 points a piece. Donegal then took control of the game, their 2 goals killing off any chance the Gaels had of a victory. This was a real team effort from Donegal, notable performances for Donegal were Sean Lee and Paul McNulty in the full back line. Further up the field Gavin Hoey, Kevin Curran, Eddie Mangan proved a handful for the Connamara defence. Donegals next opponents are Mayo.

Donegal Team: Spud Murphy, Sean Lee, Paul McNulty, Gavin Hoey, Donal McNulty, Jonathan Byrne, Michael McGinty, Derek Nolan, Felix Granaghan, Shay Hannon, Kevin Curran, Paul Roper, Eddie Mangan Subs: James Troy for Felix Granaghan

2009 Schedule

2009-06-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Senior Football
Sun May 31 5:00 Connamara Gaels
Sun June 14 5:00 Mayo
Sun June 21 5:00 Wolfetones
Sun June 28 2:30 Shannon Blues
Sat July 11 5:30 Kerry
Sun July 19 2:30 Galway
Sun July 26 5:00 A McAnespies
Sun Aug 16 2:30 Cork

Junior Football
Sun June 7 4:30 Celtics
Sat June 20 4:30 Connamara Gaels
Sun July 5 12:00 A McAnespies
Sun July 12 12:00 Wolfetones
Sat July 25 5:45 Kerry
Sun Aug 16 12:00 Cork

2009 Schedule coming soon

2009-05-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

I will post the 2009 season schedule in the coming weeks. To date Donegal lost out in the O'Brien cup to Galway and have played a number of challenge games. We were beaten by the Wolfe Tones and defeated Kerry. This Friday(April 22nd) sees a challenge against Cork under lights in Dilboy field in Somerville.

Start your engines...

2009-04-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

Donegal open the 2009 season in the Pat O'Brien cup against Galway at 3.00PM Sunday 26th at Canton. Donegal will take to the field with some familiar faces and a number of new recruits. We would like to welcome Paul McCormack(Tyrone),Dean Bourke(Limerick), Eddie Mangan and Derek Nolan(both Kerry) to the Donegal club for 2009. Tuesday and Thursday training has moved to Flatley Field in Milton at 6.30pm. New players welcome. Best of luck to all teams for the 2009 season.

Donegal Boston 2009

2009-03-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

The start of 2009 season is fast approaching. I would like to welcome back all our readers and I hope to keep everyone updated with news and match reports throughout the season. Training is currently underway at Malibu Beach, Dorchester on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6.00pm. We hope to return to the training field in Milton in the coming weeks. The drawing for the O'Brien cup will take place in the next few weeks. I will post fixtures as soon as I have them.
JB

Boston Junior title for Donegal

2008-08-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Donegal 1-9 Aiden McAnespies 0-10

Donegal captured the junior A football championship in a very exciting, bruising, and tense encounter with Aiden McAnespies. Donegal played some great football, and forwards Paul Boyce and Aiden O’Hagen proved huge factors in their victory. Donegal led from the start but McAnespies made it close at the end, almost pulling off a late victory as Gary Hennessey’s shot flew over rather than under in bar during injury time.

Who would have thought that the same Donegal team defeated by Macs by 13 points earlier in the season could have beaten a Macs team going for their third title in a row. This was really a team effort that started the training session following the initial Macs defeat.

Donegal got off to a great start in the first meeting of the day between the two clubs, and got into a five points to two lead after 15 minutes. McAnespies then had the better of things for the remainder of the first half, but missed several good chances to score. In contrast, Donegal’s only foray forward resulted in a Paul Boyce point that lifted the siege. McAnespies’ Shane Lynn made it six points to three at the half with the game very much open.

Possession was keenly contested around the middle of the field, and each side fought hard to gain an advantage. Jonathan Byrne and Simon McDonagh for Donegal and Thomas Tuite and Shane Lynn for McAnespies contested everything as if their lives depended on it. McAnespies made inroads early in the half and reduced the deficit to a point with scores from Eugene McKenna and Tuite. However, Donegal came back with a score from a Paul Boyce free. Boyce then won a penalty that was taken by former Tyrone minor, Aiden O’Hagen. O’Hagen’s well directed shot found the back of the net and Donegal were five points to the good. McAnespies made a huge effort to cut into the lead. Barry Brogan ran from corner back to point, and Shane Lynn, McKenna and Nigel Regan each pointed to make it a two point game with less then 3 minutes left.

Paul Boyce was a contender for man of the match

Ricky Rush pointed to put Donegal three to the good again, but Gary Hennessey rushed through from midfield immediately from the ensuing kickout and his shot from the 21-yard line flew over the bar – a goal would have tied it. McAnespies put the pressure on Donegal in the final minutes in an effort to get the goal that would win the game, but Donegal held out and took the first of the games between the teams.

Donegal now face Ulster of San Francisco in the North American championship semi final on Saturday at 1:30 at the ICC. All support is appreciated, come support Donegal as they try to win their first American title.

Inishowen members from Donegal Club
Donegal: E. McLaughlin, D. Harkin, R. Grant, K. McGee, D. McNulty, F. Granaghan, S. McDonagh(0-1), J. Byrne(0-1), Paul Friel (0-1), Adrian O’Hagen (1-2), Paul Boyce (0-3), M. Corr, S. Kelly. Ricky Rushe (0-1). Macs: B. Arkinson, Barry Brogan (0-2), B. McMenamin, N. Clancy, C. Dempsey, Thomas Tuite (0-1), Shane Lynn (0-2), G. Hennessey, Nigel Regan (0-2), M. Doherty, E. Daly, P. Nugent, Eugene McKenna (0-4).

Donegal come up short in Championship decider

2008-08-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Aidan McAnespies 4-6 Donegal 1-7

McAnespies took their fourth championship in a row with a comprehensive victory over Donegal, and truth be told, the margin of victory could have higher. It seems a far cry from the Buffalo Bills days of the South Boston side when victory in the big one always escaped them. An early first half goal, followed by a second mid way through the half put the Macs in the drivers seat, while Donegal did nothing to help their cause. When enjoying a long spell of dominance in possession, and a chance to regain their footing and recover, Donegal kicked wide after wide. The usually reliable Kevin Curran and Dualtach Molloy missed some good chances, and Donegal’s hopes drifted away as the wides mounted.

McAnespies got off to a dream start, and never looked in danger of giving up their title from the word go. Conor McGourty goaled in the third minute, and the score was quickly followed with points from Steven McGettigan and Colm McCrory (free). McAnespies had a couple of chances to blow the game wide open before Doengal got a score. McGettigan found McGourty with a great pass and McGourty’s shot hit the post. Donegal introduced Ciaran Bonner to the fray in an effort to turn things around, and Bonner did bring some mettle to Donegal’s efforts. Dualtach Molloy finally pointed from a free after 10 minutes, but rather than settle down the side, Donegal proceeded to kick 5 wides. With Donegal enjoying a good spell in terms of possession, McAnespies netted a second time. Danny McBride was pulled down in the box as he bore down on goal, and Christy Lynch placed his shot well into the bottom corner. The wides mounted for Donegal as neither Dualtach Molloy nor Kevin Curran could find direction. Eventually Molloy pointed from play, and David Donegan put one over for McAnespies before the half time whistle. McAnespies by seven at the half; 2-3 to 0-2.

Things did not improve for Donegal after the restart. Within 3 minutes McAnespies had themselves another penalty and again, Lynch did not err in his shot. McAnespies now 10 points ahead. Frustation crept in for Donegal, Bonner had his name taken shortly afterwards. The futility of Donegal’s efforts were underlined by the removal of what had been the mainstays of their attack all season, Dualtach Molloy and Eamon Murphy. Ironically enough, their replacements, Michael McGinty and Ronan Diver each pointed shortly after their introduction. McAnespies regained control of affairs again, Alan Feeney, who had an outstanding game, and Christy Lynch who was on top of his man all day, each pointed from their back line. David Donegan also contributed on the scoreboard with a goal after 20 minutes and Donegal’s chances of winning evaporated completely. Plenty of satisfaction in the McAnespies camp having been beaten in each of the junior football finals, taking the big one more than makes up for it.

Macs: D. Traynor, Christy Lynch (2-1), G. Norton, David Donegan (1-1), N. Kerr, A. Feeney, M. Stanbrook, D. McBride, C. Galligan, D. Lally, Colm McCrory (0-1), Conor John McGourty (1-2), Steven McGettigan (0-1). Donegal: N. O’Connell, T. Maguire, P. Witherow, O. Wade, K. Cunningham, N. Hegarty, D. McNulty, R. McNeilis, Dualtach Molloy (0-1), E. Murphy, K. Curran, G. Concar, Declan Murphy (1-1). Subs: Michael McGinty (0-1), Ronan Diver (0-2), Ciaran Bonner (0-1).

Report by Rory o'Donnell Thar an Trasna blogspot

Sundays final results

2008-08-25T10:16:00.001-07:00

Sundays Results
Junior A Football: McAnespies 0-10 Donegal 1-09

Senior Football: McAnespies 4-6 Donegal 1-7

Reports to follow

Tones Wilt under Donegal Pressure

2008-08-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Donegal team that defeated the Wolfetones to qualify for Boston final

North Eastern Senior Championship Semi Final, Boston, MA Sunday August 18th

By Rory O’Donnell

Wolfe Tones 0-6 Donegal 1-15

Donegal advanced to the senior football final in impressive fashion with a resounding win over the Wolfe Tones. Donegal totally outclassed their opponents, who this scribe favoured, and in the end ran out easy winners. Donegal saw the return of Dualtach Molloy and Ciaran Bonner made a short reappearance, but had to leave the field due to injury. From the middle of the first half Donegal took control of the game and the Tones could not find their way back into it and surely will be thinking that they could have left more on the field by the time it was all over.

Donegal came out all guns blazing in the first half and worked themselves into an eight point lead over the first 30 minutes. Donegal were first to the ball in the back line and the forwards were one step ahead of their markers. The northerners played the ball well into the forward line and enjoyed plenty of possession from the midfield exchanges. The Wolfe Tones did well in the first quarter of the game, Jamie Murphy and Sean McVeigh pointed, each a fine score. Donegal proceeded to take over for the remainder of the half. The Tir Chonaill men scored nine points to a single point for the Tones in final 20 minutes of the half. Dualtach Molloy was a sure thing with free kicks and put four in a row over the bar. The Tones could not find room when in possession and when Donegal had the ball were searching for answers on how to stop their opponents. Eamon Murphy, Gareth Concar, and Ronan McNeilis also found the mark for Donegal.

The second half was a replay of the first, only worse from a Wolfe Tones perspective. Mick Sammon, who entered the fray as a sub, saw red as his challenge on Ciaran Bonner, who also came in for Donegal, was deemed worthy of a sending off. Dara Joyce put two early points over for the Tones, each a rousing score, but the Tones did not manage to raise themselves. Donegal continued to pick off the points, and a goal came from Concar to well and truly kill the game. Donegal advance to final with an impressive performance and a margin of victory that nobody could have expected. Doneagl now play Aidan MacAnespies in the championship final in what is sure to be an epic encounter. A place in the North American final awaits the winners.

Tones: W. O’Dowd, N. McKenna, D. Scullane, E. Hickson, T. Meagan, K. Gorham, J. Farrell, S. McVeigh, J. Murphy, D. Joyce, C. Farrell, M. Farrell, S. Kelly.

Donegal: N. O’Connell (Kildare), P. Witherow (St.Michaels), T. Maguire (Ardara), N. Hegarty (Kilcar), K. Cunningham (Kilcar), E. Wade (Glenties), R. McNeilis (Gweedore), D. McNulty (Fermanagh), D. Molloy (St. Eunans), E. Murphy (Kildare), K. Curran (Robert Emmets), G. Concarr (Ardara), D. Murphy(Tyrone) subs: C.Bonner (Glenswilly) for Wade, M McGinty (MacCumhaills) for Bonner, Paul Roper (Aodh Ruadh) for Hegarty, Sean Lee(Cavan), Ronan Diver (Gweedore)

Referee: Paddy Russell (Tipperary)

Donegal Juniors make Boston final

2008-08-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

North Eastern Junior Championship Semi Final, Boston, MA Sunday August 18th
Donegal 1:12
Cork 1:04

The sunshine returned to Canton for the opening game of the day as Donegal pitted themselves against the men of Cork for a place in this years Junior Championship final. Donegal had already beaten Cork in an earlier league game so Cork were out for revenge. Donegal hit the field running but failed to convert a number of excellent scoring chances. Donegal continued to press the Cork defense and the break through score came from the boot of Galbally, Tyrone native Micky Corr when he blasted to the back of the Cork net. Cork struggled to get through a stubborn Donegal defense marshaled by Fermanagh man Darryl Mc Nulty. Ciaran McGee was also having his best game of the season in the half back line. Donegal tagged on a number of points through Tyrone man Aidan O’Hagan. Cork did push forward for 2 first half points but that was all they would muster. Donegal could have had this game won at half time but 8 first half wides meant that Cork were still in with a shout. Donegal led at the break 1:04 to 0:02. Donegal continued where they left off and punished Cork with a number of quick scores coming from Paul Friel and Simon McDonagh. A missed Donegal penalty rebounded to the boot of Micky Corr who made no mistake in putting the ball over the bar from a tight angle. Further scores came from O’Hagan and Boyce. Cork did break for a goal midway through the second half, but at this stage Donegal were already cruising to a comfortable victory. Donegal will now meet Aidan MacAnespies in the divisional decider. This is a repeat of the 2006 final when the Macs defeated a Donegal side aiming to retain the trophy. Macs are now going for three in a row in the Junior competition. Donegal will be pulling out all the stops to make sure they are champions for 2008. A place in the North American finals awaits the winner.

Donegal Team: Emmet McLaughlin(Moville), Damian Harkin (Urris), Rory Grant(Burt), Felix Granaghan (Bundoran), Daryl McNulty (Fermanagh), Kieran McGee (Robert Emmets), Jonathan Byrne (Malin), Simon McDonagh ( St.Johns, Antrim), Paul Friel Capt (Urris), Aidan O'Hagan (Galbally, Tyrone), Paul Boyce (Carrigart), Shane Kelly (Urris), Michael Corr (Galbally, Tyrone) Subs:Paddy O’Connor (Tipperary), Mark Canny (Carndonagh), Danny Friel (Urris), Eamon Kelly (Buncrana), Ricky Rush(Robert Emmets), Colm O'Sullivan (Kerry)

Donegal too strong for Gaels

2008-08-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Donegal 2-8 Connemara Gaels 1-5

The Connemara Gaels could not overcome Donegal to keep them in with a chance of the senior playoffs, so it will be the Intermediate playoffs for the westerners. Donegal were that bit stronger in the middle of the field, quicker to the ball, and passed the ball well. By half time the chances of the Gaels pulling off a win were slim. Donegal had a nine-point lead and the Gaels had to work very hard for the three scores that were converted, though truth be told there could have, and some may argue should have, been two in the goal column for the Gaels.

Donegal’s quickness and speed had the Gaels under pressure for most of the first 30 minutes. Kevin Curran opened the scoring with a free and Eamonn Murphy followed with another. Kieran Cox snatched a goal chance in the opening exchanges and sent the ball narrowly wide from close range, however, Donegal made the most of their own goal chance shortly afterwards when Declan Murphy sold a dummy to Pat McNicholas and buried the ball with just the keeper to beat. Donegal five points to the good with the Gaels yet to score. James Carlin got the Gaels off the mark with a free, but the Gaels struggled to add to their tally for much of the period.

Declan Murphy tries to elude the attention of Michael Geoghan.

After Kevin Curran put another over for Donegal, Donal McNulty finished a fine move with a point. Eamonn Murphy added another and with Donegal holding a seven point lead , the Gaels enjoyed a brief period of pressure the yielded points from Tom McDonagh and Coleman Conroy. The Gaels could have had a goal, Niall O’Connell pulled off a brave save from McDonagh as the Leitir Mor man was bearing down on goal, and Carlin rocketed the ball off the crossbar in a sequence of play shortly afterwards. Donegal, however, finished the half well having weathered the storm. Curran and Murphy pointed, and Gareth Concar scored a second goal just before half time to put Donegal in the drivers seat for the next period.

The scores were few and far between in the second half and the game slowed considerably. The first 20 minutes saw McNulty put another fine point over the bar for Donegal and Carlin point from a free for the Gaels. The Gaels battled on and tried to whittle down the deficit, but the Donegal defence proved tough to break down. Carlin put another free over the bar, and Frank Niblock goaled from a 21-yard free to pull the Gaels within five points with five minutes to go. It was too little, too late however, as the Gaels could not complete the late rally, and Donegal march on to the senior championship playoffs.
Gaels: J. Flaherty, B. McLoughlin, P. McNicholas, Coleman Conroy (0-1), M. Geoghan, D. Burns, R. Hughes, G. O’Malley, K. Cox, Frank Niblock (1-0), V. O’Malley, Tommy McDonagh (0-1), James Carlin (0-3). Donegal: N. O’Connell, T. Maguire, S. Lee, N. Hegarty, K. Cunningham, P. Witherow, R. McNeilis, Donal McNulty (0-2), E. Wade, Eamonn Murphy (0-3), Kevin Curran (0-3), Gareth Concar (1-0), Declan Murphy (1-0).

By Rory O'Donnell @ http://tharantrasnan.blogspot.com/

In the junior game, Donegal also beat the Gaels, final scoreline of 6:22 to 1:07. In what was a very one sided affair from start to finish, Shane Kelly finished as Donegals top scorer with 2:05, hopefully Shane can carry this form through to the semi final meeting with Cork on Saturday August 16th. This will not be an easy game for the Donegal lads. Donegal got one over Cork during the league winning by 4 points, but the semi could be an even closer affair. The other semi will see Aidan MacAnespies up against Kerry.

Donegal Seniors beat Cork

2008-07-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

Cork 0-8 Donegal 1-15

Donegal made short work of Cork in a one sided affair. With the rebels out of contention, and Donegal looking to book a place in the senior semi-finals, the motivation was with the northerners. Donegal did not need to shift into top gear to win the points from the game and sitting on 10 points, have now probably booked a place in the senior semi-finals.
Keith Cunningham eludes the attention of Niall Devlin.

Kildare man, Eamonn Murphy set the tone with a point right from the throw-in. Cian Griffin answered for Cork, but Donegal put 1-7 up before Cork scored again. Kevin Curran was in sharp form for Donegal, the seasoned campaigner put five of the seven Donegal points over the bar, two from frees. Ronan McNeilis and Donal McNulty were on top in the middle of the field as Cork struggled. The rebels did manufacture some decent chances, but they were few and far betweem. The best of them fell to lively Niall Devlin who was put through on goal, but Niall McConnell was equal to the shot and parried it over the bar for a point – Cork’s second and final score of the first half. Eamonn Murphy put a goal away before half time, the Leixlip man slid the ball into the far corner from the edge of the small square. At the half time whistle Cork were 10 points in the hole, 1-9 to 0-2 with little chance of digging themselves out of it.

Cork's Mike Moynihan and Ronan McNeilis Contest a kickout.
The second half was more of the same. Donegal eased off a little through the second 30 minutes. There was not much chance of an upset of the sort from the previous evening when Galway defeated the Wolfe Tones, and Christopher’s came within a whisker of upending Armagh-Notre Dame. Donegal introduced a few subs in the second half, and Cork tried to shift things around to get more change out of the Donegal back line. Kieran Connolly took a more forward position, while Devlin came deeper out the field. Cork fared better on the balance of play, but there was no doubt about who the winner would be. Conrad Bradley and Mike Moynihan get their names on the scorecard in the second half for Cork, but Declan Murphy, Eoin Wade, Eamon Murphy, Ronan Diver, and Kieran Mulvihill got in on the scoring act for Donegal. Not much of a test for Donegal, who may get a better gauge of where they stand when they face the Connemara Gaels in two weeks time.
Cork: K. Reid, M. Carolan, S. Caulfield, D. Kearns, J. Leonard, A. Creagh, Mike Moynihan (0-3), K. Connolly, D. O’Flynn, Conrad Bradley (0-1), K. Moriarty, Niall Devlin (0-3), Cian Griffin (0-1). Donegal: N. McConnell, S. Lee, T. Maguire, P. Witherow, K. Cunningham, Eoin Wade (0-1), D. McNulty, R. McNeilis, Kevin Curran (0-6), Eamonn Murphy (1-4), Ronan Diver (0-1), Declan Murphy (0-2), G.Concar. Sub: Kieran Mulvihill (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell @ Thar An Trasnan

Donegal Juniors book semi final place

2008-07-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Donegal 2:10

Wolfetones 1:04

Canton, MA Sunday July 27th. Hot and humid conditions met both teams at the ICC Canton on Sunday morning. The Donegal juniors showed the greater hunger throughout and booked their place in the semi finals against either Kerry or Cork. A 2007 defeat to the Tones meant that Donegal failed to advance to the semi final stages, this never looked like happening today. Right from the opening whistle the Tones failed to deal with the Donegal forward line who attacked at every opportunity. As the Tones struggled to get the ball out past their own 45, Donegal forwards punished them on a number of occasions. Some fast thinking on a Donegal free allowed team captain Paul Friel to dribble around the Tones keeper and extend their first half lead. Half time score 1:06 to 0:02. It was much the same from Donegal in the second half and they continued to punish the Tones. As Donegals lead grew, it led to a number of personel changes and fresh legs coming into the team. Eamon Kelly missed a number of opportunities to further extend the northern mens lead. In the end Donegal proved too strong for a Wolfetones team that wont see the playoffs this year. All squad members had a big part to play in this win. Donegals defence excelled throughout with Rory Grant and Damian Harkin keeping the Tones danger men quiet. Simon McDonagh and Jonathan Byrne continue to form a formidable midfield partnership. In the forward line all men had a part to play especially Paul Boyce and our Tyrone friends Micky Corr and Aidan O'Hagan. After 5 games, Donegal have 4 wins. Our last league game is against the Conamara Gaels on Sunday August 3rd. All support is appreciated. Donegal team: Emmet McLaughlin(Moville), Damian Harkin(Urris), Rory Grant(Burt), Felix Granaghan(Bundoran), Daryl McNulty(Fermanagh), Kieran McGee(Robert Emmets), Jonathan Byrne(Malin), Simon McDonagh( St.Johns, Antrim), Paul Friel Capt(Urris), Aidan O'Hagan(Galbally, Tyrone), Paul Boyce(Carrigart), Shane Kelly(Urris), Michael Corr(Galbally, Tyrone) Subs Gareth Ruddy(Carndonagh), Mark Canny(Carndonagh), Kieran Friel (Urris), Eamon Kelly(Buncrana), Ricky Rush(Robert Emmets), Colm O'Sullivan (Kerry)

The Donegal team in their new kit sponsored by Sean Farrell Construction that defeated Kerry 1:14 to 0:06 on July 13th.

2008-07-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Mayo v Donegal July 20
Donegal 0-16 Mayo 1-4Donegal dispatched Mayo with little difficulty on a hot and humid afternoon. Mayo kept it level thru the end of the first quarter thanks to a somewhat fortunate goal, but after that Donegal imposed themselves on the game were always in control. From the middle of the field to lively corner forwards, Gareth Concar and Declan Murphy, Donegal dominated proceedings and set themselves up well for the run-in to the playoffs.The expectations were for Donegal to win this game, and the first half underlined the superiority of the northerners. Mayo put a point and goal together midway through the half, but spent most of the time trying to hold their opponents at bay rather than thinking too much about engineering scores of their own. Donegal put four points over the bar before Mayo got off the ground. Gareth Concar, Ronan McNeilis, and Kevin Curran each pointed for Donegal before Ronan Rochfort got Mayo on the scoreboard after 12 minutes. Mayo leveled the scores soon after with a goal from Sean Gerrity that might have Donegal management concerned with the defending.. A point attempt came high off the post, and Gerrity was waiting unimpeded to gather the ball and slip it below the keeper. All square. Not for long though as Donegal put another six points over the bar in the latter part of the half, while Mayo laboured to match their opponents. Gareth Concar and Declan Murphy were full of running in the Donegal full forward line. Concar was a major threat for Donegal, and had three points in his name before the half was out. Dualtach Molloy pointed twice before half time to put Donegal at a six point advantage.

Mayo claimed the first two scores of the second half – both points, and almost goaled but Pat Hickey’s shot came back into play off the inside of the post. Had it gone in it could have rattled Donegal nerves and provided Mayo with a platform to attempt a comeback. Donegal center forward, Eamonn Murphy played a part in Donegal’s response. Murphy put a dead ball over the bar with a free from 50 yards, and then found Dualtach Molloy for a second point to restore Donegal’s six point advantage. Gervaise Toner fisted over a great point for Mayo after 10 minutes, but that would be it for the westerners. Donegal went on to finish the game with four unanswered points, Molly, Concar, and two from Murphy, and put themselves in a good position senior championship playoff hunt.Donegal: N. McConnell, T. Maguire, S. Lee, P. Witherow, K. Cunningham, N. Hegarty, D. McNulty, Ronan McNeilis (0-1), Kevin Curran (0-1), Eamonn Murphy (0-2), Dualtach Molloy (0-4), Gareth Concar (0-4), Declan Murphy (0-4).. Mayo: D. O’Malley, S. Clifford, M. Murphy, C. Clifford, M. Hunt, T. Scanlon, Ronan Rochford (0-2), C. Brennan, Rory Gavin (0-1), Gervase Toner (0-2), Sean Gerrity (1-0), P. Hickey, B. McStay.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior match report for Sunday June 22nd 08

2008-06-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

Double trouble, with his team down a man after a red card infraction, Donegal’s Sean McEwain finds himself under pressure as he charges through mid field. Picture / Neil McDaid

In a highly anticipated encounter, Donegal and Armagh-Notre Dame played hotly contested 60 minutes of football. In a four-goal final quarter, it was Donegal who were still standing after both sides fought hard for the win.

The first half was evenly contested, one could have argued that Donegal had a slight advantage on the balance of play, but there was just the minimum separating the teams on the scoreboard all the way through. Donegal had to work hard in defence to keep a good Armagh-ND forward line in check, while the Donegal forward line could have done a little better with the possession that came their way.

There were a few attacks that broke down due to overplaying the ball. Armagh-ND opened the scoring with points from Martin McStravog and Liam Morrow. Donegal got themselves on the board with a point from Keith Cunningham. After Martin Donaghy put a third over for the Brighton side, Donegal struck with a goal from Kieran Mulvihill.

The Ballylongford man finished well from 20 yards out and just the keeper to beat. Donegal one point to the good with 11 minutes gone, and the Tir Chonaill men would stay ahead for the remainder of the half. The sides traded points, Dualtach Molloy and Mulvihill for Donegal and McStravog, Downs and Donaghy for the Orchard County.

At the half Donegal led by a single point, 1-4 to 0-6.Donegal started off the second half with a brace of scores to extend their lead to three points. Ronan McNeilis and Molloy pointed for Donegal; the northwesterners got their passing game together and translated their improved play into scores. The game started to get physical and there were some lengthy stoppages as a result of injuries and one or two scuffles.

As the sides began to tire in the final quarter the goals came. Armagh-ND leveled the scores with a goal out of nothing, a high ball down the middle was not dealt with and Brendan Quinn found himself through with just the keeper to beat. Quinn sold a dummy and rounded the keeper to slot home. Almost immediately Donegal regained the lead with a somewhat fortunate penalty. Ronan McNeilis ran through and when challenged in the penalty area fell to the ground, and the whistle went for a penalty. Dualtach Molloy took the shot, which was saved, but Molloy volleyed the rebound into the back of the net. Not to be undone, the Orchard county struck again with a second goal, again from Quinn.

The ball found Quinn unmarked at the far post and the half forward sold the same dummy, and again finished into the empty net. The sides were level again going into the final five minutes. Brian Downs put the Orchard men one point ahead with a well taken free, but Donegal had a third goal in them. Donal McNulty leveled the scores with a Larry Bird-like steal as Armagh-ND were coming out of defence, and a minute later Keith Cunningham stole behind the Donegal defence from his half back position, was played through and with the keeper to beat, and did well to force the ball into the back of net.

With time still left on the clock Armagh-ND brought the game back within a point. Colin Murphy saved well to deny Donaghy a goal and parry the ball over the bar and deny a possible winning goal to the Orchard county men. After a keenly contested 60 minutes of football, it was Donegal who emerged one-point victors.

Donegal: C. Murphy, S. Lee, P. Witherow, Keith Cunningham (1-1), C. Bonnar, S. McEwain, Donal McNulty (0-1), Ronan McNeilis (0-1), Ronan Diver (0-1), E. Murphy, K. Curran, Kieran Mulvhill (1-1), Dualtach Molloy (1-4). Armagh-ND: K. McKerr, J. Taggart, M. Digney, Liam Morrow (0-1), F. Meehan, S. O’Donnell, P. Mulpeter, J. Kielt, A. Blake, Brendan Quinn (2-0), Martin McStravog (0-2), Martin Donaghy (0-5), Brian Downes (0-3).
By Rory O'Donnell @ Thar An Trasnan

Juniors ease to victory over Armagh

2008-06-16T09:45:00.001-07:00

Donegal 4:14 Armagh Notre Dame 1:04

Canton, MA June 15th. Heavy morning rain meant the game was moved to field B, the smaller field did the Armagh team no favors as they struggled to contain a fired up Donegal side. New comers Peter Witherow and Eamon Murphy proved to hot to handle for their markers and tormented them for much of the game. Donegals defense held tight throughout, Darrel McNulty excelled in the centre back position ably assisted by John Deery and Ciaran Mc Gee on the wings. Murphy finished with a personal tally of 2:06 before being removed from the action with 20 minutes left on the clock. Donegal will be pleased with the win and the performance, but they know that this was a weak Armagh team. Cork should provide a sterner challenge in the next game on Sunday June 22nd. Donegal Team E McLaughlin, R Grant, D Harkin, C McGee, D McNulty, J Deery, P Boyce, P Witherow, F Granaghan, E Murphy, J Byrne, P Friel, S Kelly Subs: P O'Connor, B Boyce, E McDowell, E Kelly, G Ruddy

Donegal beat the blues

2008-06-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Donegal 1:11 Shannon Blues 0:07

Canton, MA Sunday June 8th. After the shock of an opening day defeat to the Wolfetones, Donegal got things back on track with an impressive win over the Shannon Blues. Donegal welcomed a number of new faces to the team including Ciaran Bonner, Aidan Fennelly and Fergal Clancy. In what was a closely fought contest, it was only in the last ten minutes that Donegal pulled away from the blues. The first half saw both Bonner and Mc Nulty score a brace of points. Donegal went in at the break with a three point lead. Donegal sealed the win thanks to a Ciaran Bonner goal ten minutes from time, a high ball was floated across the goal mouth and Bonner rise highest to punch to the net. Donegal played keep ball for the remaining minutes and a Blues sending off meant there was no way back for them. Donegals next game is against Armagh Notre Dame on Sunday June 22nd. Donegal team C Murphy, A Fennelly, S Lee, P Collins, S McEwen, K Cunningham, R MacNiallais, D McNulty, P Roper, C Bonner, K Curran, D Molloy, K Mulvihill Subs used G McDermott, R Diver, F Clancy

Earlier in the day, the Donegal junior side were defeated in the opening championship game against Aidan MacAnespies. In hot and humid conditions, Donegal battled from start to finish. Donegal will hope to avenge this defeat later in the season.

Donegal claim first silverware of 2008

2008-05-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

Donegal captain Kevin Curren, receives the Pat O'Brien memorial cup from Pat's long time friend John Flaherty. Picture/NeilMcDaid

Canton MA, Sunday May 18th. Donegal coasted to a comfortable win over the Wolfe tones in perfect conditions in the Pat O'Brien cup final. Donegals task was made a lot easier with the dismissal Tones midfielder McVeigh mid way through the first half. Donegal took an early lead with points from Mulvihill, Curran and MacNiallais. Donegals went in at half time leading by 0:07 to 0:04.

One down, one to go, Donegal now set their sights on the 2008 Boston Northeast Championship. Picture/NeilMcDaid

Despite being a man down it was the Tones who dominated the early stages of the second half, but they could never get their noses in front. Donegal moved up a few gears mid way through the second half and the Tones had no answer to Donegals numerical advantage. Donegal swarmed forward adding numerous points from Molloy and Mulvhill. The introduction of Mc Ginty, McGee and Friel brought fresh legs into the game for Donegal. Within seconds McGinty had his first point and would later goal for the Northerner's. In between Molloy was pulled down by the Wolfe tones keeper for a penalty, he coolly brushed himself down and sent the penalty right down the middle past the Tones keeper. Tones failed to convert a late penalty. In the end the tones had no answer the pace of Donegal forward line and were held at bay by a stubborn Donegal defence marshalled by McEwen. Final score Donegal 2:14 Wolfe tones 0:06.

Donegal captain Kevin Curran accepted the Pat O'Brien cup and Donegal celebrated into the early hours. Donegal team C Murphy, G McDermott, S Lee, P Collins, S McEwen, D McNulty, R MacNiallais, D McNulty, P Roper, R Diver, K Curran, D Molloy, K Mulvihill Subs M McGinty, K McGee, P Friel.

Donegal get back to business next Sunday in the first round of the senior championship, their opponents will again be the Wolfe tones. Throw in time at Canton is 5:00pm. No doubt this should be a closer affair as the Tones try to avenge last Sundays defeat.

Donegal advance to the Pat O'Brien cup final.

2008-05-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Donegal squeezed past Cork in a closely contested cup semi final at Canton on Sunday. In what proved to be a game of two halves, Donegal impressed in the opening half with Cork putting up a tremendous fight back in the second half. Early exchanges were evenly contested but Donegal’s dominance grew towards the later stages of the first half.

The highlight of the first half saw Kieran McGee advancing from half back to collect a cross field pass that he made no mistake in putting over the bar. Points followed from Curran, McNulty and Roper, Donegal went in at the break with a 0:09 to 0:04 lead. Cork gained the upper hand in the second half and quickly ate away at Donegal’s lead.

A missed goal chance for Cork meant that they didn’t take a lead over Donegal. Letterkenny native Dualtach Molloy put Donegal back into the lead only for Cork to again level the scores. As the minutes ticked away, it looked like this game was heading for a draw until Kieran Mulvihil managed to score the winning point from a tight angle.

Final Score Donegal 0:13 Cork 0:12 Donegal now advance to play Wolfetones in the final scheduled for 2:30 on Sunday May 18th. The Donegal management will be hoping for a better performance against a Tones team that defeated Aidan MacAnespies in the other semi final game. This should be an intriguing contest as both teams are due to meet in their opening championship game the following week.

Donegal team C Murphy, G McDermott, S Lee, R Diver, P Collins, R MacNiallais, D McNulty, D Harkin, P Roper, K Curran, D Molloy, K Mulvihill

Donegal progess with cup win over Kerry

2008-04-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Canton MA Sunday April 20th. Donegal continued their cup run with a comprehensive win over 2007 intermediate champions Kerry. The Donegal team saw a number of changes to the team that defeated Mayo in the first round. Galway native Colm Murphy made his debut in goal, the game also saw the return of the McNulty brothers and Paul Roper in the forward line. The first half was a low scoring affair with both defenses holding tight. Sean Lee and Paul Collins had impressive performances in the back line. Donegal went in at the break with a 0:03 to 0:02 lead. The second half was a different story, Donegal dominated the midfield area with Donal mcNulty and Ronan MacNiallais fielding some excellent catches. Donegal added a number of points to leave the final score 0:09 to 0:02. Top Donegal scorer was Kieran Mulvihil with 3 points. The game also saw Jim Grant play his last game for Donegal Boston. Jim has been a great servent to the club over the years and all at the club wish Jim and his wife Clare all the best as they make the return to the hills of Donegal. Jim will be a welcome addition to the Malin club. Donegal team C Murphy, S McEwen, S Lee, P Collins, R Diver, Darryl McNulty, Donal McNulty, R Mac Niallais, K Curran(Capt), P Friel, P Roper, K Mulvihil, S Kelly. Subs played Jim Grant. Donegal now face Cork in the semi final on Sunday May 4th.

Paul Friel will be running a fund raising night for the Urris club at the Old Dorchester Post in Adams Village on Sunday May 4th. Up for grabs will be signed jerseys, Red Sox tickets and other memorabilia. Doors open at 6pm. Dan Hallisey will be providing the entertainment. Special guest John Friel. All welcome

2008 League Fixtures

2008-04-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

Senior Football
Sunday May 25th 5:00 Wolfetones
Sunday June 8th 2:30 Shannon Blues
Sunday June 22nd 2:30 Armagh Notre Dame
Sunday June 29th 5:00 Galway
Saturday July 5th 5:30 Kerry
Sunday July 20th 2:30 Mayo
Sunday July 27th 2:30 Cork
Sunday August 3rd 5:00 Connamara Gaels

Junior A Football
Sunday June 8th 12:00 McAnespies
Sunday June 15th 12:00 Armagh Notre Dame
Sunday June 22nd 12:00 Cork
Saturday July 12th 5:45 Kerry
Sunday July 27th 12:00 Wolfetones
Sunday August 3rd 1:45 Connamara Gaels

Donegal open 2008 season with a cup win

2008-04-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

Canton MA. Sunday 13th April. Donegal got a chance to blow away some of the winter cobwebs with an opening day O'Brien cup game against Mayo. The Donegal side included a number of debutants including Sean McEwen, Ronan Diver, Paul Collins, Ronan Mac Niallais, Kieran Mulvihil and Damian Harkin. All are welcome additions to the Donegal club. Donegal had the better of the early exchanges with kerrymen Collins and Mulvihil seeing plenty of early action. Donegal suffered a blow after 10 minutes with Kilcar native Keith Cunningham had to be withdrawn from the action due to a hand injury. We hope to see Keith back in action soon. After 15 minutes Mulvihil got a debut goal after latching onto a fumbled ball from the Mayo goalkeeper. At half time, Donegal led 1:05 to 0:01. The second half saw a more even contest with Mayo making more attacks forward and were unlucky to be denied a goal by the crossbar shortly after the break. Donegal added a number of further points to leave the final score Donegal 1:10, Mayo 0:04. Top Donegal scorer on the day was Kieran Mulvihil with 1:04. Donegal now go on to play 2007 Intermediate champions Kerry in the quarter final at 3pm on Sunday April 20th at the ICC. Donegal team P Robinson, S McEwen, S Leigh, K McGee, P O'Connor, P Collins, R Diver, K Cunningham, R Mac Niallais, K Curran(Capt), P Friel, K Mulvihil, S Kelly. Subs D Harkin, J Byrne

Sunday June 3rd 2007 [Late post]

2007-06-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

Donegal stunned by Galway
Canton Ma. Sunday June 3rd 2007. In only their second game after moving back up to the senior football championship Galway would make short work of Donegal on their way to a 3-09 to 1-12 victory. Donegal’s Paul Roper [pictured] will most likely be side-lined for the season with a broken collarbone that he received during the game. Donegal seniors will not be in action again until Sunday June 17th @2:30, when they will meet the Connemara Gaels.
Donegal Junior A updates will be posted soon.

Donegal Takes Their First Game in the 2007 Senior Championship Over the Wolf Tones.

2007-05-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Inishowen man Donnacha Gallagher was in fine form for Donegal on Sunday [Photo Neil McDaid]

By Neil McDaid
Canton Ma. USA - May 27, 2007. With the return of Billy Gavigan as manager, his Donegal panel would face a tough, hard hitting Wolf Tones side as they opened their assault on the 2007 Boston Northeast Senior Football Championship.
From the throw in it was obvious that the Tones were out for a physical game, but their aggression might very well have turned against them as Donegal would convert any free within range to their advantage.

Shoulder to Shoulder.

Donegal’s Thomas Dennehy gets into it with Tones' Danny McCann [Photo Neil McDaid]

Despite being tightly marked by the Tones' Cian Flanagan, Donegal’s midfielder Donal McNulty was getting above the rest and bringing down the high ball. But, getting the ball into the Donegal forward line proved a lofty task to say the least.
Numerous physical exchanges between the teams were obvious. Referee Brian Gallagher would keep things in check, awarding frees at will. Capitalizing on the frees for Donegal was their latest addition, Donnacha Gallagher, who proved to be the sting in the tail driving home 4 of Donegal’s first half points.
The Tones added a few new additions of their own for '07. The most notable is David [Dotsy] O’Callaghan, a former Dublin hurler turned Gaelic footballer. Lined out on the forward line, it was not too long before Dotsy had the score board rolling over for the Tones.

Preserving Donegal‘s Lead.

Keeper Marty Callaghan makes a great save on a penalty in the first half [Photo Neil McDaid]

With 20 minutes gone in the first, Donegal would offer some overly aggressive play resulting in a penalty being awarded to the Tones. Shane O'Brien would step up to take the penalty for the Tones but Donegal’s keeper, Marty Callaghan, was letting nothing in. Timing the kick perfectly, Callaghan deflected it to the right of the net. With a charge of waiting Tones players lunging forward, Callaghan then made a great effort and recovered the loose ball. Shortly thereafter an altercation would ensue. As a result Donegal’s Dennis Ferry and Tones' Cian Flanagan would go to the line on a straight red. Donegal would hold a single point advantage over the Tones at the half.
The action stayed lively into the second. Moving on a hand pass from Michael Molly, Donegal’s Paul Roper would solo forward on the Tones' goal. But, Tones' keeper Willie O’Dowd would move out to meet Roper and broke up his play. Donegal would eventually begin to add to their margin with points coming from Donal McNulty and Brian Gelthus. Continuing a great effort on the day, Donnacha Gallagher would drive home three more for a total of 7. In the end Donegal would capture a hard fought victory while collecting two championship points along the way. From here it’s on to meet Galway on the 3rd of June.

Final score Donegal 0-11 to 0-07

*Note: The Donegal junior game was cancelled

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Donegal schedule @The Irish Cultrual center Canton, Ma.

2007-05-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday May 27th,

Field A: 1:15 SFC Donegal v Wolf Tones

Field B: Jr A, Donegal v Shannon Blues

We look forward to seeing all our supporters in the stands on Sunday for the opening games of the 2007 Championship.

Full schedule can be found here

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Roper out, Mc Fadden moves to corner [Donegal GAA, Ulster Championship, IRL]

2007-05-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Colm McFadden pictured here playing for Donegal GFC Boston in 2005, moves to the corner for Sundays clash. [Photo/NeilMcdAID]

Brian Roper has lost the battle to prove his fitness ahead of Donegal's clash with Armagh in the Ulster championship at Ballybofey on Sunday.The 31-year-old forward was the star of Donegal's successful League campaign, scoring 0-3 in the final against Mayo, and his loss is a major blow to manager Brian McIver's plans.The loss of Roper will be tempered by the news that Brendan Devenney has made an unexpected recovery from the stomach muscle injury that threatened to ruin his summer. Devenney will play at full forward with Michael Hegarty moving to centre forward in the absence of Roper.Colm McFadden moves to the corner to accommodate the return of Devenney.Neil McGee has been named at corner back despite picking up an injury in the league campaign, while Paddy McConagley takes his place at right half back ahead of Thomas Donoghue.

DONEGAL: P Durcan; N McGee, P Campbell, K Lacy, P McConagley, B Monaghan, B Dunnion, N Gallagher, K Cassidy, C Bonner, M Hegarty, C Toye, C McFadden, B Devenney, K McMenamin.

Source: Setanta