No silverware this year for Juniors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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