DLF Magazine Issue 6

INTERVIEWS: CHRISTOPHER SWEENEY / SHAUN O’DONNELL / PADDY SWEENEY

DONEGAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE MAGAZINE ISSUE 6

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CLUB PREVIEWCOPANY ROVERSTHE MATCHDOWNTOWN UNITEDVS DEELE HARPS

MANAGER SCOPE:SEAMUS DOHERTYDOWNTOWN UNITED

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CONTENTSISSUE 6 MARCH 20134 The View From Finn Park From the archives of Finn Harps

11 Donegal Junior League All the latest News / Reviews / Interviews

14 The Match Match report and pictures from the match between Downtown United and Deele Harps

18 History Preview The history of Erne Wanderers

20 The Interview An indepth preview on Aston Villa and Republc of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark

26 Player Preview Paddy Sweeney - Donegal / America

30 College Soccer - LYIT LYIT Soccer teams into Semi-Finals

34 The Physio Report Joe Friel gives his advice and tips

36 Manager Scope An interview with Downtown United manager Shaun O’Donnell

39 Ultimate Soccer Quiz Test your knowledge of Soccer

40 Sports Nutrition Pearse Lafferty gives his advice and tips on how to prepare properly for a game

42 Player Scope An interview with Gweedore Celtics stopper Christopher Sweeney

44 Spot the Ball Your chance to win a €30 Gift Voucher

45 Inishown Football League All the latest News / Reviews / Interviews

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€499March 2013 DFLMagazine 3

the view from

Finn Park

from the

ARCHIVESAberdeen our first European adventure….

By Bartley Ramsay

Harps qualified for the U.E.F.A. Cup in the 1973/74 season by virtue of finishing runners up in the previous seasons League Championship to Cork Hibernians. The draw took place in July 1973 and paired Harps with Scottish First Division side Aberdeen. The Derry Journal reports that “Harps were delighted with Cup draw V Aberdeen. As a result Harps will not face heavy travelling expenses to Aberdeen and they will be an attractive draw for the football fans of Donegal.”

Harps travelled to Pittodrie for the first leg on the 19th September and in front of a crowd of 10,700 Harps went down by four goals to one. The honour of scoring Harps first European goal fell to Terry Harkin, in the eighty-eighth minute.

Aberdeen had taken the lead in the thirty-second minute of the first half. Willie Miller played a fine through

ball for his namesake Bertie Miller, who shot passed Murray in the Harps goal. Four minutes later some hesitancy in the Harps defence allowed Drew Jarvie to turn quickly in the box and slot home from close range. In the thirty-seventh minute the Harps defence allowed Arthur Graham too much time and space and his shot found the net to make it three nil.

On the resumption it was Harps who had the better chances. Jim Smith released Joe Nicholl, who rounded the goalkeeper but ran the ball wide with the goal at his mercy. In the eighty-third minute Aberdeen made the score four nil, when, after a fine passing move involving five players, Drew Jarvie beat Gerry Murray again from close range. Terry Harkin then scored Harps first European goal when the Aberdeen goalkeeper Robbie Clark failed to hold a Bradley shot and Terry

Harkin pounced to slip the ball into the net.

Harps lined out: Gerry Murray, Paddy McGrory, Peter Hutton, Declan McDowell, Jim Sheridan, Jim McDermott, Jim Smith, Joe Nicholl, Brendan Bradley, Terry Harkin and Charlie Ferry.

Afterwards Patsy McGowan was critical of the coverage given by the National Press “As far as I am concerned about the last match, the only true newspaper reports of the game were in the local papers. I feel that the national papers were very unfair in their reports and that this was one of the best performances given by our team in a very long time. There is no doubt that as ambassadors of our country it was an excellent venture and as well we have built up a tremendous relationship between ourselves and our friends from Scotland. I was happy with our performance and look

March 2013 DFLMagazine 5

forward to a better result on Wednesday.”

Looking ahead McGowan commented “As far as I am concerned about Wednesday’s game even though we are three goals down we still know we are in with a very strong chance. We managed to score against them on their own ground and we feel confident we can do even more on our own ground.”

As it turned out despite a determined effort by Harps they were to taste defeat once again to the Scottish side in front of a crowd of five thousand people.

Harps lined out with one change from the team that played at Pittodrie, with Tony O’Doherty coming into the defence and Paddy McGrory dropping to the substitutes bench.

Harps had the best of the opening stages, and despite this Aberdeen took the lead against the run of play in the twentieth minute. From a Bertie Miller corner Dave Robb headed home, the goal could have been prevented but some slack marking by the Harps defence allowed Robb in. Drew Jarvie got on the scoresheet again eight minutes later, when he got on the end of a through ball and sent the ball past Gerry Murray.

Harps pulled one back midway through the second half when Jim Smith’s cross found Terry Harkin and his shot found the back of the net. Harps had their best spell of the game and the crowd got right behind them. Harps almost had the equaliser some two minutes later but Aberdeen’s defender Jim Hermiston made a goal line clearance from another Harkin effort.

Again against the run of play Aberdeen got a third goal a minute from time, from Bertie Miller. Afterwards Patsy McGowan commented “I am proud of the way the boys played.

Finn Harps Team

6 March 2013 DFLMagazine

We are part-times and we fought back very well and it could just as easily have been a draw. Indeed a draw would have been the fairer result.

The Democrat noted “Outstanding for Harps were Tony O’Doherty, Jim Smith, Jim Sheridan, Declan McDowell, who had the makings of a fine player and Harkin.” Harps team: Gerry Murray, Tony O’Doherty, Peter Hutton, Declan McDowell, Jim Sheridan, Jim McDermott, Jim Smith, Joe Nicholl, Brendan Bradley, Terry Harkin and Charlie Ferry Sub Paddy McGrory for Ferry (70 mins); Not Used Joe Harper, Declan Forbes, Donal O’Doherty

Aberdeen Team

Terry Harkin Scores v Aberdeen

Captains exchange pennants


Finn Harps Neutrition ProgrammeFinn Harps Schools programme will Launch a Schools Neutrition Pilot Programme In Five Schools in County Donegal in the coming Month. The aim of the project is to incorporate a nutrition aspect into our School’s programme.

John Campbell coordinator of the Schools programme explained Neutrition is part of all sports now so we are adding a Neutrition element to ours schools coaching programme initaly we will pilot this in five school in the County over a six week period and then hopefully we can incorporate it into all the school in the programme come September. More details of the programme will be announced in the coming week.

Congratulations to Chantelle Grant who has made history by becoming the first female coach at Finn Harps. Chantelle is a former professional footballer with Chelsea. Chantelle will work on the Finn Harps Schools programme

Schools ProgrammeFinn Harps want parents to registrar with them for updates on Schools Programme.Finn Harps School are asking parents of children who benefit from the Harps Schools Coaching programme to registrar with them so that they can receive updates on the progress on a regular basis.(See page 9 for form). Print out the form and send it to us.

Finn Harps first Female Coach - Chantelle Grant

Chantelle Grant


FINN HARPS Schools Programme

Be Part of It!AN INVITATION TO TO ALL PARENTS & PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDRENAs part of Finn Harps Schools Programme we want to keep in touch with Parents and keep you advised of the programmes Finn Harps are part of in the Schools. We would be delighted if you would fill in the registration form below and return with your child to YOUR local School. We look forward to you being part of Finn Harps Schools Programme and will keep you updated on programmes througout the year.

Name:

Address:

Local School:

Your Email: Your Mobile No.

No. of Children at School: Age(s): Sex(es):

Home FixturesFri. 15 March, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Cobh Ramblers

Sat 23 March, 7.45pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Longford Town

Fri. 5 April, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Wexford Youths

Fri. 19 April, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Salthill Devon

Fri. 26 April, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Waterford United

Fri. 17 May, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Mervue United

Sat 8 June, 7.45pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Athlone Town

Fri. 5 July, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Cobh Ramblers

Fri. 12 July, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Longford Town

Fri. 26 July, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Wexford Youths

Fri. 9 August, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Salthill Devon

Fri. 16 August, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Waterford United

Fri. 20 September, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Mervue United

Fri. 4 October, 8pm - Finn Park Finn Harps v Athlone Town

Message from Road Safety

Simple changes to our behaviour make the

roads safer for everyone:

Slow Down

Wear a Seatbelt

Don’t Drink and Drive

Wear a Cycle Helmet

Wear a Hi Viz Vest

Will you ‘PLAY’ your part?


DEPART BURTONPORT - Boarding time 15 minutes before departure

Nov/Dec/JanMon-Sat 7.30am* 8.30am 10.00am 12.00pm 2.00pm 3.00pm 5.00pmSun 10.00am 12.00pm 1.00pm 3.00pm 4.00pm 5.00pm

Feb-May Mon-Sat 7.30am* 8.30am 10.00am 12.00pm 2.00pm 3.00pm 5.00pm 6.00pmSun 10.00am 12.00pm 1.00pm 2.00pm 4.00pm 6.00pm

June Mon-Sat 7.30am* 8.30am 10.00am 12.00pm 2.00pm 3.00pm 5.00pm 6.00pm 7.00pmSun 10.00am 12.00pm 1.00pm 2.00pm 4.00pm 6.00pm 7.00pm

July-Aug Mon-Sat 7.30am* 8.30am 10.00am 12.00pm 2.00pm 3.00pm 5.00pm 6.00pm 7&8pmSun 10.00am 12.00pm 1.00pm 2.00pm 3.00pm 4.00pm 6.00pm 8.00pm

Sept/OctMon-Sat 7.30am* 8.30am 10.00am 12.00pm 2.00pm 3.00pm 5.00pm 6.00pmSun 10.00am 12.00pm 1.00pm 2.00pm 4.00pm 6.00pm

* Please note that the following sailings do not operate on a Saturday: 7.30am departing Burtonport. * Friday late sailings throughout the year. Burtonport at 7.00pm & Arranmore at 7.30pm

DEPART ARRANMORE - Boarding time 15 minutes before departure

Nov/Dec/JanMon-Sat 8.00am* 9.00am 10.30am 1.00pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 5.30pmSun 10.30am 12.30pm 1.30pm 3.30pm 4.30pm 5.30pm

Feb-May Mon-Sat 8.00am* 9.00am 10.30am 1.00pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 5.30pm 6.30pmSun 10.30am 12.30pm 1.30pm 2.30pm 4.30pm 6.30pm

June Mon-Sat 8.00am* 9.00am 10.30am 1.00pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 5.30pm 6.30pm 7.30pmSun 10.30am 12.30pm 1.30pm 2.30pm 4.30pm 6.30pm 7.30pm

Nov/Dec/Jan Mon-Sat 8.00am* 9.00am 10.30am 1.00pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 5.30pm 6.30pm 7.30pm 8.30pmSun 10.30am 12.30pm 1.30pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 4.30pm 6.30pm 8.30pm

Sept/Oct Mon-Sat 8.00am* 9.00am 10.30am 1.00pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 5.30pm 6.30pmSun 10.30am 12.30pm 1.30pm 2.30pm 4.30pm 6.30pm

* Please note that the following sailings do not operate on a Saturday: 8.00am departing Arranmore

FERRY TIMETABLE

Car & Passenger FerryArranmore Island

Báid Farantóireachta Árainn Mhóir

BOOKOnline

www.arranmoreferry.comTel: 074 9542233 / 074 9520532

Cara na nOileán Teo.

Burtonport Pier, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Email: [email protected]

DONEGAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Old Orchard Division 1

23/02/2013Castlefin Celtic 1 vs 1 Ramelton Mariners FC Erne Wanderers FC 5 vs 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic FC Glenea United 3 vs 2 Mulroy Celtic 16/02/2013Castlefin Celtic 2 vs 1 Erne Wanderers FC Glencar Celtic 2 vs 2 Fintown Harps AFC Glenea United 4 vs 1 Ramelton Mariners FC Mulroy Celtic 6 vs 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic FC 09/02/2013Fintown Harps AFC 1 vs 1 Glenea United Kilmacrennan Celtic FC 1 vs 3 Castlefin Celtic Mulroy Celtic 2 vs 4 Glencar Celtic 02/02/2013Castlefin Celtic 2 vs 1 Mulroy Celtic Erne Wanderers FC 7 vs 2 Ramelton Mariners FC Glenea United 2 vs 2 Glencar Celtic

Glencar Inn Division Two

23/02/2013Donegal Town FC Reserves 1 vs 2 Milford United FC Keadue Rovers FC 3 vs 0 Gweedore United FC Tullyvinney Rovers 0 vs 3 Glenree United FC 16/02/2013Glenree United FC 0 vs 1 Cranford FC Reserves Keadue Rovers FC 1 vs 2 Downtown United FC 09/02/2013Donegal Town FC Reserves 1 vs 0 Glenree United FC

Downtown Cup Group A

16/02/2013Tullyvinney Rovers 1 vs 2 Milford United FC Res 09/02/2013Milford United FC Res 1 vs 2 Cranford FC Tullyvinney Rovers 1 vs 9 Erne Wanderers FC

Downtown Cup Group B

02/02/2013Kilmacrennan Celtic FC Res 2 vs 6 Fintown Harps AFC 26/01/2013Fintown Harps AFC 3 vs 2 Keadue Rovers FC

Downtown Cup Group C

23/02/2013Downtown United FC 1 vs 1 Deele Harps FC 16/02/2013Deele Harps FC 5 vs 0 Gweedore United FC Res 09/02/2013Gweedore United FC Res 2 vs 1 Downtown United FC Ramelton Mariners FC 0 vs 1 Deele Harps FC

Brian McCormick Sports Premier League

20/01/201324/02/2013Glenea United 4 vs 2 Dunkineely Celtic FC Gweedore Celtic 2 vs 3 Rathmullan Celtic 17/02/2013Castlefin Celtic 0 vs 4 St Catherines FC Gweedore Celtic 2 vs 1 Kilmacrennan Celtic FC Milford United FC 0 vs 1 Glenea United 10/02/2013Dunkineely Celtic FC 2 vs 3 Gweedore Celtic Lagan Harps FC 2 vs 2 Glenea United Rathmullan Celtic 3 vs 1 Castlefin Celtic 03/02/2013Castlefin Celtic 1 vs 4 Glenea United Gweedore Celtic 1 vs 0 Lagan Harps FC Rathmullan Celtic 1 vs 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic FC St Catherines FC 0 vs 1 Lifford Celtic FC

Watson Hire Division One

24/02/2013Donegal Town FC 4 vs 1 Keadue Rovers FC 17/02/2013Cranford FC 6 vs 0 Raphoe Town Eany Celtic FC 2 vs 2 Curragh Athletic FC Keadue Rovers FC 2 vs 1 Drumoghill FC 10/02/2013Eany Celtic FC 0 vs 2 Cappry Rovers 03/02/2013Cappry Rovers 0 vs 4 Donegal Town FC Cranford FC 3 vs 0 Ballybofey United FC Raphoe Town 2 vs 3 Keadue Rovers FC Eany Celtic FC 5 vs 0 Arranmore United

CT Ball Division Two

24/02/2013Bonagee United FC 2 vs 1 Glenree United FC Convoy Arsenal FC 6 vs 0 Copany Rovers FC Drumbar FC 0 vs 1 Gweedore United FC Kerrykeel 71 FC 3 vs 0 Dunlewey Celtic Whitestrand United FC 0 vs 1 Letterbarrow Celtic FC 17/02/2013Bonagee United FC 2 vs 2 Dunlewey Celtic Gweedore United FC 10 vs 0 Convoy Arsenal FC 10/02/2013Copany Rovers FC 1 vs 6 Kerrykeel 71 FC Whitestrand United FC 3 vs 1 Bonagee United FC 03/02/2013Glenree United FC 2 vs 0 Convoy Arsenal FC

Ulster Cup

24/02/2013Carndonagh FC 3 vs 0 Curragh Athletic FC Kilmacrennan Celtic FC 1 vs 3 Killylough FC Milford United FC 1 vs 2 Lifford Celtic FC Monaghan Town 1 vs 2 Moville Celtic 17/02/2013Lifford Celtic FC 2 vs 1 Greencastle FC

All fixtures and results are correct at time of print. Log onto www.donegaljuniorleague.ie for up to date fixtures

FEBRUARY 2013 RESULTS


BRIAN MCCORMICK PREMIER DIVISION

03/03/201314:00 Castlefin Celtic vs Dunkineely Celtic FC 14:00 Gweedore Celtic vs St Catherines FC 14:00 Kilmacrennan Celtic FC vs Glenea United 14:00 Milford United FC vs Lifford Celtic FC 14:00 Rathmullan Celtic vs Lagan Harps FC 10/03/201314:00 Castlefin Celtic vs Lifford Celtic FC 14:00 Gweedore Celtic vs Glenea United 14:00 Kilmacrennan Celtic FC vs Lagan Harps FC 14:00 St Catherines FC vs Rathmullan Celtic 17/03/201317:00 Castlefin Celtic vs Milford United FC 17:00 Lifford Celtic FC vs Glenea United

WATSON HIRE DIVISION ONE

03/03/201313:00 Donegal Town FC vs Arranmore United 14:00 Ballybofey United FC vs Drumoghill FC 14:00 Cappry Rovers vs Curragh Athletic FC 14:00 Eany Celtic FC vs Keadue Rovers FC 10/03/201313:00 Arranmore United vs Raphoe Town 14:00 Cranford FC vs Donegal Town FC 14:00 Drumoghill FC vs Curragh Athletic FC 17/03/201314:00 Cappry Rovers vs Keadue Rovers FC 14:00 Raphoe Town vs Curragh Athletic FC

CT BALL DIVISION TWO

03/03/201314:00 Dunlewey Celtic vs Drumbar FC 14:00 Letterbarrow Celtic FC vs Gweedore United FC 10/03/201314:00 Bonagee United FC vs Convoy Arsenal FC 14:00 Copany Rovers FC vs Gweedore United FC 14:00 Glenree United FC vs Drumbar FC 14:00 Kerrykeel 71 FC vs Whitestrand United FC 14:00 Letterbarrow Celtic FC vs Dunlewey Celtic 17/03/201314:00 Gweedore United FC vs Dunlewey Celtic

OLD ORCHARD INN DIVISION ONE

02/03/201314:00 Fintown Harps AFC vs Castlefin Celtic 14:00 Glencar Celtic vs Erne Wanderers FC 14:00 Ramelton Mariners FC vs Kilmacrennan Celtic FC 09/03/201314:00 Kilmacrennan Celtic FC vs Fintown Harps AFC GLENCAR INN DIVISION TWO

02/03/201314:00 Deele Harps FC vs Cranford FC Reserves 14:00 Downtown United FC vs Donegal Town FC Reserves 14:00 Glenree United FC vs Milford United FC 14:00 Tullyvinney Rovers vs Gweedore United FC 09/03/201314:00 Cranford FC Reserves vs Donegal Town FC Reserves 14:00 Downtown United FC vs Glenree United FC 14:00 Gweedore United FC vs Deele Harps FC 14:00 Keadue Rovers FC vs Tullyvinney Rovers

BRIAN MCCORMICK PREMIER DIVISION

Team P W D L GS GA GD Pts

Glenea United 11 8 2 1 25 11 14 26Rathmullan Celtic 11 7 1 3 29 11 18 22Kilmacrennan Celtic FC 10 7 0 3 22 12 10 21Lifford Celtic FC 10 7 0 3 18 11 7 21Gweedore Celtic 14 6 1 7 17 28 -11 19Dunkineely Celtic FC 13 4 3 6 32 32 0 15Lagan Harps FC 12 4 3 5 15 23 -8 15St Catherines FC 13 4 2 7 22 26 -4 14Milford United FC 10 4 1 5 18 16 2 13Castlefin Celtic 12 0 1 11 9 37 -28 1

WATSON HIRE DIVISION 1

Cranford FC 14 9 2 3 38 19 19 29Donegal Town FC 13 9 1 3 29 13 16 28Curragh Athletic FC 12 7 5 0 38 8 30 26Eany Celtic FC 14 7 3 4 27 20 7 24Cappry Rovers 13 6 3 4 30 20 10 21Keadue Rovers FC 12 4 5 3 26 21 5 17Drumoghill FC 13 4 2 7 20 30 -10 14Ballybofey United FC 13 2 6 5 14 25 -11 12Raphoe Town 13 1 2 10 14 52 -38 5Arranmore United 13 1 1 11 9 37 -28 4

CT BALL DIVISION 2

Bonagee United FC 14 10 1 3 36 26 10 31Kerrykeel 71 FC 14 10 0 4 44 19 25 30Gweedore United FC 12 9 0 3 42 12 30 27Whitestrand United FC 14 9 0 5 32 20 12 27Dunlewey Celtic 12 7 2 3 27 21 6 23Glenree United FC 14 7 2 5 29 24 5 23Convoy Arsenal FC 14 3 1 10 25 42 -17 10Letterbarrow Celtic FC 13 3 1 9 11 35 -24 10Copany Rovers FC 14 1 4 9 20 49 -29 7Drumbar FC 13 1 3 9 16 34 -18 6

OLD ORCHARD INN DIVISION 1

Erne Wanderers FC 12 9 1 2 38 17 21 28Glenea United 13 6 4 3 23 16 7 22Ramelton Mariners FC 12 5 4 3 24 23 1 19Fintown Harps AFC 11 5 3 3 25 17 8 18Glencar Celtic 11 4 4 3 22 26 -4 16Castlefin Celtic 12 4 2 6 21 23 -2 14Mulroy Celtic 12 4 1 7 21 23 -2 13Kilmacrennan Celtic FC 11 2 4 5 17 29 -12 10

GLENCAR INN DIVISION 2

Deele Harps FC 8 8 0 0 32 6 26 24Donegal Town FC Reserves 11 6 2 3 28 17 11 20Glenree United FC 11 5 2 4 19 15 4 17Keadue Rovers FC 11 4 3 4 25 18 7 15Downtown United FC 9 4 3 2 16 15 1 15Milford United FC 10 4 1 5 12 31 -19 13Cranford FC Reserves 9 2 3 4 11 18 -7 9Gweedore United FC 10 3 0 7 15 24 -9 9Tullyvinney Rovers 9 1 0 8 10 24 -14 3

(P) Played (W) Win (D) Draw (L ) Lost (GS) Goal Scored (GA) Goals Against (GD) Goal Difference

All fixtures and results are correct at time of print. Log onto www.donegaljuniorleague.ie for up to date fixtures

Fixtures - March League Tables 1/03/13


PREVIEW

SATURDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2013

THE MATCHDOWNTOWN UNITED

VS DEELE HARPSBy Gerard Diver

A cold and bitter afternoon in Letterkenny awaited Downtown United and Deele Harps in the final game in “Group C” which finished all level after a tough and entertaining match at Errigal College.

With Deele already through to the semi-final of the Downtown Cup, Downtown only needed a draw to get through to the kockout stages of the cup. Downtown had to change kits before the game started due to their original kit being ‘just outa the wash’. However they started the brightest and forced Deele on the back foot where they had three quick corners in succession but failed to convert any of then.

Deele looked dangerous on the attack and The inform Deele Harps opened the scoring after only ten minutes when a corner to the back post was volleyed home in style to make it 1-0.

Deele continued to play quick counter attacking football and they nearly extended their lead a couple of minutes later with a shot from inside the box by Gallagher that went narrowly wide. As the game progressed Downtown came into it with Niall Bonner going close on a couple occasions and the Deele Keeper pulling of some fine saves.

As half time approached Downtown got themselves back on level terms when a ball down the left from Nicky Mc Garrigle found Bonner who drove a low hard cross into the box where Luke Friel slotted home at the back post. The second half was end to end with both teams creating chances. Downtown were reduced to ten men on seventy minutes but withstood some late pressure from Deele with their defence well organised by Gio Peoples and Andrew Doherty.

Man of the match was Gio Peoples

Referee : Gerry Rodden

Stalemate in Letterkenny as Downtown United draw with Deele Harps in the Cup

PREVIEW

Downtown United 1 Deele Harps 1

Deele Harps 1st goal


Downtown United

Deele Harps


Erne Wanderers Football Club are based in the town of Ballyshannon in the south of the County. The club was founded in 1992.

aving gained entry to the Donegal Saturday League Erne Wanderers spent their initials seasons becoming acquainted with the League and it’s clubs. They registered their first success in 1998 when they won the K&K Cars/ Whitehorse Inn Saturday Division Two title ahead of Kildrum Tigers. This victory sparked a series of trophy winning seasons. The following season they won the Downtown Cup defeating Bonagee United in the final. 1999/’00 saw the club again win the Saturday Division

Two title with Cranford United in second place.

Having been promoted to the Saturday Division One League the club retained that status the following season. 2001/’02 saw the club compete well throughout the season and they finished the campaign in runners-up spot behind Deele Harps. 2003 brought little reward on the domestic front however the club reached the last sixteen of the FAI Junior Challenge Cup going down to Freebooters of Kilkenny by a single goal to nil.

2005 saw the club won the Saturday Division Two title for the third time in

seven seasons. They also reached the final of the Kilmac Recycling Saturday League Cup that season but they lost the decider to Glenea United. In season 2005/’06 the club finished their League campaign as runners-up to Glenea United. They went on to capture the Kilmac Recycling Saturday League Cup with victory over Kildrum Tigers. This was to be the clubs last game in the League for a number of years.

In 2010 the club was re-established and just as in 1992 they entered the Donegal Saturday League. The club became immediately successful and won the Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two title at the first attempt.

The History of Erne Wanderers

CLUB Focus

ERNEWANDERERS FC

Sportsmans Cup Donegal Area Winners receiving the shield from League Chairman James Mc Grory


Another good season in 2011/’12 saw the club finish as runners-up to Gweedore Celtic Reserves in the Willie Duffy Saturday Division One. Erne Wanderers now play their home games at the Lakeside Centre in Ballyshannon. This is a new development which boasts a full sided artificially surfaced pitch and floodlights as well. The club have a strong player base and are currently looking forward to the start of the 2012/’13 season.

Erne Wanderers

Erne Wanderers Donegal League Presentation Dinner


THE INTERVIEW


CIARANCLARK

Aston Villa & Republic of Ireland


Ciarán Clark (born 26 September 1989 in Harrow, England) is a Republic of Ireland international footballer who plays for Premier League club Aston Villa.

Clark is naturally a central defender, but is also able to operate as a central midfielder and a left back.

Clark captained England at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level, but in October 2010 declared his ambition to play for the Republic of Ireland. He was called up to the national team a month later for the friendly match against Norway, and made his full debut against Wales on 8 February 2011

“It never felt right to me

when I was playing for

England because Ireland

was always the country

I wanted to represent,”

Clark said. “This is the

natural path for me

because I have come from

an Irish background and

spent most of my summer

holidays over there when I

was a kid. I loved my time

in Leitrim and Donegal

and it has always felt

like home to me in many

ways.”

Clark’s father Michael

was born in Scotland,

but moved to Ballyare,

Donegal as a boy, even

lining out as a teenager

for Milford United. The

Leitrim connection comes

from his mother, Peggy,

who was born and raised

in Drumshambo. Clark’s

parents married and

moved to England, where

Ciaran was born in 1989.

“Even though I was born

and raised in England,

I have always felt an

allegiance to Ireland, but I

wasn’t offered the chance

to represent the country

at junior levels. Maybe the

Irish officials didn’t realise

I was available, so England

was a second option.

“If someone from the FAI

had come along to me

when I was 16 and offered

Packie in his Celtic colours

THE STORY SO FAR...


me a chance to play at

junior level in a green

shirt, I would have jumped

at it. Yet it was England

that chased me to play for

them and it seemed like

the right thing to do at the

time.”

Clark captained England

at both under-19 and

under-20 levels, guiding

England u19s to the

2008 UEFA European

Championships. He

missed the finals of the

competition through

injury, and then moved

on to play twice as captain

for the under 20s before

switching allegiance

to Ireland. Fellow Villa

defender Richard Dunne

was instrumental in the

switch, informing the

FAI of Clark’s intentions

as well as being an

inspiration in the Villa

Park dressing room.

“He didn’t try and pressure

me or anything,” Clark says

of Dunne’s guidance. “He

just asked me would I be

interested in playing for

Ireland, and I said I would

be more than interested.

He knew some of the

coaches at Ireland, so he

put the word in and since

then it’s just been moving

forward.

“The difference this

time is it feels right to be

preparing to fly to Ireland

for an international game

and there was never any

doubt in my mind that

I would take this route

when Richard Dunne

spoke to me about it a

few months back. I didn’t

have to think twice about

declaring myself for

Ireland and I owe Richard

so much for helping to

make this happen. If I have

anywhere near as good an

international career as he

has enjoyed, then I’ll be

delighted.”

Giovanni Trapattoni

yesterday that both Clark

and Everton’s Seamus

Coleman would make

their debuts in tomorrow’s

Carling Nations Cup

match against Wales, and

hopefully both players live

up to the potential they’ve

shown at their respective

clubs.

“My family will be so proud

if my first cap comes

against Wales and while

there will be some nerves

for me meeting up with

the squad for the first time,

there will also be plenty of

excitement. I can’t wait for

this chance.”

Aston Villa

Early career

Although born in London

and growing up in Sandy,

Clark came through the

Aston Villa youth academy

after joining at the age

of eleven. He captained

the academy U-18 team

to the 2007–08 Premier

Academy League, the

academy’s maiden league

title. He was given a squad

number for the 2008–09

season and named on the

bench for Villa’s 2008–09

UEFA Cup match away

at CSKA Moscow, but

remained an unused

substitute. He captained

the reserves to the Premier

Reserve League South title

and defeated PRL North

winners Sunderland in the

play-off final to win their

first ever Reserve League

trophy.

2009–10 season

Clark was included in the

squads for the preseason

friendlies and the 2009

Peace Cup. On 30 August

2009, he made his debut in

a 2–0 win against Fulham.

With Curtis Davies

unavailable through

injury, the nineteen-

year-old was named in

Villa’s starting line-up,

partnering Carlos Cuéllar

in defence. He helped

keep a clean sheet and


the role against Fulham

and Blackpool due to the

club’s injury crisis. On

27 November 2010, Clark

scored his first two goals

for the club in a 4–2 defeat

against Arsenal at home.

He scored a 91st minute

equaliser against Chelsea

on 2 January 2011 to rescue

a point.

Also in the same season he

became the only player in

Premier League history to

be booked in six successive

appearances within the

same season.

2011–12 season

Clark scored his first FA

Cup goal for the club

against Bristol Rovers on

29 January 2012, with a

fantastic solo run, including

stepovers and a left footed

strike curled into the

bottom corner.

2012–13 season

On 25 August 2012, he was

sent off against Everton

for a professional foul

on Nikica Jelavic. On

3 September 2012, he

scored his first goal of the

season in a 1–1 draw away

nearly marked his debut

with a goal but sent his

header inches wide. Garth

Crooks of the BBC named

the youngster in his Team

of the week. Although the

formidable partnership of

new signings James Collins

and Richard Dunne limited

him to the bench, he was

tipped to break into the

first team on a regular basis

within several years. In

November 2009, he signed

a contract extension until

2012.

Clark’s second appearance

in an Aston Villa shirt came

at Villa Park as the home

side beat Brighton and Hove

Albion 3–2 in the 2009-10

FA Cup.

2010–11 season

Clark started in the first two

league games of the 2010–

11 season: against West

Ham United, partnering

Richard Dunne and keeping

a clean sheet; then against

Newcastle United. Clark also

was handed a start in Gérard

Houllier’s first match as

new Villa manager, against

Blackburn Rovers in the

League Cup. He then started

the match against local

rivals Birmingham City in

midfield and continued in

Lining up for the Republic of Ireland vs Walesdebut for Ireland vs


to Newcastle United. On

8 December 2012, after

captaining Villa’s youth

and reserve sides, Clark

was handed the armband

for the senior side for the

first time in a 0–0 draw

at home to Stoke City F.C,

after Gabriel Agbonlahor

who had started the match

as captain was replaced by

Darren Bent. Clark then

followed up his initial role

as captain by performing

the role again, this time for

the full 90 minutes, 3 days

later in a 4–1 victory in the

Football League Cup away at

Norwich City F.C which saw

Villa qualify for the Semi-

Finals.

International Career

England

Clark captained the

England U-19 team through

qualification for the 2008

European Championships,

playing in five out of the

six qualifiers and scoring

a goal. He missed out on

the tournament through

an ankle injury sustained

during training. After being

promoted to the England

U-20’s, he was appointed

captain and scored in only

his second match, in a

friendly against Italy on

March 2008.

Republic of Ireland

In late September 2010,

Football Association of

Ireland (FAI) officials

approached Clark about

switching his allegiance.

They sent scout and

former Republic of Ireland

under-21 manager, Don

Givens, to watch him in the

match against Blackburn.

On 5 October 2010, it was

reported that Clark had

pledged his international

future to the Irish national

team as he qualified

through his Irish parents.

Richard Dunne played a role

in convincing him and had

spoken to FAI scouts about

his eligibility.

On 12 November 2010, Clark

was named in the Republic

of Ireland squad for the

friendly against Norway.

[17] He then made his debut

on 8 February 2011 against

Wales at the Aviva Stadium.

On 6 February 2013, Clark

scored his first goal for

Ireland, helping them to a

2–0 friendly victory against

the Poland national football

team.

Honours

• Premier Academy League:

Winner 2007–2008

• Peace Cup: Winner 2009

• Premier Reserve League:

Winner 2008–2009

In action for Aston Villa vs Sunderland FC


Donegal - America

PADDY SWEENEY

Paddy with his son Keenan


My story so far

My father Eamon was born in Ranafast and my mother Winnie was born in Falcarragh. They met and married in Glasgow and had four children: Kelli-Ann, myself (Paddy), Michael and Katie. My father worked construction but when he got the chance would take me and Michael up to Parkhead to watch Celtic.

In 1990 when I was 14 we returned to Donegal. My sister Kelli-Ann and I started attending Rosses Community School. I had played a bit of football in Scotland, but it was James O’Donnell who was a fantastic player, just returned from Leeds, who encouraged me to come around and train with Keadue Rovers. I remember watching the first team players – Brendan

Gillespie, Pete Duffy, Packie Gallagher, John Gorman and Ben Boyle and thinking what I am I doing here, but thankfully they had a U17 team and a reserve team. I really enjoyed the training with Keadue over the next few years. I looked up to Derek Bonner and Martin Forker. Both were super fit and very good players and I wanted to be like them. I played regularly for the

PADDY SWEENEYFrom Keadue Rovers to America

Maryland professional team (Paddy front row 5th from right)

Sweeney began his career with storied Irish amateur club Keadue Rovers F.C.. He was then chosen to play for Donegal youths and Ulster schools select teams. He signed his first contract in 1993 at the age of 18 for Finn Harps F.C. of the League of Ireland First Division under manager Patsy McGowan. He played there from 1993-1994 and then signed with Sligo Rovers F.C. of the League of Ireland Premier Division under manager Tony Fagan. Sweeney played with Sligo Rovers F.C. from 1995-1999 and was a member of the first team squad that won the League of Ireland Cup in 1998. During those years he was also managed by Nicky Reid the former Manchester City F.C. fullback.


reserves and eventually made it into the first team, but I did spend a lot of time on the bench, however it was a great learning experience. Sometimes I would get 20 minutes at the end of the game, and I loved just being a part of it. Eventually I got more playing time with the first team. John Andy Bonner was an influence on me at this time as were the Gillespie family from Mullaghduff who were all footballers. John coached the U17 team around that time, and if I remember correctly we lost in the U17 county final

that year. We had a fairly good team and four of us – Cathal Brennan, Steven Cowley, Adrian Sweeney and myself were called into the U18 county panel by the manager then, Ritchie Kelly. It was a great opportunity to play with some really top players like Paddy McGrenahan, Mark Curran and Brendan Devenney. Playing with Keadue was some of the fondest memories I have in football. In 1993 I signed with Finn Harps. During that season I played with Harps Reserves in the Ulster Senior League and then in 1995 I signed with Sligo Rovers where

I stayed until 1999. The opportunity to play for Sligo was amazing for me. From the moment I arrived, Tony “Fago” Fagan, a Sligo Rovers legend and a former Finn Harps player, took me under his wing. The atmosphere there was really professional. Willie McStay had come over from Celtic to manage the team for the 1994 season in which Rovers won the treble, so a lot of his training philosophies were still being implemented when I arrived, even though McStay had returned to Celtic.

Paddy in Bahrain


I used to stay the night before games with “Fago” and his family and he really helped toughen me up as a player. If anyone didn’t go full blooded in for a tackle he would absolutely go mad. During my four seasons there I was also coached by Steve Cotterill, Jimmy Mullen, and Nicky Reid. Nicky had played with Man City and Blackburn and had come in as a player/manager in 1997. It was under Nicky that we won the League Cup in 1998 against Shelbourne. At the end of the 1999 season I took up an offer of a soccer scholarship in the United States. I attended Milligan College in Tennessee where I studied and played for 2 years. This

is also where I met my wife Bethany who was playing for the women’s team and studying there. In 2003 I signed with Virginia in the USL Pro Select League. I stayed there until I tore my cruciate ligament in my right knee in 2005. While I was injured I decided to work on my coaching licenses. Doing this I believe helped me stay involved in the game and I managed to obtain a USSF A License as well as complete a FIFA coaching course. In 2010 Anthony Hudson opened the door for me to be a player/assistant coach of Maryland a USL Professional team, and this was a great experience. Anthony is now head

coach of the U23 Bahrain National Team in the Middle East, and I have been out to assist him train the team in preparation for a couple of U23 international tournaments. I am presently living in Florida with my wife Bethany and 6 year old son Keenan. I work as the Technical Director for a men’s soccer program at a small college here and plan on heading out to Bahrain again in the near future. Football in Donegal has meant a lot to me and this magazine has helped keep me up to date. To read the articles makes Donegal not seem so far away. I will always be grateful for the times I had playing football in Donegal.

Paddy in Maryland CAREER

Youth career1991–1993 Keadue Rovers

Senior career*1993–1994 Finn Harps 1995–1999 Sligo Rovers 1999–2000 Milligan College 2003–2004 Northern Virginia Royals 2006–2008 St. Pete Aztecs F.C. 2010 Real Maryland Monarchs Teams managed2001–2010 Azalea Youth Soccer League (Director of Coaching)2008–2011 Tampa Spartans (Assistant)2010 Real Maryland Monarchs (Assistant)2012- Clearwater Christian College


LYITCOLLEGES @UNIVERSITIES

FOOTBALL LEAGUE

LYIT mens team secured a safe

passage into the semi-finals

of this years cup competition

after an easy victory over GMIT

Castlebar on the LYIT Campus

pitch last Wednesday afternoon.

Niall McGonagle`s side had

previousely taken care of

Sallynoggin College 3-0 prior

to christmas and two weeks

ago managed an excellent 0-1

victory away at Cork IT before

last weeks quarter-final.

If truth be known LYIT were

never in danger from their

county Mayo counterparts

whom play in the second tier

of the Colleges & Universities

League in Division one

while the Donegal lads are

consistently challenging

for honours in the Premier

Division.

LYIT were one up after 24 mins

as Finn Harp`s under 19s player

Dean Bonner`s inswinging

corner fooled the visiting

keeper and nestled in the back

of the net.

Five minutes later Dylan

Ramsay of Cappry Rovers set

recent Finn Harps signing Josh

Mailey free down the right and

his whipped centre was met by

Anthony Appiah to make it 2-0.

The away team got back into it

on 35 minutes when Stephen

Doherty looped home a header

after Sean Black in the home

goals failed to punch home.

Despite their temporary

set back, LYIT continued to

dominate and when Mailey

`s surging run from midfield

pu tFinn Harp`s Jordan Duffy

through the young Ballindrait

marksman made no mistake to

make it 3-1. The game was put

to bed shortly afterwards when

Mailey played a quick free to

Harps 19s Ryan Curran and the

young Buncrana man rifled a

fantastic shot to the top corner

from 25 yards out.

LYIT will now progress to play

holders Carlow IT in the semi-

final on tue 6 March in Tallaght,

Dublin.

Referee: Con McLaughlin,

Assistants: Marty Quinn, Marty

McGarrigle

LYIT: Shaun Black, Dylan

Ramsay (Steve Okakpu), Dean

Bonner, Jamie Boyle, Eoin

Barrett, Josh Mailey, Jordan

Duffy, Ryan Curran, Corey

Gallagher (Kevin Doran), Luke O

Farrell, Anthony Appiah (David

Gethins)

LYIT through to semis Carlow IT next up in the Semi-Final on Tuesday 6th March 2013


A Denise Doherty goal after 32 minutes was enough to see the ladies soccer team from LYIT reach the semi -final stage of the Colleges & Universities Ladies League play-offs on Tuesday afternoon with a victory over the University of Limerick in a game played at Athlone IT. The diminutive Carndonagh native reacted quickest after strike partner Orla Farren`s initial shot had rebounded off the upright after a sustained period of LYIT pressure to give Niall McGonagle`s team the lead going into the half-time break.

LYIT had dominated the opening period and but for some sub-standard finishing and a few excellent stops from the UL goalkeeper the half-time lead could and should have been much more. In the second period as so often happens when teams dont take their chances the UL girls grew in confidence as the second half wore on and the southern side looked dangerous on the break as LYIT continued to dominate but just couldnt get the second goal that would have but the game to bed. However with Danielle Doherty and Mary T Cairns

forming a solid partnership in central midfield and central defenders Chantelle Grant and Niamh McCarthy performing admirable in the heart of the LYIT defense the Port Rd. students held on for a memorable upset which will now see them take on the winners of Jordanstown and NUI Maynooth in next weeks semi-final contest. LYIT: Sarah Faulkner, Nicole Clark, Aine Higgins, Chantelle Grant, Niamh McCarthy, Mary T Cairns, Fiona Rowland, Danielle Doherty, Orla Farren, Denise Doherty, Aishling Carlin. Substitutions Rebekah Mooney for Nicole Clark(injured) 17 mins, Norrell Nicholas.

LYIT LADIES through to semis

LYIT Ladies reach the semi -final stage of the Colleges & Universities Ladies League play-offs

DOUBLE HEADER PREMIER WEEKEND2 Day Trips taking in 2 Premiership Games & trips to European Nights also available

Bar Food served all day

in association with Doherty Travel Dungloe

For more details contact Gerard or John at the Stepping Stone on 074 95 61781or Seamus or Eimear at Doherty Travel on 074 95 21105


Main StreetDungloeCo. DonegalTel: 074 95 61781

DOUBLE HEADER PREMIER WEEKEND2 Day Trips taking in 2 Premiership Games & trips to European Nights also available

Showing all your favourite Sports on 61 inch HD TVs

Pints of

Carling€3.00

During Games

Bar Food served all day

Live Music at the weekend

Disco every Saturday

Night

Watch out for our April Tour to watch CELTIC in Europe

& at home in the SPL & a top Premier League Game in the North of England

in association with Doherty Travel Dungloe

For more details contact Gerard or John at the Stepping Stone on 074 95 61781or Seamus or Eimear at Doherty Travel on 074 95 21105

Soccer injuries are hard to avoid because soccer is a collision sport and injuries do occur sometimes. However, increased knowledge about injuries will help you decrease the risk of getting them. That is why I created this guide because I know from experience thatknowledge about injuries will not only help you prevent a soccer injury, it will also help your recover faster.

Heading or Not?There have been some controversial studies claiming that repeated ball heading may cause a brain injury similar to that seen in boxing.

But this is yet to be proven. However, after heading a ball in 15 years my brain power has increased comparing to what is claimed in these studies :-)

Head BangingThis is a common head injury in soccer. It usually occurs when you and an opponent attempt to head the ball at the same moment.Collision of this type may result in a concussion, a cut or a serious neck injury.Broken noses, cheeks and jaws are also common. My experience of this injury is an three days head ache and a big black eye :-)

GoalkeeperAs a goalkeeper you are unique in many ways! The frequent diving makes you more likely to injure your shoulder and elbow.

Catching and blocking balls also causes injuries to your wrist and hands. The most typical soccer injuries for a goalkeeper are the finger injuries.

Catching a soccer ball on the top of your finger can really hurt and even result in fractures.

Other soccer injuries that you may need to suffer as goalkeeper are forearm fractures, wrist fractures and sprains.

Lower Back PainLower back pain could be a sign on ligament sprains or even muscle strains. This type of injury will often respond well to traditional treatment (ice, compression, rest and so on). But, if you feel persistent or recurrent pain in your lower back I recommend you to visit an orthopedic specialist for further evaluation.

GroinThe groin is one of the most common injuries and is really hard to avoid. The best method for healing this type of injury is rest.

If you are unlucky you could be forced to stay off the field for several weeks. One thing you can do to minimize the risk of groin injury is to warm up properly.

Lower ExtremityThe lower extremity injury account for more than sixty percent of all injuries. The most dominant injuries occur often to the knees, shins and even ankles.One thing you can do to minimize the risk of this injury is to always wear correct shoes and right size of shin guards.Stress fractures and a variety of overuse injuries involving your legs, ankle, and feet in soccer are overuse injuries frequently encountered by soccer players.

KneeThe knee injuries can be mild to varying degrees of severity. Some ligament sprains just require rest, while others may require reconstructive surgery.

If you suffer a real serious knee injury you will usually need approximately six months to recover from it.

The Physio Report Tips and Facts By Joe Friel

Useful Tips for Preventing Soccer Injuries


JOE FRIELPain & Injury Clinic

NMT PT (ANMT)

Neuro Muscular Physical Therapist

Treatments available for:

• Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain

• Sports Injury

• Headaches

• Nerve Entrapment

• Restricted Movement

• Shooting Pain

• Ankle Sprain / Strains

Killult, Falcarragh, Co. Donegal

Telephone:

087 7961494www.physiodonegal.com

Dislocations of the knee-cap are a common soccer injury, especially for female soccer players. Sometimes braces can be used after an injury to provide increased protection to your knee. You may also use it to prevent a knee injury.

Meniscus tears and ligament injuries are usually a result from pivoting or sudden deceleration stresses. Stretching and a proper soccer warm up can help prevent you avoid them.

Treatments are rest, ice, compression and elevation. Formal physical therapy for rehabilitation is also needed in most cases.

AnkleAnkle injury is in the form of varying degrees of ligament tears. The basic treatment can be ice, elevation, compressions and a splint (usually forsprain injuries.

Fractures are not uncommon and all ankle injuries with accompanied swelling should have an evaluation by a specialist. If you suspect a sprain be sure to consult a specialist directly.

ShoulderThe most common shoulder injury in soccer is a separation of your shoulders which is a form of ligament sprain.

This injury will require you to wear protective padding measures to control the pain. But if you are really unlucky more serious severe ligament tears may require surgery.

Shoulder dislocation is another less common injury that you need to watch out for. But if you are unlucky I can only say that it really hurts!

There are two type of shoulder dislocation: a partial dislocation or a complete dislocation. A complete dislocation is something you don’t even wish on your worst enemy.

The pain cannot be described with words and you will need to find a doctor or specialist who will push your shoulder back into the socket!!! My goodness, it hurts just to write about it :-)To say it wasn’t a pleasant experience , would be an understatement.!!!!!

With all on these injuries, you should seek help/advice as soon as possible. The sooner you begin to get treatment, the sooner you are on the road to recovery...


Age: 18How did you get involved with managing Downtown United?I used to play for Orchard United years ago, I had to retire through injury and when Downtown started up they were on the lookout for a nmanager and the players asked me to manage the team. Think this is my fouth year involved with them. I knew they were struggling that year and I thought i’d help them out and I haven’t looked back since. I enjoy it, it’s a bit of craic as well. I orignally from Dungloe and I used to play for Maghery Celtic for years. Then I moved to Letterkenny and played for Orchard United

Are you involved in the running of the club in any way?I’d be involved in helping out with the fundraising. We sell lotto tickets and we also host a night at the races, anything to help keep the club afloat.

What style of football do you encourage your team to play?We like to play the ball out from the back along the ground as much as possible and try to get the boys to play the ball to feet. I wouldn’t be a fan of the long ball. I’d try to encourage them to be comfortable on the ball and not to panic. We have a good few young lads playing in the team and they

do alot of the running.

What achievements have you had to date as player and manager?As a player, I’d have to go back along way there! I won the CT Ball division away back with Maghery Celtic. Got to the cup final with Orchard a year also. My first year with Downtown we were runners up in both the league and the cup that season.

Do you find it hard to attract players from around the area to play for Downtown, considering that their are so many teams in the Letterkenny Area?

Manager ScopeSHAUN

DOWNTOWN UNITEDO’DOnnell

Downtown United manager Shaun O’Donnell gives aninsight into life as a manager with Downtown united


Its hard every season when you lose players to other clubs, you have to rebuild every year. Alot of other teams are struggling at the moment. Alot of players have even gone out of the town to sign for teams, like Curragh and teams like that. We also lost a couple of young players who to Fanad and Finn Harps. I’m not gona hold any player back from progressing as a player with another club. It is very hard to keep them at the club. We have got a young squad at the moment and we’ll try to build a team based on youth along with a few older ones amongst them.

Immigration has also played a factor in losing players, we lost three to four boys already that have gone travelling.

What are your targets for this season?Today against Deele in the cup is a big game, if we get at least a point were through to the quarter final of the Downtown Cup which would be a good boost for the team. Were also doing well in the league, we could be pushing for promotion come end of the season. Deele are way out on top so we’ll be battling it out for second if all goes well.

Do you think Downtown will ever make the move back into Sunday football in the future?I can’t see it happening. A lot of young lads enjoy their Saturday nights to much to give up their Sundays. The first year the club was formed it was involved in Sunday football but it was decided that Saturday football would suit best. It would be a big step up for our club.


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Photographs?Have you any old or current soccer photos that you would like to see in DFL Magazine?

yes! Email your photos to [email protected]

Where was the 1986 World Cup held?

Who was the last player to captain England before David Beckham?

What football club did Gordon Banks play for when he won his 1966 World Cup medal?

Fill in the missing name in this sequence of England managers: Ramsey, Mercer, Revie, ? , Robson.

Which of these players never scored a hat-trick for England: Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, Paul Scholes, Luther Blissett, Teddy Shering-ham, Alan Shearer?

England coaches Sammy Lee and Ray Clemence played together at which club?

How many places were allocated to African teams for the 2006 World Cup?

What did all these players win between 1989 and 1997: Paul Merson, Matt Le Tissier, Lee Sharpe, Ryan Giggs, Andy Cole, Robbie Fowler and David Beckham?

Aside from goalkeepers, which two England captains since 1966 never scored their country?

Which of these players never captained England’s senior team: Peter Beardsley, Paul Ince, David Seaman, Bobby Charlton, Gordon Banks?

Who was England’s football manager in the 1970 World Cup?

How many players in England’s 2006 World Cup squad were also in the 1998 squad? And to ask a tougher question, name them..)

Which manager first appointed David Beckham as England captain?Who was the first player to play for England who had not been born when England won the world cup in 1966?

What was the score after extra time before England lost on penalties to Portugal in the quarter final of the European Championship in June 2004?

In what World Cup did the England goals by Mariner, Robson and Francis feature in games against France, Czechoslovakia and Kuwait?

Who was England’s first national team manager (or ‘coach’, since inter-pretation of the job title back then is open to debate)?

Whose injury made way for Geoff Hurst in England’s 1966 World Cup team?

THE ULTIMATE SOCCER QUIZ Think you know your Soccer?

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1. Mexico / 2. Martin Keown/ 3. Leicester City/ 4. Ron Greenwood (1977-82) / 5. Teddy Sheringham / 6. Liverpool / 7. Five / 8. The (PFA) Young Player of the Year award, 1989-97 / 9. Mick Mills and Trevor Cherry / 10. Gordon Banks / 11. Sir Alf Ramsey / 12. Five - Sol Campbell, Gary Neville, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand / 13. Peter Taylor (for Taylor’s one match in charge as caretaker manager, versus Italy in November 2000) / 14. 2-2 (Portugal won the penalty shoot-out 6-5) / 15. Spain 1982 / 16. Walter Winterbottom (1946-63) / 17. Jimmy GreavesAD

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SPORTS NutritionFitness Testing 2 By Pearce Lafferty

occur in the sport. From the brief physiological, Biomechanical and common injuries listed below you will have a better understanding of what types of tests to administer to a soccer player.

PhysiologicalSoccer is an intermittent sport in which the aerobic energy system is highly taxed. Players run on average 10km.

An elite soccer player engages between 150-250 brief intense actions throughout a game. A 2- to – 4 second sprint occurs every 90 seconds.Sprinting occupies 3% and accounts for 1-11% of the

distance covered in a match. Soccer players have reported mean and peak heart rates of around 85 and 98% of maximal values.

Final Thought Fitness testing is essential to the preparation for the coming season and most important constant assessment will keep each player strong throughout the season.

Next Month’s issue The importance of inhabiting the muscle.Speak Soon,Pearce.

About Pearce LaffertyI am a professional strength and conditioning coach which takes into consideration Advanced Strength & Conditioning, Physiological & Biomechanical Assessments, Movement Analysis & Corrective Exercise also Performance Nutrition. I am a recent graduate of Loughborough University BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Science and Middlesex University MSc Strength & Conditioning. Since the start of my education/ career I am pleased to say I have worked with Donegal Schoolboys for six years with a further two years at Finn Harps Football Club, I have also undertook placement at Leicester City Football Club Academy for a season as part of my MSc. I have worked with various sports ranging from boxing to basketball. I am currently with Derry City Academy as strength and conditioning coach.

This month’s Issue Fitness Tests 2All fitness tests are based on the needs of the sport. Fitness tests are always based on the physiological, Biomechanical and common injuries that

This month’s Topic Fitness Testing 2


Age: 26 Height: 6ft Weight: 12.9 stone Position: GoalkeeperAHonours to date?Donegal league winner, Brian mc Cormac Sports cup winner, Donegal youth league winner. All with Gweedore Celtic.

What teams have you played for?Glenea Utd, Gweedore Utd, Letterkenny Rovers.

How long have you been with your current club? Ive been with Gweedore Celtic since day one , think I was 7 or 8 years old , I was with them right up until I was 19, spent about 3 years playing for Glenea and Gweedore Utd, but I missed Gweedore Celtic so

I decided to come back and play for them. No place like home!

How has this season gone for you so far?This season has been up and down compared to the highs we had in the last few seasons , emigration has played a huge part and that has effected our team. We have lost about ten players that played on the team who won the league two years ago and were in transition at the present time and continue to develop. On a personal level , it’s been a mixed season on behalf of my own performances but as late, ive been happy with my performances.

What’s your biggest achievement and disappointment?Biggest achievement would be winning the league and

cup with Gweedore Celtic, biggest disappointment would be loosing the league to Glenea in a play off on penalties. That was tough to take.How would you describe your self as a player?Em.. Very Consistent and reliable and always looking to improve my game and driven to be the best In the league and to continue to be the best.

Most memorable save?There would be a good few saves that would stand out but my most memorable save happened recently playing for Gweedore Celtic against Curragh, we were on a bad run, going into the match with a few defeats, relegation was looming if we didnt get a win that day but we were level at 1 a piece , curragh put on total pressure where they were throwing

We caught up with the Gweedore Celtic netminder recently to talk about the season so far.

PLAYER SCOPEChristopher SweeneyGweedore Celtic


everything at us and the balls was hit across the box, this guys takes a snap shot I went to my right hand side to save it, it took a deflection , I adjusted myself toMy left handside and I couldn’t have stretched any further and got my fingertip on the ball to divert it around the post, it was like slow motion, we went on after that to win. 2-1.

You recently played for Ulster in the Inter provinces, can you tell us about that? Yea I did alright, corky our donegal league team manager sat us down at our first get together of the year and told us about how they’re would be international trials in January. He said they’re would be trials for an ulster squad first and if we got passed that stage we would be selected for Ulster/Connaught to play Munster/Leinster squad in a play off to represent Ireland at the uefa regions cup In San Marino in march, I got the call from Diarmuid Doherty the inishowen league manager to attend the trials for ulster and I never looked back after that, we went to Dublin and played Munster/Leinster and I was picked as the number 1 keeper ahead of two other lads. We went to play the match and unfortunately we got beat 2-0 but I had

the match of my life that day and I got good reports back and got 9 out 10 in player ratings in the national media but unfortunately it was the winning team that would have to go and represent Ireland and If it was a open trial I would be very confident on making the squad. A great experience and It will live with me for ever.Toughest Opponent to date and why (player and team)This guy Is my team mate now at Gweedore Celtic, but I played against him when I was at Glenea Utd, I have to say Thomas Diver would be my toughest opponent, he always seems to score against me, a class act.

What is the training like at the club Training is top class, Hughie Rua and Paddy Duggan make it enjoyable and now with Shane Barr on board he helps with training and theres always new drills every night and that what makes it enjoyable.

Who is the worst trainer in the club Have to say Thomas Diver. When your on the same team as him at training, he never tracks back ha.

Worst dress sense Definitely Fionnan Diver, some of the clothes he sometimes wears, hillarious lol.

Worst Dancer on a night out Martin “Tubridy” Curran, he pulls off some rear moves in the cvu niteclub at weekends.

Most Skillfull player in the club The most skillful I seemn would be Gary Whoriskey, class act, he lives Dubai now but when we had him, he was a joy to watch,

What player do you look uptoShay Given and Iker Casillas.

What team(s) do you support Arsenal and Celtic

What are your targets for the seasonTo finish as high up as we can in the league and to keep pushing myself to keeping improving my game.

What do your team mates call you (Nickname)Everyone calls me by my surname. Sweeney or Sweenster.

Who do you think will win the title this year in the Donegal Premier League I think Glenea will win it again this year,it will be difficult with the likes of kilmac breathing down there neck and keeping them on there toes.


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COMPETITION

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INISHOWEN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

By Terence Hegarty


In the Jackie Crossan premier division leaders Glengad United suffered their first defeat of the season when they were beaten at home by Clonmany Shamrocks by three goals to two, having beaten Aileach the previous week.

Glengad would have been looking to a home victory over their title challengers Clonmany to consolidate their position at the top with Clonmany and Moville Celtic who are also in the hunt for the title drawing the previous week. Glengad will see this as a missed opportunity.Glengad finished the month with a narrow 3-2 victory away to neighbours Culdaff with a controversial late penalty deciding the tie but the title race is still open with both Clonmany and Moville very much in the title race, but this will depend on their games in hand. If both can win those games then it moves them to within a point of Glengad in the case of Clonmany and two points for Moville.

Elsewhere in the division, Redcastle drop from second spot to fifth. Carn move up to third spot but are nine points behind Glengad with

just one game in hand and at the bottom both Cockhill and Illies have been relegated. Both teams have struggled all season in the top flight and the drop down next season will give them both a chance the rebuild

In the Strand Hotel First division like Glengad in the premier division, first division leaders Quigley’s Point Swifts suffered their first defeat away to joint second placed Rasheney, which sees Dunree United back on top by a single point. Rasheney undid their good work then by drawing with Moville and loosing to Buncrana where QPS and Dunree both recorded two wins to leave them clear of Rasheney. But with six games left each the title is still all to play for and with much of next month taken up by cup competitions, it looks like going all the way to the end of the season before the league is decided

The Reserve Premier division looks like a battle between Aileach and Quigley’s Point Swifts, three points separate them. Aileach top the division with 22 points from 9 games and QPS are in third with

19 points from 8 games and can go level if they win their game in hand. Culdaff are in second spot with 21 points but have 11 games played and aren’t out of the hunt just yet while the rest of the teams are playing for league positions at this stage

In the Reserve First Division February has proved like the top divisions in the fact that leaders Redcastle have been beaten for the first time and it was a bit of an upset having beaten their nearest challengers Rasheney Reserves earlier to open up a six point gap. They then lost to Rasheney Rovers who is the third team at Rasheney.

Redcastle are still six points clear with Rasheney reserves having a game in hand.Redcastle will be expected to bounce back from this defeat and go on and win the division, but the defeat may cause a few doubts and give Rasheney Reserves something to chase for.

As for the rest of the teams, it’s a matter of positions at this stage as Redcastle have a big gap on them.

Inishowen Football LeagueReview of February


This was a clash of the two teams likely to battle it out for the league title.

After an even opening the visitors broke the deadlock on 7 minutes when Gavin Gallagher in the home goal parried a Stephen O Donnell corner allowing James Wallace to bundle the ball home from close range. The swifts responded positively and dominated

the next period of the game. A quick free by Paul Hegarty released Aiden Lynch who played a one two with Dean Hegarty, but his effort was narrowly wide of the upright. Moments later another good move by the home side saw Stephen King rise unchallenged at the back post to head a John McCloskey over the crossbar.

After fifteen minutes more home pressure forced a corner. Paul Hegarty’s in swinging corner was met by John Mc Closkey, but again he headed over Aileach replied on 21 minutes with O’Donnell’s deep free into the penalty area was well held by Gallagher in the home goal.

Midway through the half the Swifts Stephen King advanced on the right and saw his super cross taken off the head of McCloskey by David Mc Geady in the Aileach net. Aileach then had another free from O’ Donnell saved by Gallagher. The home side ended the half strongly with Paul Hegarty’s driven free kick well saved low to his right by Mc Geady before the keeper advanced to smother at the feet of Aiden Lynch as he raced onto a Dean Hegarty through ball.

The home side started the second half strongly with Aiden Lynch trying his luck from eighteen yards but his effort was smothered by Mc Geady.

Donegal Signs Reserve League Shield Semi Final - 24.02.13

Quigley’s Point Swifts Res 0 - 2 Aileach Res

Match officials on the day


Then Stephen Grant dispossessed a defender and raced into the area but saw his low driven cross held by Mc Geady. On 63 minutes the home side were out of luck when Sean McIvor’s looping effort from a Hegarty cross was clawed away by Mc Geady when it looked like dropping in at the back post. The home side were well on top and Aiden Lynch fired over from a good position.

The home side then had a gilt edged chance after Paul Hegarty’s free was flicked on by McIvor to Dean Hegarty but he fired into the side netting from eight yards. Aileach were defending in

numbers and relying on the quick break but the home side continued to press and on 72 minutes Mc Closkeys cross found Paul Hegarty who headed agonisingly wide from ten yards.

Aileach certainly had luck on their side on 75 min when Paul Hegarty rattled the crossbar with a fine thirty yards effort with Mc Geady in the Aileach goal well beaten. Aileach were always dangerous and in a quick break Liam Burke broke clear but saw his effort saved at the expense of a corner by Gavin Gallagher in the home net.

The point threw caution to the wind and pushed forward in numbers and when Paul Hegarty picked out McIvor with a fine crossfield ball his cross was met by Lynch whose powerful header also crashed back off the bar. and the home side got the feeling that it was just not their day and that was proved in the last minute. A quick clearance by Mc Geady in the Aileach net sent Ciaran Criag clear and he converted the rebound after his initial effort was parried by Gallagher to make it 2-0 and a score line that did not reflect the pattern of the game. But it’s Aileach who advance to the final where will defend the Shield they won last season

Quigleys Point Swifts Reserves


Quigleys Point Swifts Reserves

Rasheney reserves were looking to make it two finals in a row after narrowly loosing out to Aileach last season. But it was Glengad that got off to a dream start when they opened the scoring on 5 minutes, when a long ball from Connor Farren was not cleared by the home defence and ran all the way past Sean Friel in the home goal.

Rasheney hit back on 14 minutes when John Doherty fed Brian Doherty but after his effort was blocked by Stephen McLaughlin in the

visitors defence the rebound fell to Kevin Noone who fired wide. Glengad increased their lead on 21 minutes after Christopher McLaughlin collected a cross field pass and hammered a powerful half volley from twenty five yards past Friel.

Niall McLaughlin then had a shot blocked by Rasheney’s Sean Doherty before play switched to the other end where Gary Doherty had a long range effort saved by Michael McLaughlin. Glengad made it three nil on 36 minutes when top scorer

Gary Kelly pounced on a defensive error to drill the ball home from ten yards.

They as good as sealed the tie before the break when a deep cross from Farren found Christopher McLaughlin who slotted home at the back post.

Glengad almost increased their lead on the restart but Friel in the home goal made a superb save to deny Kelly Rasheney upped the tempo and pressed the visitors back for a period with John Doherty’s mazy run ending

Aileach Reserves

Donegal Signs Reserve League Shield Semi Final - 24.02.13

Rasheny Res 1 - 5 Glengad Res


EDITORIAL

Tel: +353(0)87 7730727Email: [email protected]: Gerard DiverDesign: Gerard Diver

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Jackie Crossan Premier Division

P PtsGlengad 13 32Moville 11 24Carn 12 23Clonmany 10 22Redcastle 13 22Aileach 13 18Culdaff 15 17Illies (R) 13 7Cockhill * (R) 13 0* points deducted

Strand Hotel First Division

P PtsDunree 15 37QPS 15 36Rasheney 15 31Moville Res 17 26Greencastle 13 15Gleneely 16 13Carrowmena 17 11Buncrana * 14 8* points deducted

Inishowen EngineeringReserve Premier Division P PtsAileach 9 22Culdaff 11 21QPS 8 19Glengad 12 18Clonmany 11 15Carn 11 12Cockhill 9 11Sea Rovers 11 0

Inishowen Engineering Reserve First Division P PtsRedcastle 11 28Rasheney Res 10 22Moville Youths 12 19Cockhill Colts 10 18Dunree 8 12Rasheney Rovers 12 12Illies 10 7Greencastle 10 6

Inishowen League Tableswith an attempted lob which landed on top of the net. They got a goal back on 79 minutes when Ryan Doherty’s well flighted corner eluded all and landed in the net.

Glengad hit back and when Kelly rounded keeper Friel he was upended but Stephen McLaughlin’s spot kick was brilliantly saved by Friel diving to his right.

In the last minute Rasheney forced a corner and with all players forward Glengad cleared the ball to Niall McLaughlin who walked the ball half the length of the pitch before sliding to the unguarded net to set up a final appearance in a few weeks time with Aileach Res.


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DLF Magazine Issue 6

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Transcript of DLF Magazine Issue 6