Inishowen League: Greencastle look to bounce back, but tough test awaits at Shamrock Park

THERE IS ANOTHER full programme of games in the Inishowen League at the weekend before cup games take over for the next two weekends

BY DIARMUID O’BRIEN

The clash of Clonmany and Greencastle catches the eye and will draw a big crowd to Shamrock Park. QPS and Moville will be a keenly contested affair while the meeting of Illies and Buncrana is always a top local derby.

Culdaff host an Aileach side who will hope to go one better than last season.

In the First Division Cockhill and Redcastle meet in a tough clash while Dunree entertain Carn FC and Carrowmena host Rasheney.

 

Jackie Crossan Premier Division, 2pm

Clonmany Shamrocks v Greencastle FC (T Moyne)

HAVING failed to qualify from their League Cup group, Pat McLaughlin will be hoping that his Greencastle side can get off to a good start in the league.

They had a bye in the opening round of fixtures and have been handed a tough start facing Glengad and now Clonmany in their opening games.

Clonmany topped their group in the league cup and with Sean Tolley joining Paul McLaughlin they will be in contention this season. Clonmany at home are always difficult to beat.

Greencastle lost heavily to Glengad last week and will find Clonmany tough to beat at Shamrock Park.

 

Illies Celtic v Buncrana Hearts (T McAree)

BOTH sides have qualified for the quarter finals of the League Cup and respective managers John Doherty and Hugh McGonigle will be pleased with that.

Illies secured a narrow one nil win over Culdaff while Buncrana fell to the same scoreline in Muff so the visitors in particular will look to take something from this clash.

Illies look to new signing Johnathan Noone in goals to tighten them up in defence while Buncrana will hope the experience of Liam McCarron among others will be dominant.

Illies at home are always difficult to beat and they might cause an upset.

 

Culdaff FC v Aileach FC (W Harvey)

GAMES between the two are always close and hard fought affairs with Culdaff’s scoreless draw in the Lakeside last season dealing a serious blow to their league chances.

Aileach have retained the majority of their squad from last season but Culdaff are stretched to the limit with injuries and the loss of key players.

Aileach will expect to collect maximum points.

 

QPS v Moville Celtic (C Doherty)

THIS should be another entertaining clash between two teams who should be challenging at the top of the table.

The Point started well and have a League Cup quarter final to look forward to as well as an opening day win over a young Buncrana side.

Moville are in a bit of transition also but played well in the league cup before losing their opening league game away to Glengad.

In a tough call home advantage may be crucial.

 

Strand Hotel First Division, 2pm

 

Carrowmena FC v Rasheney FC (D McLaughlin)

RAYMOND Dougal will be hoping that his side can recover from their heavy defeat to Dunree at the Warren.

They face a Rasheney side who drew four all with Redcastle in their opening game.

Both sides have a mix of youth and experience with the home side looking to James Gillen and the visitors banking on Corny McCole to lead by example. On form Rasheney will be favourites

 

Cockhill Celtic Youth v Redcastle United (B McDaid)

THIS game will give an early indication of where both teams are at for the season ahead. Shaun McLaughlin has taken the reigns at Cockhill while David Cunningham has stepped into the breach in Redcastle.

The likes of Michael Coyle and Darragh McDermott carry a potent goal threat for the Youths while Brendan Murphy remains Redastle’s chief threat. Cockhill start as favourites.

 

Dunree United v Carn FC (E Doherty_

JAMES Hegarty remains in charge at Dunree and they have a really settled squad with the return of Paul McGettigan and the introduction of Jerry Farrell and Darryl Moran.

They play good football but one ingredient missing to date has been their ability to convert their chances when they arise.

Niall McGuinness has returned to the hotseat in Carn and finds them in a totally different place to two seasons ago when they won the league title.

McGuinness will command respect and it will be interesting to see how his young players will adapt this season. They will cause surprises but it remains to be seen if they will be consistent.

 

 

Inishowen Football League Fixtures

Friday 11^th September, 6.15pm

 Donegal Signs Reserve League Shield

Clonmany Reserves v Culdaff Reserves, QPS Reserves v Moville Reserves, Cockhill Colts v Redcastle Reserves, Gleneely Reserves v Aileach Reserves

 

Sunday 13^th September

Jackie Crossan Premier Division, 2pm

Illies Celtic v Buncrana Hearts, Clonmany Shamrocks v Greencastle FC, Culdaff FC v Aileach FC, QPS v Moville Celtic.

 

Strand Hotel First Division, 2pm

Carrowmena FC v Rasheney FC, Cockhill Celtic Youths v Redcastle United, Dunree United v Carn FC.

 

Donegal Signs Reserve League Shield, 11am

Greencastle Reserves v Rasheney Reservess, Illies Reserves v Carrowmena Reserves, Moville Reserves v Clonmany Reserves, Sea Rovers v Culdaff Reserves, Aileach Reserves v Cockhill Colts, Redcastle Reserves v Carn Reserves, Aileach Youths v Buncrana Reserves, Glengad Reserves v Dunree Reserves

 

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