Curragh Athletic FC, Co. Donegal

Donegal Footall League Season 2010 - 2011 Manager Shaun Carlin G BARBER - Official Sponsors 2011 - 2012 Season Donegal Football League website link: www.donegaljuniorleague.ie OCTOBER 2011 08112010: Boyle brace seals Cup victory for Curragh Brendan Boyle turns away in delight after his curling shot hits the back of the net to put Curragh 3 - 1 up. Curragh Athletic FC 4 Downtown Utd 2 Curragh progressed to the fourth round of the Fai Junior Cup thanks to a hard earned victory over a very determined Downtown Utd outfit. In a game that saw the Saturday League team put a tremendous fight of it, the home team only looked save after Brendan Boyle’s brilliant thirty five yard shot on ninety minutes. The game was only four minutes in when Stephen Toye struck to give Downtown a shock lead. But Curragh responded with Kevin Rafferty rattling the crossbar on eleven minutes and Sweeney had a goal rules out for offside on twenty one minutes. As the home side continued to dominate, both Rafferty and Sweeney could have scored before finally the home side got the breakthrough. A good through ball from Chris Burns put Sweeney through and he made no mistake on thirty six minutes drilling the ball to the far corner. Four minutes later it was two goals to one for Curragh, when Rafferty brilliantly headed home from a free kick from Jason Sweeney. Curragh extended their lead three minutes after the break when Brendan Boyle curled a fantastic shot past the helpless Liam Mc Laughlin. Although, it may have looked game set and match then for Curragh, Downtown had other ideas and credit to them, they made a great game of it and were rewarded when Paddy Collins pulled a goal back on seventy two minutes. As both sides went in search of goals, Chris Burns cleared a ball off the line for Curragh and Jason Sweeney saw his header from a Calvin Bradley cross brilliantly saved by Mc Laughlin. This was fine team effort from Downtown Utd with Paddy Collins and Liam Mc Laughlin outstanding. Best for Curragh was Brendan Boyle and Kevin Rafferty. Referee: Martin Mc Cafferty. Cruise control for Curragh in derby as Sweeney and Rafferty net hat-tricks. Curragh Athletic 8 Cappry Rovers 1 In what was expected to a very close derby, Curragh produced their best display of the season to completely outclass a star studded Cappry Rovers side. As it turned out, it was the away side who almost scored in the first minute when Dillon Roarty put the ball the wrong side of the post when one on one with the keeper. However, from here until eighty eight minutes when Malachy Martin scored a consolation for Cappry, Curragh produced what can only be described as tremendous display of passing and scoring which left Cappry completely outclassed on the day. In a week when the team received generous sponsorship of a new kit from “The G Barbers, Donegal Street, Ballybofey, it was fitting that the players should turn in such a tremendous display with their debutante new kit. Their first goal for the home side came on eleven minutes when Mark Doherty slotted the ball in off the crossbar from fifteen yards. Kevin Melaught then let fly and almost scored before Jason Sweeney somehow missed when one on one with keeper Ryan Dorrian. However a minute later Curragh went two up when Sweeney’s shot was parried by the keeper and Rafferty was there to send the ball to the empty net. Cappry had a few efforts in between with Mc Laughlin and Niall Bonner, but Curragh were becoming more and more dangerous on attached and Jason Sweeney then rounded the keeper on forty five minutes to make it three nil at the break. Cappry started the second half more business like with Dougie Mc Feely, Niall Bonner and Frank Mc Glynn looking like they meant business, but the midfield of Kevin Rafferty, Gerard Melaugh, Calvin Bradley and Simon Canning weren't’t having any of yet. It was four nil on forty nine, when Sweeney again slotted home after by now, a very nervous Cappry Rovers defense were finding it difficult to deal with frequent attacks from Rafferty, Bradley and Sweeney. However, Cappry did make another chance on fifty two minutes, but as O Meara cut down the angle, Roarty lifted the ball over the bar. The away side temporarily regrouped with veteran ex Curragh player PJ Gallagher moving into defense, however, Curragh were far from finished and Kevin Rafferty then competed his hat-trick with fine goals on sixty seven and seventy four minutes before Calvin Bradley completed the rout on seventy nine minutes. This was a fine team effort by Curragh who also had fine displays from Michael O Brien and Mark Doherty, but it was Rafferty and Sweeney who were rampant against a very lacklustre Cappry Rovers side. Final score eight one to Curragh. Referee: Paddy Duffy. 26092010: Curragh outclass Eany Celtic Curragh Athletic 4 Eany Celtic 1 In a game played in glories weather conditions, it was Curragh who ran out convincing winners over Eany Celtic. Most of the action took place in the first half when Curragh continued to barrage the Eany rearguard with some fine football and passing and in fact it would be fair to say that the score-line could have been much worse for the South Donegal side but for some excellent saves from John Leonard in nets and also when Curragh rattled the post on two occasions in that first half. The opener came on eleven minutes when Kevin Rafferty hammered home a thunderous shot into the top corner after Leonard had saved from Damian Duffy. The woodwork then saved Eany on two occasions when both Rafferty and Duffy almost scored. However, on thirty one minutes, Michael O Brien played Jason Sweeney through and he made no mistake firing home into the bottom corner. It was three nil on forty three minutes when Damian Duffy slammed the ball into the back of the net after Calvin Bradleys shot was again saved brilliantly by Leonard. The second half saw less action, but Curragh could have added to the score when both Sweeney and Bradley saw their shots go the wrong side of the post. Eany to their credit kept plugging away and went close on a few occasions especially when Aidan Kenny fired just over the bar. John Rose tried hard for the visitors, but their best player was John Leonard who pulled off some fine saves particularly in that first half. Curragh produced a great team effort on the day with debutant Calvin Bradley, Kevin Rafferty and Brendan Boyle outstanding. Referee: Seamus Mc Croary 20/09/2010: FAI Junior Cup: Letterbarrow Celtic 2 Curragh Athletic 4 (AET) Barclay double sends Curragh through after extra time. 12/09/2010: Sweeney double give Curragh good away win. Drumbar Rovers 0 Curragh Athletic 2 Two goals from Jason Sweeney gave Curragh a fine away 2 – 0 nil win over Drumbar Rovers. The game was only two minutes old when he put the away side one nil in front, and a further goal came when he rounded the keeper on seventy minutes to fire the ball home. This game was a close affair with Drumbar strong as always, but it must be said that the better team on the day deserved the win. Still short some of their regulars, Sean Carlin will be happy with the result as not many teams will go there and come with this result. Curragh were made to work hard, but had some good performers in the game especially a well organised back four with Chris Burns and Michael O Brien outstanding. In midfield, Simon Canning worked tirelessly throughout, Jason Sweeney always looking cap[able of scoring, while Brendan O Meara in nets never looked like conceding. Curragh Athletic 0 Ballybofey Utd 1 Curragh opened their new season with one nil defeat to Ballybofey Utd. The all important goal came two minutes into the second half when Ryan Mc Kinley headed home a free kick on the edge of the six yard box. However, the home side could and should have been ahead at the break with their best chance falling to Gary Doherty when he was one on one with the keeper, but the veteran Eamon Mc Cauley saved well. Jason Sweeney also could have scored, when he saw the ball go wrong side of the post. But credit to Ballybofey who seem to get the upper hand in midfield with Conor Doherty their star player for them and Trevor Scanlon organising well the defence. The game was played in very windy conditions and with few chances at either end, however Ballybofey could have went two up on eighty minutes, when against the run of play they were awarded a penalty. Conor Doherty, however fired his shot well over the bar. Best for Curragh was Kevin Rafferty and Com Burns with Conor Doherty and Trevor Scanlon outstanding for Ballybofey. Referee: Kevin Logue. 21/08/2010: Curragh Athletic 1 Deele Harps 2 (aet) A young Curragh side lost out to Deele Harps in the first round of the Sportsmans Cup curiously of an extra-time winner from Kieran Mc Gowan. Following a minutes silence for Curragh legend Danny Bomber Rouse who died suddenly at the weekend, the game saw the home side almost take the lead on four minutes when both Colm Melaugh and Simon Canning had shots blocked on the line. However, it was the away side who did take the lead on eleven minutes when Shane Gallagher slid the ball past Brendan O Meara in the Curragh nets. For most of the first half it was a very even affair, but on fifty six minutes, Jason Sweeney riffled a twenty four yard free into the top corner giving the Deele keeper no chance. After this, Curragh looked on top and should have gone in front on at least two occasions when both Sweeney and Barclay could have scored. However, a breakaway on eighty four minutes saw Deele awarded a penalty, but O Meara made a brilliant save from Garvan Gallagher. Extra time and Deele looked the more likely to score and they did just that on ninety seven minutes. This was a good run out for both teams especially the young Curragh side which included three of the under sixteen team. Best for Deele was Gary Crawford with Jason Sweeney best for Curragh with debutantes Gary Kelly, Ronan Gallen and Colm Melaugh all having a good run out. Referee: Denis O Donnell. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2009 - 2010 Season ____________________________________________________________ Curragh Athletic Players with Manager Sean Carlin and committee after winning the League Title on Sunday (18/4/2010) in Letterbarrow (Brendan O Meara missing) Jason Sweeney puts Curragh 3 -0 up with a header from a cross by Calvin Bradley Jason Sweeney about to complete his hat-trick to give Curragh the Title. Players, committee and supporters about to be presented with the Donegal League Trophy Curragh odds on to lift Title after home win. Bradley and Boyle secure another win. Curragh Athletic FC 2 Aranmore Utd 0 Curragh Athletic took a major step towards securing the title with a well deserved two goal victory at the Curragh Sports Complex on Sunday last. However, although the home side dominated the majority of this match, they squandered several good chances before Brendan Boyle ensured the victory on sixty three minutes with a well placed header. The first half saw few chances early on, but as Curragh began to take control, Damian Duffy, Calvin Bradley and Ryan Kelly all could of scored with Kelly seeing his shot blocked by Frankie Early in the Aranmore nets when he was one on one with keeper. However, the all important breakthrough finally arrived on thirty nine minutes when Calvin Bradley, from the right side of the eighteen managed to wriggle his way through and although two forwards tried to get the touch to his shot across goal, the ball nestled in the far corner of the net. Aranmore Utd’s best chance of the match arrived in forty four minutes, but Brendan O Meara was quick to save. The second half saw Curragh dominate with several efforts on goal, the best from Calvin Bradley when he smashed a thunderous shot against the bar on fifty four minutes. Gerard Melaugh, Ryan Kelly and Renato also had good efforts. Darren Mc Creary also hit a post on eighty four minutes as Curragh tried to add to their tally. Daniel O Donnell played well in midfield for the Islanders while they had their man of the match in goalkeeper Frankie Early. Curragh were well served by Mark Doherty and Brendan Boyle in central defense with Paddy Kelly, Gerard Melaugh and Damian Duffy also having good games for the home team. Curragh now lead the league with one game remaining which is an away tie to Letterbarrow Celtic to be played in a few weeks time. Referee: Brian O Kane.
Sweeney to the rescue for Curragh Curragh Athletic FC 1 Raphoe Town 1 League leaders Curragh Athletic and the inform Raphoe Town team played out an entertaining one all draw under the floodlights on Saturday night last. The game meant a lot to both teams with the home side looking to extend their lead at the top and the away team looking to further their good recent form and push for promotion. The first half proved a very close affair with little chances at either end. Neither keeper were challenged a lot as both defenses were on top. However, within four minutes of the restart, this changed when Stephen Conaghan gave Raphoe Town the lead from close range. This sparked Curragh into action and both Jason Sweeney and Brendan Boyle went close immediately afterwards. For Raphoe Christy Bogle and Stephen Conaghan in defense and Busby Mc Gonigle and Colm Laird in midfield were not allowing Curragh much space, however as the game went on Brendan Boyle, Kevin Rafferty, Jason Sweeney were beginning to dominate with the Raphoe defence coming under immense pressure. The all important equaliser for the home side finally arrived on sixty two minutes when Jason Sweeney burst through from the halfway one on one with the keeper and he slipped the ball top the bottom corned for a deserved equaliser. After this, the home team looked for a winner and had good efforts from Sweeney, Renato, Calvin Bradley. However, the Raphoe keeper Paul Carberry has a fine game in goals for the away team especially in the later ten minutes when Curragh almost grabbed the winner on at least three occasions. The result was probably a fair one, with both teams given their all, but it could also be said the busier keeper on the night by far was Paul Carberry. Man of the match for Curragh was Brendan Boyle. Raphoe Town man of the match. Stephen Conaghan. Referee: Seamus Mc Croary Kelly and Sweeney sends Curragh 2 Points Clear Curragh Athletic 4 Cranford Utd 0 Curragh opened their league campaign in 2010 just were left off in 2009 accounting for third placed Cranford Utd with an emphatic four goal margin. Prior to the match both teams saw this as a big match for each other with Curragh leading the league and Cranford only two points behind, but with three games in hand. In the first quarter Cranford acquitted themselves well and put the home side under pressure early on, but as the half progressed, it was the home team who began to play the best football with both Jason Sweeney and Calvin Bradley going close. The breakthrough did come however for the home team on sixteen minutes when Sweeney side footed the ball home after a fine assist from Bradley. Curragh continued to press with Gerard Melaugh and Brendan Boyle shooting wide. The half ended with Curragh one up, and within three minutes of the restart they were two up after Ryan Kelly’s delightful chip found the far corner of the goal. Brendan Gilless tried hard in midfield for Cranford, but he was no match for a strong Curragh midfield dominated by Rafferty and Melaugh. The away team then had their best effort, but Boyle was on the line to clear on fifty one minutes. Curragh then got a corner, which Sweeney took himself and found Ryan Kelly at the back post to powerfully head home. After this, Curragh were well on top and the goal of the match arrived on sixty four minutes when Gary Doherty brilliantly found Sweeney who beat the advancing Damian Crossan in the Cranford nets with a one touch sending the ball to the empty net. To their credit Cranford continues to look for a reply and were somewhat unlucky on eighty six minutes when O Meara save a point blank shot as well as the rebound. Best for Cranford was Brendan Giles and Kieran Logue. Curragh were well served by Boyle and O Brien at the back, with Rafferty and Melaugh in midfield and Sweeney and Kelly sharing the gaols. Referee: Gerry Whoriskey.

Calvin's spot on as Curragh move top of the Table

Calvin Bradley about to give curragh a 3 - 1 lead in last nights Donegal League Fixture at the Curragh.

11/12/2009: Curragh move top of table after win over seasiders. Curragh Athletic 3 Rathmullen Celtic 2 Curragh moved top of the table with this well deserved victory over Rathmullen Celtic who had came to Killygordon on Friday night themselves, sitting top of the table. The game was played under the recently installed excellent Flood-lite system at the Curragh Sports Complex, where the Floodlights is proving a major attraction for all clubs who wish to play their matches on a Friday night. Both teams started cautiously and there were few chances in the early stages. But the home team got the break they needed on nineteen minutes when Damian Duffy took advantage of a mixup with the keeper and a defender to slot the ball home for a one nil lead. The nearest the away side came to scoring was when Paul Morrison shot narrowly wide following a great run. The home team doubled their lead on forty four minutes with a tremendous goal. The ball was played out wide to Zavlon who beat a defender before producing a tremendous cross for Gerard Melaugh to a power a header into the top corner of the net from eight yards out. Leading two at the break, Curragh knew they still had a lot to do against a team who looked very capable of playing good football especially on the break. And that is exactly what happened on fifty one minutes. Following a free kick, a Curragh defender seemed to handle the ball, and up stepped Niall Doherty to slot home the spot kick. As expected, this changed the match for a while, but to their credit Curragh continued to dominate around the midfield and were again rewarded when the lively Duffy was taken down in the box and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the second penalty of the night. Calvin Bradley, who himself almost scored earlier, just clipping the post with a free kick, took the penalty and found the bottom corner with relative ease. Curragh had more chances after this with Brendan Boyle and Zavlon going close on at least two occasions. But Curragh were made to hold on a bit after another quick break saw Pauric Morrision side footed the ball home on eighty four minutes. But again it was Curragh who produced the best chances after with Duffy almost grabbing another near the end. This was a good boost for Sean Carlins team going into the break. The team played well throughout but, it must also be said that Rathmullen looked well equipped to give any team a run for their money with regard to winning the title. They had good performances again from Friel and Doherty. Curragh although maybe should have been further ahead before that late goal, had good performances from Boyle, Melaugh, Bradley, Duffy and Zavlon. Referee: Paddy Martin

6/12/2009: Curragh hammer Strand after Star Second Half Curragh Athletic 5 Whitestrand Utd. 0 Five second half goals from Curragh gave them their second consecutive emphatic victory in two weeks. Played in cold and winter conditions, both teams found it hard to adopt to the conditions in the first twenty five minutes. However, the second half was a complete transformation from the first half where the only real effort on goal came from Gavin Duffy when he hammered a shot against the crossbar on thirty one minutes. But within six minutes of the restart, Curragh were two goals in front and the game now almost looked over. The first on forty nine minutes came when Jason Sweeney headed home a delightful cross from Calvin Bradley. He almost made it two a minute later but Gerard Roulston saved at his feet. However, from the resulting corner Brendan Boyle soared high above the defence to head home. Curragh were now in complete control and but for Roulston in goals and good organisation from Mark Peoples and the Paddy Martin, it would soon have been more. But it did, and when it came on sixty minutes it was gaol of the match or maybe a goal of the season. The ball was played out left to Duffy who crossed for Sweeney to volley home from twenty yards. It was four nil on sixty two minutes when again Bradleys cross was met and slotted home by Duffy. Curragh had other chances after this but had to wait until the eighty seventy minutes when Duffy out sprinted the defence to round the keeper and slide the ball into an empty net. Whitestrand had good performances from Paddy Martin and Mark Peoples. Curragh’s second half performance saw Gerard Melaugh dominate midfield with Boyle and O Brien good at the back. Jason Sweeney always looked capable of scoring up front. Referee: Marty Mc Garrigle.

29/11/2009: Emphatic away win for Curragh in Raphoe Raphoe Town 1 Curragh Athletic 6 Free scoring Curragh produced their most emphatic victory of the season when they produced a tremendous second half performance to overturn a halftime one nil deficit. Former Curragh player Peter Brolly slotted home an eight minute penalty to give the home team the lead. But this mattered little to Curragh in the second half as Calvin Bradley, Damian Duffy (2), Gerard Melaugh, Savlon(2) all scored to complete a memorable away victory. Man of the match: Savlon. 25/10/2009: Great win as Curragh knock out Kilmacrennan. Curragh Athletic FC 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic 0 (AET) (Jason Sweeney 2) Two extra-time goals from Jason Sweeney ensured Curragh’s progress in the Fai Junior Cup and also knock reigning league Champions Kilmacrennan Celtic of this years competition. It was no more than the home team deserved having fought hard throughout matching the premier team throughout and playing some good football. . The first half was very tight with both defences on top with only Philip Buchanon managing anything decent on goal for the away side, while Jason Sweeney also had a few decent efforts on goal. However, the start of the second half saw Shane O Brien save well from Eddie Doherty and immediately Sweeney was in on goal, but Liam Mc Bride also saved well for Kilmacrennan. The away team were now beginning to get more of the ball, but again, the best effort came from the home side on sixty six minutes, when Egabson sent a tremendous shot from outside the box which looked a certain goal, but again, it was brilliantly tipped over by Mc Bride. Kilmacrennan almost grabbed the lead on seventy two minutes, but Doherty's header clipped the wrong side of the crossbar. The last fifteen seen both sides looking for the lead goal, but Mark Doherty and Michael O Brien stood comfortable in defense for Curragh, while Mc Bride and Doherty managing to keep the score at nil all. Extra-time and Curragh again created the best chances, before Sweeney latched on to a through ball on ninety seven minutes and managed to beat Mc Bride to score the all important goal. The second half of extra time was very tense with Kilmacrennan throwing everything at Curragh, and the home team looking like wrapping it up on the break. With seven minutes left Curragh again broke and were awarded a free just outside the box from where Jason Sweeney rocked the ball off the post and back into play. But he was not to be outdone and again found himself through on goal with two minutes left and guided the ball past Mc Bride into the net. This was a great result for Curragh and a great team effort with Jason Sweeney getting the man of the match. O Brien and Mark Doherty also played their part as did Egabson and Gerard Melaugh. Kilmacrennan had good performance from Buchannon, Eddie Doherty and Sean Sandilands. Referee: Martin Mc Cafferty
9/10/2009: Empahtic win for Curragh

Above: Curragh Team who defeated Letterbarrow Celtic by 3 - 0 on Friday Night.

Curragh Athletic 3 Letterbarrow Celtic 0 Curragh produced their best form of the season so far with an emphatic win over Letterbarrow Celtic. Played under floodlights in Killygordon, the home team dominated for long periods, however it two late goals to seal the win. The game was slow to create any chances with Boyleand Melaugh having decent efforts before John Mc Croary brought a good save from O Meara in the home nets. However, Boyle did get on the score sheet on eleven minutes when he slotted home following a corner. Letterbarrow responded and almost equalised when a deflected shot came off the post. Curragh continued however to force the play in the first half and would certainly have scored more but for some excellent saves by Leonard. The second half was a similar affair with Shane Leonard denying Sweeney, Melaugh and Duffy. As the game progressed it was always the home team who looked the more capable of scoring and the second goal duly arrived on eighty one minutes when a great shot from Egabson flew into the net despite Leonard getting a touch. Jason Sweeney then made it three in the last minute when he drove home from close range. Overall Curragh and Sean Carlin will be well pleased, with Letterbarrow and their manager James Mc Croary having to regroup for next weekend. Best for Curragh were Boyle, Sweeney and Bradley. Letterbarrow were well served in particular by Mc Croary and Leonard. Referee: Donal Mc Cafferty.

Curragh Players turn away to congratulate Jason Sweeney (not in picture)who scored Curraghs third goal

Action from Curragh v Letterbarrow on Friday night (7/10/2009)

Good Home Victory for Curragh 4/10/2009: Curragh Athletic FC 5 Glenree Utd. 3 Curragh playing their first home league match of the season produced a decent display to record a good home victory over North Donegal side Glenree Utd. It took only three minutes for the home side to open their account when Jason Sweeney drilled home a penalty awarded for a foul on himself. But Glenree responded quickly and were on level terms on ten minutes when Daniel Mc Groddy headed home a corner. The home team went in front again on eighteen minutes when Renato headed home from just inside the eighteen. But again the home defence were caught napping from a corner and Mc Groddy again found the net. However, right from the centre, Aquabson Viana made it three two when he finished well in front of goal. Curragh increased their lead on the stroke of half time when Renato again found the net. The second half saw fewer chances in the early stages, but Curragh did increase their lead on sixty one minutes when Jason Sweeney scored his second only for Glenree to pull back a deflected goal on seventy two minutes through Marty Mc Laughlin. In the remaining ten minutes, Curragh wasted several chances. This was a good boost to Curragh with three concectutive home matches back to back. Next week we host Letterbarrow Celtic followed by Kerrykeel and then another home game in the FAI Cup against Kilmacrennan Celtic. Best for Curragh were Brendan Boyle, Gerard Melaugh and Shane O Brien with Mc Laughlin and Mc Groddy best for Glenree. Referee: Liam Farren had a good game.

1/7/2009: Carlin back at the helm for Curragh

Sean Carlin has been appointed senior manager of Curragh Athletic for the 2009/2010 season. Carlin who successfully managed the club a few seson ago and then decided to take a rest. Sean comes back with the aim of getting the club back to the higher divisions of the Donegal Football League. The 2009/2010 campaign kicks off with a home fixture against Cappry Rovers and on the 23/8/2009 with the League proper commencing Sunday 6/9/2009 with an away game against Cranford.