The 2026 Underage season is now officially underway. Below are updates from the week
U16 Girls
Letterkenny Rovers opened their DWL U16 campaign with a local derby against Bonagee United.
The early stages of the first half produced few clear chances for either side, but as the game opened up both teams created opportunities, with Aoibhinn McLaughlin going close for Rovers after an inch-perfect pass from Aisling McGinley. Bonagee took the lead just before half time.
Bonagee added a second early in the second half from a free kick and a third not long after. Under sustained pressure, the Rovers defence of Faye Casburn, Elle Doherty, Hanna Stolarczyk and Mmasichukwu Stan-Mako were resilient and dealt well with periods of attacking play for much of the second half. Bonagee added a further goal late on, but Rovers continued to push forward, with Amy Moore going close towards the end.
On the night, strong performances from Amy Moore, Aoise Diver and Faye Casburn were a real positive for Letterkenny Rovers as they began their league campaign.
U16s Letterkennny Rovers 1 - 1 Donegal Town
U16 Rovers Boys started their League Cup campaign against Donegal Town at Leckview Park.
The game was played in blustery conditions with very little between the sides throughout.
It was 0-0 at half time after a scrappy first half where both teams worked hard without creating many clear chances.
Rovers began the second half brightly and were rewarded six minutes after the restart.
A good passage of play saw Josh McHugh link up well before slipping the ball into the feet of ColmOg Breathnach, who finished calmly to give Rovers the lead.
Both teams continued to press for goals, with chances at either end as the game opened up.
With five minutes remaining, Donegal Town found an equaliser from a header following a corner.
The match finished 1-1, with both teams taking a share of the points after a competitive and sporting encounter.
U14 Girls
Letterkenny Rovers travelled to Lagan Harps for the opening game of the Donegal Women’s U14 League. Played in very difficult conditions, Lagan Harps made full use of the strong wind in the first half and were worthy winners on the day.
Despite the result, Rovers can take positives from the performances of Aoise Diver, Lydia McLaughlin, and Millie Donovan.
U14 Letterkenny Rovers 4 - 2 Bonagee United
U14 Premier League Cup
On a wet, cold, and blustery evening at Leckview Park, U14 Rovers kicked off their League Cup campaign in style with a superb 4–2 victory over Bonagee 👏⚽
Rovers made a lively start, with James McCormick firing home a brilliant volley after just four minutes. Bonagee responded strongly, scoring two well-worked goals to lead 2–1 at the break.
The second half saw Rovers come out with great determination, and a strong spell ten minutes in turned the game around. James McCormick struck directly from a corner before completing his hat-trick from an indirect free kick. The fourth goal came after a goalmouth scramble, with James Davidson finishing neatly at the back post.
Bonagee remained dangerous on the break, but Rovers defended solidly to see out the match.
Well done to both teams for an excellent contest played in great spirit, and thanks to referee Marty McGarrigle for officiating smoothly throughout.
Player of the Match: James McCormick ⭐
#UpTheRovers
U14 Crusaders
Letterkenny Crusaders 3 – 0 Bonagee Arcade
Letterkenny Crusaders opened their League Cup campaign in style with a confident 3–0 victory over Bonagee Arcade — a performance that highlighted the squad’s progress after their preseason preparations.
Bonagee made a bright start, testing the Crusaders’ defence with a series of early efforts, but goalkeeper Jan Kania dealt calmly with everything that came his way. Those early moments served as a wake‑up call, and the Crusaders responded with maturity, gradually taking control of possession and creating a number of first‑half chances. While goals proved elusive before the break, their quality and intent were clear.
The breakthrough came when Filip Blaszczok capitalised on a loose pass, showed impressive composure to round the keeper, and finished from a sharp angle to give the Crusaders the lead their play deserved.
The second half began with Bonagee again pushing hard, most of the action unfolding in a crowded midfield. Each time danger arose, Kania remained calm and authoritative in goal, keeping his side firmly in command.
A tactical switch soon tipped the balance even further. Jopello Adeyemi entered the game and injected pace and intensity into the Crusaders’ attack. His impact was immediate — first scoring himself and then setting up Anthony McGarrigle to complete the scoring and secure three points.
Player of the Match: Jan Kania, whose outstanding first‑half display ensured the team stayed composed and in control when the match was finely poised.
Next match captain: Marcel Deniszczuk, recognised for his flawless and composed performance at centre‑back.
A great team effort, a clean sheet, and an excellent start to the League Cup campaign — well done, Crusaders!
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