By Seamus Cradden and Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

Quigley’s Point boss Dee Dunne says he will take the Inishowen League “all the way to Dublin” to appeal what he claims is an unjust punishment.
Dunne received a four match ban – and a 50 euro fine – from the disciplinary committee after the club were found to have fielded an illegal player in an Ulster Junior Cup game against Clonmany Shamrocks last month.
The Inishowen league acted when a photograph of John Paul McColgan, a former Institue player who is not currently registered with the Inishowen League, appeared in a newspaper report of the match.
But Dunne intends to appeal the ban with the Ulster FA, claiming the league’s actions are “a personal attack”.
He told Inish Times Sport: “I have checked this out with five different league organisations, and as far as I’m aware there’s no precedent for the manager being penalised when the club is found at fault.
“I believe this is a personal attack on myself. I’m not liked because I tell it straight and am not afraid to speak my mind when I think things are being done the wrong way.”
But though Dunne is appealing the decision, he WON’T confirm or deny whether or not McColgan was on the pitch on the day in question.
He said: “I am refusing to answer that question. It’s up to the Inishowen League to prove he played.
“Photographs can be tampered with, and therefore shouldn’t be admissable.
“I was on the back page of the Inish Times last year sitting on top of a Christmas tree – does that mean I’m walking round with a Christmas tree for a body?”
Dunne has also accused the Inishowen League of giving preferential treatment to other clubs.
He said: “Several Redcastle players didn’t turn up for the Oscar Traynor
match against Leinster yet the league did nothing about that.
“We lost a player through suspension at the start of the season, so I want to see the league standing up and suspending those other players who deserve it.
“There should be parity across all teams, without personal attacks being issued – which is what I believe is happening here.”
However, Inishowen League spokesman Terence Hegarty told Inish
Times Sport there was “no personal agenda whatsoever” against Dunne.
He said: “The Inishowen League deals with everybody in the same way
regardless of what club they play for.
“We can only act on evidence, not hearsay. If we are presented with
evidence that a player or club is in breach of the rules, then we will deal
with it.”

Inishowen Engineering Reserve League Division One

Redcastle Reserves 3
Murphy 47’, 55’, Stephen Grant 77’

Culdaff Reserves 0

Congratulations to the home side who clinched league honours with this three nil victory over Culdaff .
With the wind the visitors were on top but missed a few chances as the half ended scoreless.
On two minutes Niall McLaughlin just failed to connect with Mick McLaughlin’s low cross while at the other end Stephen Grant for the home side fired over from twenty yards.
Culdaff replied with Niall McLaughlin knocking the ball down for Mick McLaughlin but he hit the side netting before Patrick McLaughlin’s goalbound effort was cleared off the line by Brian Farren.
Niall Mclaughlin then laid the ball off to Gerard Mclaughlin but he shot just past Liam Davenport’s left hand post.
Redcastle replied on 36 minutes when Seamus Farren fed Brendan Murphy and his low shot was blocked by the outstretched legs of George Houten.
The last chance of the half fell to the visitors when Niall McLaughlin had a low effort well saved by Davenport.
Redcastle dominated the second period and opened the scoring on 47 minutes after Murphy controlled well and shot low past Houten from eight yards.
Colm McLaughlin then fired a shot off the post from the edge of the area before on 55 minutes Matt Grant fed Murphy who turned well and shot home from six yards.
Murphy then was denied by a good save from Houten before Grant fired over when well placed.
The home side sealed the points and the league title on 77 minutes when Stephen Davenport rolled the ball into the path of Stephen Grant who fired to the roof of the net from eighteen yards.
Redcastle: Liam Davenport, Emmet McConway, Trevor Davenport, Niall McColgan, Brian Farren, Colm McLaughlin, Matt Grant, Stephen Davenport, Seamus Farren, Brendan Murphy, Stephen Grant. Subs: Liam McLaughlin, Stephen McCauley and Niall Cavanagh.
Culdaff: George Houten, Gregory McGuinness, Oliver Ruddy, Paul McLaughlin, John McLaughlin, Dale Hutchinson, Mick McLaughlin, Paddy McColgan, Niall McLaughlin, Gerard McLaughlin, Patrick McLaughlin. Subs: Gary Collins, Niall Gordon and Seam

by Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

The manager of an Inishowen-based Ulster Senior League club has called for a forum so that the problems thrown up by the switch to summer football can be addressed.
Brendan Crummey, boss of Buncrana Hearts, says a formal get-together could help resolve the controversy surrounding the signing of players.
He told Inish Times Sport: “At the moment there is a clear conflict between summer football and the junior leagues, and I think it would be a good thing for all the leagues to come together, under the auspices of the Ulster FA, and work out how to address the situation.”
Last week’s FAI rule stipulating that junior players cannot sign to an intermediate club until their season ends came as a shock to several USL bosses, not least Crummey.
He said : “As far as I was concerned, the January 31 deadline had always been thought of as a professional rule, and didn’t apply to amateurs.
“Certainly, an unwritten rule has always existed where leagues would agree to cancel a player’s registration to enable them to move up to the intermediate arena.”
That ‘gentleman’s agreement’ will no longer happen as a result of the FAI’s stance on transfers.
But though the rule is meant to clarify the situation, it also appears to have stoked the flames of confusion further.
Crummey has contacted the FAI seeking an exact definition of the term ‘end of the season’, while Kildrum Tigers boss Raymond McDaid – desperate to get Redcastle striker Charlie McCormick on board as soon as possible – told us it was also something he would be ‘getting checked out’.
“I’m waiting for written confirmation,” said Crummey, “but I believe that even if a player’s season finishes in early May, he cannot sign for an intermediate side until all other games in his league have been concluded – which is a farcical situation.
“What we need here is a bit of maturity and common sense. “The best thing for all concerned is to come together and discuss the issues so that situations like this can be avoided in future.”

by Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

Clonmany boxing sensation Paddy Harkin has brought an amazing FIFTH national title back to Inishowen.
The St Brigid’s ABC star was left hanging on a knife edge as judges deliberated on the outcome of the closely-fought 63kg (youth 2) final at Dublin’s National Stadium last Saturday night.
With the score locked at 10-10, Harkin was ruled the winner over the formidable Tommy Walsh on a points countback.
The 16-year-old’s victory is his fourth All-Ireland crown at boy/youth level, with his national title as a cadet last year bringing his impressive tally to five.
Said proud mum Eileen: “It was an absolute nightmare waiting to hear the decision.
“There was literally just a couple of punches in it, and probably one of the hardest fights he’s ever had.
“It definitely gets harder for fighters as they get older, so I’m just delighted for Paddy that he was able to go out there and win it.”
Harkin now steps up to junior level, where it is hoped his exceptional talent will shine even brighter.

By Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

by Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

Inishowen Select boss Bryan Bell will be without talented midfielder Malachy McDermott when they face Leisnter in the last 16 of the Oscar Traynor competition this Saturday.
The Moville player’s return to Derry City’s under 21s looked in doubt last week after the FAI transfer rule barred players from moving clubs after January 31.
But it is believed McDermott WILL be released from the Inishowen league as the transfer rule is relaxed for players joining a senior club.
Bell told us: “I spoke to Malachy at the start of the week, and after checking things out with Derry manager Peter Moran, he is satisified his transfer can go ahead.
“Naturally, I’m disappointed, as Leinster will be a tough side to break down and you like to have as many options as possible.
“But I’m going to draft in William McLaughlin and Mark McLaughlin from Illies, so we’ll be heading down to Leinster with every chance.”

By Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

MALIN GAA player Declan Walsh made an impressive debut for Donegal’s seniors in Newbridge on Sunday.
The 18-year-old came on as a sub in the second half and neutralised Kildare marksman Johnny Doyle so effectively he failed to score a single point in the second half.
Walsh’s introduction to the senior line-up is the highlight to a successful year that has seen him become a pivotal player in the county’s minor and under 21 squads.
The left half back told Inish Times Sport: “It was a great feeling to be out there, and I’m pleased I didn’t do too badly during the match.
“I’ve been on the subs bench before, but was never put on, but this time I got the nod and I’m over the moon to have made my debut.”
Walsh is hoping to make an impact with the seniors in the years ahead, but for now he’s focussing on the under 21’s upcoming championship preliminary championship match against Monaghan.
“The main thing now is the under 21s’ championship campaign,” he said.
“I’m still only 18, so I know I’ll have to be patient when it comes to getting a regular place in the senior squad.”

by Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

A PROMINENT soccer offical from Inishowen is calling on the peninula’s football fraternity to throw its weight behind Redcastle United this Sunday.
Herbie Barr, an FAI provincial administrator, is encouraging fans, players and committee members from all over Inishowen to come to Foyle Park and cheer on the area’s sole surving FAI Junior Cup hopefuls.
Inish Times Sport has learned officials from Gleneely Colts intend asking permission to play their own game early in order to attend the crucial last 16 clash between Redcastle and Ballyphehane (kick off 1pm).
And Barr is hopeful other clubs will follow suit. He said: “I would encourage as many people as possible to go along and support the team.
“Redcastle have a fantastic opportunity to reach the quarter finals of this year’s competition, and it would be a great boost for Inishowen soccer if a big crowd of well-wishers turned up to cheer them on.”
Inishowen League secretary Diarmuid O’Brien said any clubs wishing to play their games early would be accomodated, providing the referees and opposing sides were agreeable.
And Redcastle manager Bryan Bell says he would be “delighted” to attract support from neighbouring clubs.
He said: “This is one of the biggest games in the history of the club, and we really feel as if we’re flying the flag for Inishowen as well.
“As far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier, and hopefully we’ll put on a good show for everyone that turns up.”
Redcastle officials have decided there will be a gate for the match – probably five euros – in order to cover the cost of paying the match officials coming up from Sligo.
Bell added that confidence in the camp was high, though he admitted they’re sweating about the availability of key player Eddie McIntyre.
The talismanic winger took a knock to his ankle during the side’s 5-0 victory over Carn last Sunday, and it’s now a waiting game to see if he’ll be fit enough to play.
Said Bell: “Obviously, it would be a huge blow not having Eddie. He’s been up to the faith healer and is undergoing intensive physiotherapy, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
“But the whole squad is raring to go. We know Ballyphehane have some quality players, but the lads have been playing brilliantly lately, and at the very least I feel we have a fighting chance.”

by Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

TWO Inishowen schoolboys ditched school to play a football match last Friday – but its unlikely their GAA-mad principal Anthony Doogan will be too cross.
Moville Community College (MCC) pupils Dermott Keaveney and John Hegarty were part of the Donegal vocational schools squad that beat Down to make this year’s Ulster final.
And young Dermott had plenty to smile about after scoring two goals in his side’s 3-10 to 1-9 victory.
Speaking to Inish Times Sport at the pitch in Clogher after the match, the delighted Muff lad told us: “Peter Oliver [McNellis] set me up for the first one, and the second one was a bit of a scramble.
“I’m over the moon to have scored. It’s great to make an Ulster final, but scoring two goals is a definite bonus.”
The performance was the icing on the cake for the talented young half forward, who has just heard he’s made the provisional panel for this year’s county minor team along with Hegarty, Carndonagh’s Richie Cunningham and Thomas McKinlay from Naomh Colmcille.
He said: “Fingers crossed, I’ll do well enough to make the final panel.
“It’s a great honour to represent Donegal, and playing for the minors would definitely be somrthing I hope to achieve.”
In the meantime, the 17-year-old, along with teammate and fellow MCC student Hegarty, will line out against Monaghan in the vocational schools Ulster final on Thursday week.
The Aught Ture native added: “I’m sure Mr Doogan won’t mind us being away from school for that, as he’s well into the football himself.”

by Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

INISHOWEN rugby club hosted a very special guest at their training session last week.
Ulster prop forward Justin Fitzpatrick popped in to the pitch at Carndonagh Community School to offer some top scrummaging advice to the Ulster Junior League side.
The 34-year-old was invited by Inishowen coach and Fitzpatrick’s former London Irish teammate Kevin Gallagher.
Fitzpatrick, a member of Ulster’s European Cup-winning squad under Harry Williams in 1999, has been capped for Ireland 26 times.
He told Inish Times Sport: “I’m delighted to be here. Donegal is a beautiful part of the world, and I’m only too happy to help Kevin out.
“He’s done a fantastic job with Inishowen this season, and he’s got a great bunch of players, and hopefully they will continue to improve with every game.”
And Fitzpatrick was apparently so impressed with the squad that he’s hoping to come back – with one of his Ulster pals in tow.
Inishowen captain Shaun Craig told us: “Justin is going to try and get back for another coaching session along with the Ulster scrum half Kieran Campbell.
“It’s not definite yet, and we’ll have to see how Ulster’s schedule pans out.
”But it would be great. Justin is playing at the highest level, and so for us to get the benefit of that expertise on Thursday night was fantastic.
“Hopefully his advice will translate onto the pitch when we take on Ballynahinch in the second round of the Forster Cup this Saturday.”