Donaghadee LHC

REPORT | 6 December 2025: NICS 0-1 DLHC 1XI

Posted on 09/12/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Star Player and scorer: Kerry was awesome in defence and attack this week! *Co. Down Spectator photo*

Senior League 2: NICS 0-1 DLHC 1XI
After last week’s closely fought battle against league leaders Bangor, the final game of the first half of the season saw Donaghadee head to Playball at Stormont to take on NICS, currently sitting at the bottom of Senior 2, last Saturday.

For a variety of reasons the Donaghadee squad was missing no fewer than six of its regulars, and perhaps understandably, the opening exchanges were somewhat cagey, with numerous Dee players either playing out of position or stepping up from the 2XI who had no game.

The first quarter saw both sides create chances, and while Donaghadee threatened the Service circle, the home team were the ones who got the only clear attempt on target, but Faith McMillen in Donaghadee’s goal was equal to the shot, with Row Moore clearing the second ball to safety.

With 2XI vice captain Megan Inglis coming on for the second quarter to slot in to the centre of defence between Jan Morrow and Rachelle Pearson, it freed up Kerry Kennedy to push forward and Donaghadee started to dominate possession, and assert a lot more pressure much higher up the pitch.

On the right Katie McHenry patrolled the right, helping to close off the home attack and feeding balls forward, with Jordan McWilliams doing likewise on the left, as Donaghadee tried to convert the pressure to clear chances. Two penalty corners in quick succession saw shots just wide of the goal as the momentum built.

With Helen Herron putting in a massive shift in midfield to win ball after ball, with Ellen Campbell and Emily Morris supporting, Donaghadee were firmly camped in NICS’s defensive quarter, with cross after shot raining in, met each time by stout defending or good saves from the Service number 1.

With just a couple of minutes to half time, Donaghadee finally got the breakthrough. Carolyn Scott intercepted a NICS clearance that was heading across the circle, and her quick thinking fed the ball into Leanna on the right with the final slip coming across for Kerry to fire home; a great team goal and a well deserved lead.

In a tale of two halves however the game became a very scrappy affair in the second half, perhaps indicative of two teams desperate for a vital three points. There were few chances for either side as much of the game was played between the 23s, with just a unconverted single penalty corner for the home team around the hour mark.

Donaghadee themselves only managed a single shot in the final quarter, but working hard to retain possession, they managed to hold on for the win and three points which stretches their lead over the bottom two at the halfway point in the league. Player of the match was awarded to Kerry for her versatility in defence and attack, and she thanked the two Ulster Hockey umpires for officiating.

The 2XI had no match and play in the only match of the weekend at home to Parkview this Saturday, pass back at BGS at 2.30pm, before the final match of the year takes place on Saturday 20^th December when the 1XI meet Bangor in the quarter final of the Intermediate Cup, time and venue to be confirmed.

The 1XI squad for the NICS game. *Photo: Silvana K*

1XI Sponsor Shoutouts
We are delighted that the following players are being individually sponsored. If you would like to sponsor your favourite player, please speak to them directly or email us at dlhc@hotmail.co.uk. View all sponsored players here

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged NICS | Leave a comment

REPORT | 29 November 2025: DLHC 1XI 1-2 Bangor and Limavady 2-0 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 01/12/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Carolyn was back on the score sheet on Saturday after a 4-week injury layoff

Senior League 2: DLHC 1XI 1-2 Bangor
It was yet another tight affair for the 1XI of Donaghadee LHC on Saturday, with yet another single goal the difference between three points and no cigar. This time, Donaghadee welcomed neighbours Bangor to BGS and as was the way in the pre-season friendly between the two, there was very little to separate the two teams.

Donaghadee actually created the first good opportunity of the match when they earned a penalty corner within the first two minutes, with Hannah Younge delivering a stinging shot that Bangor’s keeper was well placed to save.

Bangor replied not long after with a short corner of their own and with the ball heading for the bottom right corner, Kathryn Cunningham got her stick down brilliantly to deflect away.

It was a further penalty corner – now into the second quarter – that opened the scoring. A run and cut in from Bangor’s left wing saw a reverse shot lifted high across goal striking Row Moore at shoulder height. Donaghadee may arguably have had a case for dangerous play but from the umpire’s angle, it was deemed a shot on target and a short was awarded. The initial shot was well parried by Dee keeper Faith McMillen but an attacker was quick to pounce on the rebound to slot home to give Bangor the lead.

Bangor were quickly on the attack after the restart as they looked to consolidate their advantage but determined defending from Rachelle Pearson and Jan Morrow was stemming the flow in the final quarter of the pitch, giving Donaghadee a bit more of a platform on which to build.

There were closely matched battles all over the pitch but in particular, Donaghadee’s midfield of Helen Herron, Tasha Moore, Jess Moore and Katie McHenry all got through a ton of work as they looked to feed Jordan McWilliams, Kerry Kennedy and Leanna McGimpsey-Young up front as Donaghadee went in search of the equaliser.

Into the final quarter and as the game opened up more as both sides pushed forward, Donaghadee pulled off a defender for a forward to add more forward momentum, but as the defensive reshuffle settled Bangor took advantage to counterattack down the right and get the ball into the Dee net to double their advantage.

With the extra player up top, Donaghadee threw everything into the attack, earning themselves two quick penalty corners in succession. Expertly injected at pace by Paige Reilly, the ball was crashed home on the second corner thanks to a thunderous shot from Carolyn Scott and Donaghadee were back in contention at 2-1.

With just five minutes remaining , Donaghadee continued to attack, causing Bangor into enough dogged defending to hold on for the victory and three points which takes them to the top of the league, while Donaghadee sit in eighth.

Another close game, but again a narrow defeat for Donaghadee and they will be looking for something from the last league game before Christmas against NICS on Saturday at Playball, Stormont.

Thanks to the two Ulster Hockey umpires and to NI Building Surveys for sponsoring the match ball.

Junior League 10: Limavady 2-0 DLHC 2XI

Saturday was a road trip for the 2XI – all the way to Limavady. After an early set off time and having travelled through every weather NI has to offer, the team re-grouped for a very quick warmup.

Despite the rush, Donaghadee held their own through an intense first quarter with both teams playing some lovely attacking hockey.

Ellen Campbell, Erin Hamilton and Emily Morris were doing well to get the ball from the midfield up to Vicky O’Neill, Kerrie Turtle and Lauren Niblock who, with plenty of running, were giving the home defence plenty to think about.

After the first break Limavady came out the stronger and had the majority of the possession in the Donaghadee half of the pitch.

However the defence line of Floss Patton, Megan Inglis, Natalie Jamieson and Lisa Higgins stopped many of the targets. Those that did make it through to Janice Mcveigh were stopped right there – be it with a stick, pad, glove or on one occasion the grill of her helmet.

Half time and still 0-0.

The third quarter was much the same with Limavady still trying their best to get onto the scoreboard, and Donaghadee doing their best to keep them out.

An injury to Natalie’s foot saw a reshuffle of positions but it didn’t change much as Donaghadee still held firm, with Laura Hamilton at left back breaking down the play with determination to get the ball forward.

Caroline Davison was solid in front of the back four, keeping any threats at bay as the Limavady forwards pressed hard, while Kerrie was unlucky not get on the scoreboard as she had some brilliant runs into the opposition circle but the Limavady keeper was in great form to keep her out.

With Donaghadee having managed to hold them off until the final quarter, Limavady then scored two undefendable goals, both of which earned the congratulations of even the Dee players: the first a reverse stick shot which was unstoppable, and the second had everyone wondering if it had gone over the cross bar, as it flew beyond anyone’s reach into the roof of the net!

Well done to Limavady but the Dee girls came away proud of their performance against the league leaders.

This week’s Star Player went to keeper Janice for her star performance in goal, and a massive thank you to Limavady for providing an umpire and organising an early pass back to let the team get back for our Christmas dinner!

2XI Sponsor Shoutouts
We are delighted that the following players from Saturday’s match are being individually sponsored. If you would like to sponsor your favourite player, please speak to them directly or email us at dlhc@hotmail.co.uk. View all sponsored players here

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged bangor, limavady | Leave a comment

REPORT | 22 November 2025: DLHC 1XI 1-2 Club KV and DLHC 2XI 0-1 Bangor

Posted on 24/11/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Katie scored her first goal for the club at the weekend *(Co Down Spectator pic)*

Senior 2: DLHC 1XI 1-2 Club KV
It was another of those oh-so-close days for the 1XI of Donaghadee LHC when they entertained fellow promotees Club KV at BGS on Saturday.

Donaghadee began brightly enough with several neat interchanges in midfield between Helen Herron and Hannah Younge, as the home side looked to threaten the visitors’ goal. With Jess Moore dominating the action on the right wing, one run deep towards the baseline saw her fire the ball across the face of the goal and Katie McHenry reading play superbly to time her run to the back post to perfection, meeting the ball cleanly to sweep past the KV keeper for her first Donaghadee goal.

With both sides determined to play open attacking hockey, the action was end-to-end but whilst the visitors struggled to overly trouble Faith McMillen in the Dee goal, Donaghadee themselves got a taste of what was to come at the other end as the KV keeper made several excellent saves to prevent Donaghadee from doubling their lead.

As the second quarter got underway KV settled more quickly in to their game and they began to string together some threatening attacks but excellent defensive play by Rachelle Pearson and Row Moore largely kept the threats to outside the Donaghadee circle.

As KV looked to capitalise on the forward momentum, they won three penalty corners in quick succession but superb interceptions by first Kathy Sinnamon and then by Paige Reilly stopped KV from crossing the line. Having weathered the storm, Donaghadee finally started to get back into their rhythm and in the last few minutes of the quarter, strong work from Tasha McGimpsey forced another good save by the keeper to prevent the Dee from doubling the lead.

Into the second half, and Donaghadee were looking the more dangerous, forcing the KV keeper in to saving 3 more shots, with a couple more sliding just wide. Unable to capitalise on their possession, Donaghadee were made to pay dearly when a KV penalty corner was initially well saved but the secondary attack did the damage with the KV forward following up to equalise, juts before the quarter end.

The final quarter saw the game open up with both teams looking for the winner, and it was KV who took their chance. A break down in play led to a quick counter attack by KV down their right and with a first time ball fired into the circle KV took the lead with their first shot on target from open play.

The determination from Donaghadee to get back in to the game was evident, and much of the remainder of the game was played in the KV half. With Donaghadee winning play after play in the midfield, chances were created for the forwards, with Kerrie Turtle and Jordan McWilliams both pressing high up the pitch, before a shot from Leanna McGimpsey-Young beat the keeper only for the ball to come back off the post.

It turned out to be the last attempt on goal and KV headed back to Belfast with all 3 points in what was another extremely close affair for Donaghadee. Thanks to the two Ulster Hockey umpires and to NI Building Surveys for sponsoring the match ball. Next up for the squad is a home game against Bangor, pass back 1pm at BGS.

1XI Sponsor Shoutouts
We are delighted that the following players from Saturday’s match are being individually sponsored. If you would like to sponsor your favourite player, please speak to them directly or email us at dlhc@hotmail.co.uk. View all sponsored players here

A super performance from Floss in defence against Bangor

Junior 10: DLHC 2XI 0-1 Bangor
In a very evenly contested local derby played out at Bangor Grammar on Saturday, Donaghadee 2s seized early control, trying to dictate the tempo and pin Bangor back into their own half. A couple of penalty corners were well won late in the opening quarter, with Emily Morris injecting with pace but neither effort created a clear shot and the Bangor defence were able to clear the danger.

The visitors were largely restricted to playing between the 23s with Chloe Ferguson, Lisa Higgins, Floss Patton and Laura Hamilton all working well as a unit to deal with any imminent danger.

The second quarter saw more of the same, with Dee enjoying the lion’s share of possession although without truly testing Bangor’s keeper, with just a single shot wide of the goal to show for their efforts. The visitors then began to threaten more with Donaghadee keeper Janice McVeigh saving well to keep them out, but with only a couple of minutes left in the half, a ball intercepted by Bangor in their own 23 saw a quick counter attack down the right wing and a goal mouth scramble with the ball ending up in the Donaghadee goal, giving the visitors the lead at the halfway point.

Into the second half and Donaghadee continued to dominate proceedings, with great work from Katie McKee and Vicky O’Neill winning ball after ball in midfield but the final passes were just evading the sticks of Kerrie Turtle and Chloe Gault up front, while Molly Mckee was unlucky not to slot the ball home after several piercing runs from deep.

Bangor then threatened early in the final quarter with Janice being called into play again, and Caroline Davison needing to be on top form to defend the edge of the circle and force the visiting team away from the danger area.

With Donaghadee pushing back hard through Joey Patton and Lauren Niblock running the wings, they did manage to create a couple of good attacking chances but Bangor were able to do enough to hold on for the 3 points: final score 1-0 to Bangor. With thanks to Elevate Storage Solutions for sponsoring the match ball, and to Row Moore for umpiring.

The 2XI travel to Limavady on Saturday for a match with a 12.45pm pass back time.

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged bangor, club kv | Leave a comment

REPORT | 15 November 2025: Ballyclare 0-4 DLHC 1XI and Ballynahinch 1-2 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 17/11/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

A Player of the Match perfomance from Helen against Ballyclare on Saturday

Senior 2: Ballyclare 4-0 DLHC 1XI
With Ballyclare sitting just one point above Donaghadee before the start of Saturday’s clash, Donaghadee’s 1XI were aware a good result would see them hop the hosts and climb a little bit closer to mid-table and Senior 2 safety.

Played out on a dry, crisp November afternoon, the match proved to be an end-to-end affair but where Ballyclare’s clinical finishing and attacking pace made the difference against a determined Dee defence.

Coming out strongly from the first whistle and applying heavy pressure that saw Donaghadee quickly forced into defensive mode, Ballyclare’s initial breakthrough came via an unusual defensive lapse: a quick Ballyclare transition caught the back line flat and high up the pitch, allowing a lone high forward to move unmarked and convert the resulting pass, giving the home side an early cushion. While Donaghadee fought hard to stabilise the pressure, Ballyclare managed to double their advantage, sending Donaghadee into the break trailing 2-0 at halftime.

The second half was characterised by quick breaks and rapid movement through the home side’s midfield but despite the onslaught the Dee defence showed resilience against the relentless Ballyclare attacks. Over the course of the match, in testament to their dominance, Ballyclare generated seven clear shots on goal but Donaghadee’s defensive effort managed to restrict the number of major opportunities, leaving Ballyclare to try and assert further authority through their well-worked penalty corner routines.

In the Dee’s attacking circle, chances were hard-won, with two clear shots on target but unfortunately for the Dee, neither found the back of the net. At the other end, Ballyclare consolidated their efforts, managing to find the net twice more, bringing the final score to 4-0 on what was ultimately a disappointing end result for Donaghadee.

There was certainly no lack of effort across the pitch from Donaghadee, where the energy and commitment from the squad was without question, and the team will look to improve on the fine margins required to take something from the next game at home to Club KV on Saturday, pass back 1pm.

Junior 10: Ballynahinch 1-2 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee 2s made the short journey to St Colman’s High in Ballynahinch last Saturday, with the full squad of 13 looking for a win to build on the hard-earned draw against Enniskillen the previous week.

In a signal of their intent, Donaghadee were straight on the attack and pressuring the Ballynahinch defence from the first whistle. Katie McKee – on one of her trademark attacking runs – found Vicky O’Neill at the top of the circle with a pinpoint cross. A lovely slip from Vicky to Kerrie Turtle saw the latter calmly rounding the keeper and slotting the ball home to give Donaghadee a deserved lead.

At the other end, Floss Patton, Megan Inglis, Chloe Ferguson and Laura Hamilton were providing a solid wall at the back, breaking down any Ballynahinch attacks, and releasing Caroline Davison to turn defence into attack from a defensive midfield starting position.

Changes in personnel made to freshen legs and keep forward momentum saw Lisa Higgins and Molly McKee introduced, with Lisa called into action almost immediately to intercept one threatening Hinch attack, before turning the ball over and threading a dangerous pass through to Emily Morris, who accelerated up and down the left wing tirelessly all afternoon, while Erin Hamilton was key on the right wing, making great runs and feeding the ball through for the forwards to pick up.

It wasn’t long before Donaghadee capitalised on another chance with Vicky sending a beautifully weighted pass through to Molly whose well placed strike evaded the keeper to double the Dee’s advantage.

With Ballynahinch determined to up their attack, they continued to press the Dee defence, but Donaghadee keeper Janice McVeigh was on form to keep the danger away.

Following a spell of home pressure, including a disallowed penalty corner, Ballynahinch were still pressing forward and it was only so long before their attacking play did the damage: a goal was pulled back to make for a nervy last portion of the game, but Donaghadee held on resolutely for the final whistle, with the final score 2-1 to Donaghadee and that vital win providing a valuable 3 points as Donaghadee leapfrog Ballynahinch into 4^th place in Junior 10.

A massive thank you to Lisa and Kerrie for umpiring the first half and to coach Willie McAdam for making it from the Firsts’ game in Ballyclare to Ballynahinch to umpire the second half.

The 2XI play Bangor at 2.30pm at BGS on Saturday – all support welcome!

Defender Appreciation Photo – coz the defenders never get their photies taken!

Sponsor Shoutouts
We are delighted that the following players from Saturday’s match are being individually sponsored. If you would like to sponsor your favourite player, please speak to them directly or email us at dlhc@hotmail.co.uk. View all sponsored players here

Web: http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/donaghadeelhc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donaghadeelhc/

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged ballyclare, Ballynahinch | Leave a comment

REPORT | 8 Nov 2025: DLHC 1XI 0-0 CI and DLHC 2XI 1-1 Enniskillen

Posted on 10/11/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior 2: DLHC 1XI 0-0 CI
The month of November sees the 1XI having a run of three home games from their four matches and a chance to add some momentum to their season in what has hitherto been a steady start, with a lot of positives albeit without too many points yet to show for it. First up was a visit from second in the table, unbeaten side, CI Ladies, who were in confident form following three successive victories.

With a number of Donaghadee players missing due to injury, illness and work there was a bit of a reshuffle to the starting lineup, but from the start Donaghadee showed they were ready, willing and up for the challenge.

The early stages favoured the visitors; settling more quickly in to fast, free-flowing hockey, they were soon attacking the Dee circle, but superb play by Paige Reilly and Rachelle Pearson in the heart of defence kept CI from getting any clear chances on the Donaghadee goal. As the pressure intensified, CI won a penalty corner and a well worked routine saw them get their first shot on goal, but it was well parried by Dee keeper Faith McMillen, with Jan Morrow following up to sweep the ball to safety.

As Donaghadee looked to stem the seemingly one way traffic, they managed to force a couple of couple of chances on the counter attack; Helen Herron and Hannah Younge were both working hard to get the ball moving wide to Jess Moore and Jordan McWilliams but despite the efforts there weren’t really any clear chances and the CI keeper was untroubled.

As the half wore on, Chloe Gault came on with almost immediate impact as she intercepted the ball high on the left, feeding forward to Leanna McGimpsey-Younge driving into the circle, but the keeper was quickly out and the final shot slid just wide: scoreless at half time.

Having weathered the storm in the first half, Donaghadee began to play the better hockey after the turn round and another great run in from the right by Jess saw the ball slip just wide of the goal. The quarter then saw things really open up as CI piled forward and won another penalty corner – unconverted – before moments later Donaghadee won the ball in midfield, with Kerry Kennedy picking it up near the circle to race through on goal, but great work from the CI keeper saw her shot turned away.

Into the final ten minutes, and with both sides still probing to find the breakthrough, Donaghadee were putting together a number of good, though ultimately unsuccessful, opportunities through open play while a last chance for CI saw them win a penalty corner and a chance to steal it at the death, but stout defending from Row Moore ensured the shot went wide, leaving the score 0-0 and a valuable point in the bag for Donaghadee.

Thanks to the Ulster Hockey Umpires and to NI Building Surveys for sponsoring the match ball. The 1XI are next in action this Saturday, away to Ballyclare, pass back at The Foundry is 1pm.

Junior 10: DLHC 2XI 1-1 Enniskillen
Donaghadee 2s returned to the pitch with a home match against Enniskillen but with unavailability across the club, numbers were tight with four players having also played in the 1XI’s game in the earlier pass back.

Enniskillen showed no signs of the long drive and began strongly but excellent work from Caroline Davison and Natalie Jamieson in the centre of defence kept away from Janice McVeigh in Donaghadee’s goal. In the wider defensive positions, Floss Patton and Faith McMillen were helping to work the ball forward and as the quarter went on Donaghadee began to create chances of their own.

Emily Morris on the right and Lauren Niblock on the left worked hard to get the ball forward as Rachelle Pearson and Vicky O’Neill ran the midfield to support up-front duo of Katie McKee and Kerrie Turtle, and a great passage of play from Donaghadee forced a good save from the visitors’ keeper as the quarter came to a close.

Chloe Gault and Row Moore came on in quarter two and in a similar fashion to the start of the match, Donaghadee dominated possession but some terrific defensive play by Enniskillen prevented any real clear cut chances, before the Enniskillen keeper made a good save to thwart Kerrie giving Donaghadee the lead.

Into the final quarter and Donaghadee started to push forward in numbers. Chances fell to Kerrie, Chloe, Vicky and Emily but despite the pressure the visitors’ keeper met each challenge. Against the run of play and with only seven minutes remaining, a rare Enniskillen attack saw them win a penalty corner and despite a super initial save by Janice the rebound fell kindly for the visitors and the rebound was fired home to give Enniskillen an unexpected lead.

Less than two minutes later Donaghadee were back on level terms. With the ball bouncing around the Enniskillen circle as Donaghadee tried to force the attack, a penalty corner was awarded when the ball found a Skins foot. A neat interchange between Emily and Vicky saw the former getting the final touch to sweep home to give Donaghadee and a much deserved equaliser.

Final score 1-1 with thanks to Kerry Kennedy and Mike Smyth for umpiring and to Elevate Storage Solutions for sponsoring the match ball.

Web: http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/donaghadeelhc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donaghadeelhc/

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged CI, enniskillen | Leave a comment

REPORT | 25 October 2025: Rainey 4-0 DLHC 1XI and South Antrim 2-2 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 27/10/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

The Dee’s scorers this weekend: Emily and Kerrie doing the honours for the 2XI against South Antrim

Senior 2: Rainey 4-0 DLHC 1XI
After last week’s closely fought, and ultimately victorious Intermediate Cup match it was a return to league action for DLHC’s 1XI as they travelled to Magherafelt to play Rainey.

Donaghadee came out of the blocks and were quickly on the attack when Jordan McWilliams hammered a shot that smashed off the post and bounced clear in a big early let-off for the home side. With much of the play coming down the left side, Rachelle Pearson and Hannah Younge were creating a lot of space with brilliant link-up play between backs and forwards and one such move carved open the home defence, with Carolyn Scott running on to the through ball, only for her shot to go wide of the right post.

Rainey began to gain more of a foothold and they countered with blistering pace through the centre, the resulting strike from the edge of the D was forced wide enough by Donaghadee keeper Faith McMillen getting her angles right, with that shot also hitting the post. Despite then conceding the first penalty corner of the game, Donaghadee were able to clear to safety and the quarter finished scoreless.

Quarter two started in similar vein, with both teams creating attacking opportunities but there were few clear chances until the home side won a penalty corner and a well worked routine saw them break the deadlock. Buoyed by the goal, Rainey lifted the pace and just over a minute later a second strike saw them double their lead. Donaghadee pressed hard to respond, forcing a brilliant save from the home keeper as they looked to halve the deficit.

Into the second half and Rainey were straight back on the attack, switching the ball quickly up front but strong tackling from Paige Reilly in the centre of defence got the ball clear. At the other end, a promising Donaghadee attack broke down in the home 23 and a quick interchange between the Rainey midfield and forwards created a break into the circle, shot and goal to make it 3-0 just a couple of minutes after halftime.

The home team then really began to dominate possession in the third quarter with Donaghadee forced back, defending deeper and as a result struggling to get the ball to the forwards, but excellent defensive play by Jan Burgess and Kathryn Cunningham restricted the hosts with a number of penalty corners being very well defended.

In midfield the sterling work of Helen Herron, Jess Moore and Ellen Campbell meant that Donaghadee started to fight back in the final quarter, with a good break in the third minute seeing Jordan beat the keeper only for her shot to slide just wide. A penalty corner resulted in a great strike from Leanna McGimpsey-Young which saved by the keeper, with the follow up shot also being beaten away.

With minutes remaining Chloe Gault came on to freshen things up and she chased back well to bolster the defensive effort. Then, with less than ten seconds remaining Rainey won another penalty corner and it was successfully converted to make the final score 4-0; a well deserved win for the hosts, but a somewhat harsh score line for a Donaghadee side that showed heart and fought until the final whistle and who, on another day could well have come away with something from the game.

There is a break in action next weekend, with the 1XI back in action on Saturday 8^th November at home to CI, pass back 1pm.

Junior 10: South Antrim 2-2 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee Ladies 2s travelled to Friends School, Lisburn to play South Antrim on a wet day and, with only 11 players due to one player having to umpire each quarter, it was set to be a challenge.

However, Donaghadee were quick to attack with Vicky O’Neill in centre midfield distributing wide balls for Kerrie Turtle and Tasha McGimpsey to pick up on the wings. The breakthrough came quickly: during one neat exchange Emily Morris received the ball on the right and she was able to pick out a super pass into the circle where Kerrie met with a decisive touch to redirect the ball past the wrong-footed keeper to put Donaghadee 1-0 to the good.

South Antrim tried to counter, launching a series of dangerous attacks but they ran into a solid wall formed by the defence of Floss Patton, Angela Parker, Natalie Jamieson and Row Moore who were equally determined not to let the home side through.

Donaghadee’s efforts were gaining momentum, and they soon doubled their lead with a lovely attack. Erin Hamilton found Tasha wide, who then delivered a perfectly weighted pass right onto the penalty spot where Emily was on hand to slot the ball home with a clinical finish to give the Dee a 2-0 advantage.

South Antrim began to create more chances in quarter 2 and it wasn’t long before they slid the ball past keeper Janice McVeigh, to bring the scoreline to 2-1. The third quarter was end to end, with Caroline Davison and Lauren Niblock executing some solid tackles in the middle of the pitch to break down the play and try to turn defence to attack so that Donaghadee could consolidate their lead.

Despite firm defence from Donaghadee and a number of cracking saves from Janice, South Antrim countered again to pull back the scoreline to 2-2 in what turned out to be the final goal of the match, with honours even in an end-to-end contest.

In a performance defined by resilience and never-say-die attitude, a massive shoutout goes to Natalie Jamieson, whose mighty performance in defence earned her Star Player this week, and special thanks go to Caroline, Floss, Row and Emily for umpiring a quarter each.

The 2s now have a week off before they are back in action on the 8th of November at home to Enniskillen, 2:30pm pass back.

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged rainey, south antrim | Leave a comment

REPORT | 18 October 2025: Omagh 1-2 DLHC 1XI and DLHC 2XI 2-4 Holywood

Posted on 20/10/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Intermediate Cup: Omagh 1-2 DLHC 1XI
After their first round success over Ballynahinch back in September Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI travelled to Omagh 2s in the second round of the Intermediate Cup on Saturday.

With a number of the first team squad missing for a variety of reasons, three of the 2s stepped up to help out. Right from the first whistle Donaghadee were on the attack and the home side spent most of the opening quarter defending deep in their own half. Attacks were coming from all across the pitch as Jess Moore, Kerry Kennedy and Jordan McWilliams fought for supremacy in midfield, but despite attack after attack threatening the Omagh goal, a superb performance by the home keeper saved her side time after time, with five shots and a penalty corner all being beaten away.

The home team struggled to get a foothold in the game and only twice made it into the Donaghadee circle where Paige Reilly and Kathryn Cunningham in the heart of defence kept them well away from the goals.

Quarter two continued in much of the same vein but the home side now managed to defend higher up the pitch, reducing Dee to just 4 shots, and with more pressure up front from Omagh, one attack down the left saw the home side cut into the circle and a smart cross cut out Dee keeper Faith McMillen, with the home forward on target to give Omagh the lead, very much against the run of play.

Donaghadee continued to push forward but despite a penalty corner in the final minute they couldn’t find the net and at half-time the home side held a one goal advantage. The first ten minutes of the second half saw Omagh pushing forward and having much more of the ball, though despite this the excellent defensive effort from Rachelle Pearson and Kathy Sinnamon generally kept them away from the goal and a single shot off target was their sole reward.

Donaghadee clawed their way back into the game as the quarter went on and started to assert themselves on the match. Ellen Campbell replaced Jess on the right side and helped the forward momentum, and the defensive efforts also released Helen Herron and Rachelle to push further forward. Finally with just seconds left in the quarter a scramble in the Omagh circle saw the ball fall to Kerrie Turtle for her to smuggle it over the line and make it 1-1.

The final quarter saw Donaghadee throw everything forward and attack after attack was well defended by the home side as they fought to hold on. Two penalty corners early in the quarter were well saved by the excellent home keeper and as time went on it looked like things were heading for the dreaded run-ins, when another penalty corner to the visitors saw Leanna McGimpsey-Young fire home to get Donaghadee in front with ten minutes left.

The final minutes saw both sides attack and counter attack but no clear chances until with just 20 seconds remaining the home side won a penalty corner to ramp up the drama. With two retakes due to infringements, finally a superb, determined clearance by the Dee defence saw the final whistle blow and Donaghadee through to the quarter final of the Intermediate Cup, due to be played on 20th December.

Many thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to Caroline Davison for travelling as unused sub, congrats to Kerry for her player of the match performance, and a shout out to Kerrie for her 100th club goal. The 1XI are next in action this Saturday, away to Rainey with a pass back time of 1pm.

Junior Cup: DLHC 2XI 2-4 Holywood
In what was a very even match despite the scoreline, the 2XI took on Holywood at home in the latest round of the Junior Cup. Molly scored both of Donaghadee’s goals, the second of which was a super shot which looped over the keeper’s head!

Thanks to Andy McKee for umpiring and to Elevate Storage Solutions for sponsoring the match ball.

The 2XI are away to South Antrim on Saturday.

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged holywood, Intermediate Cup, junior cup, omagh | Leave a comment

REPORT | 11th October 2025: DLHC 2XI 1-5 Ballymena

Posted on 13/10/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Plenty of action in the Dee circle on Saturday

Junior League 10: DLHC 2XI 1-5 Ballymena
Donaghadee 2XI have enjoyed a strong start in the opening league games as they welcomed Ballymena to BGS last Saturday.

The visitors were quick off the mark, putting the Donaghadee defence of Floss Patton, Megan Inglis, Lisa Higgins and Row Moore under immediate pressure. With Donaghadee unable to clear the danger, it took just three minutes for Ballymena to capitalise and go 1-0 up.

Undaunted Donaghadee looked to turn defence to attack with Caroline Davison putting in some great block tackles in the centre of midfield and feeding the ball wide to Chloe Ferguson and Katie McHenry. Midway through the half Dee forward Kerrie Turtle intercepted a Ballymena hit out, and thanks to her quick thinking and a quick slip to Chloe Gault, the latter was able to slide the ball past the keeper to score her first Donaghadee goal and bring the scoreline to 1-1.

In the second quarter, Dee keeper Janice McVeigh and her defence were constantly working hard to keep Ballymena at bay, with Angela Parker and Laura Hamilton coming on to provide cover at the back. Unfortunately, the strong Ballymena forward line were able to add another two goals to their tally and the scoreline was 3-1.

Joey Patton entered the line up in the third quarter, making her Donaghadee debut and she was quickly on the attack to drive forward from midfield as Donaghadee looked to reduce the deficit. It was however Ballymena who took their chance and they added another to pull further away: 4-1 to the away team.

The final quarter saw Donaghadee determined to convert some of their attacking chances with Vicky O’Neill linking some through balls to Emily Morris – the midfielder was unlucky not to get on the scoreboard as the Ballymena keeper stood firm.

Despite Donaghadee creating a number of good chances they were made to pay with Ballymena scoring one more before the final whistle to leave the score 5-1.

Player of the match went to Chloe Ferguson for her solid work in midfield and she thanked Mike Smyth and Kerry Kennedy for umpiring. With thanks to Elevate Storage Solutions for sponsoring the match ball.

The 2XI are at home in the Junior Cup this weekend, taking on Holywood for a 2:30pm pass back, while the 1XI head to Omagh for a 2pm pass back in the Intermediate Cup.

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged ballymena | Leave a comment

REPORT | 4th October 2025: DLHC 1XI 2-0 Owls and DLHC 2XI 3-2 South Antrim

Posted on 06/10/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Hannah and Carolyn were on the score sheet for the 1XI against Owls on Saturday

Senior 2: DLHC 1XI 2-0 Owls
After narrow defeats in their opening couple of league games at the start of life in Senior 2, Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI hosted Mallusk-based Owls in round three on a very blustery, but thankfully after last week, dry day as the dregs of Storm Amy blew away.

Right from the first whistle Donaghadee went on the attack on the wings with Jess Moore down the right and Jordan McWilliams on the left looking to find Kerry Kennedy and Leanna McGimpsey-Young up front.

In the early stages chances were few but midway through the quarter Donaghadee earned a penalty corner thanks to a good spell of pressure on the visiting defence. A double save from the Owls keeper looked to have cleared the danger but the second ball landed right on the stick of perfectly-placed Hannah Younge and she fired home to give Donaghadee a deserved lead.

Whilst much of the play was in the Owls half they did counter from several different angles but Jan Morrow, Jodie MacLaren, Paige Reilly and Rachelle Pearson were working well as a unit, limiting the visitors to a single shot off target and a penalty corner which was well saved by Faith McMillen and at the end of the quarter Donaghadee were good for their 1-0 lead.

With Katie McHenry and Chloe Gault swapping on in midfield, Donaghadee kept up with the pressure going forward; both combining well with Helen Herron to provide a decent attacking platform as Donaghadee looked to increase their lead.

After the half-time turnaround much of the play was between the 23s but Donaghadee were creating the better opportunities thanks to a couple of dangerous breaks but a good save by the visitors’ keeper and a couple of shots sliding just wide meant that there was still just one goal in it at the three quarter mark.

Into the final quarter and an early ball forward by Owls was well cut out by player of the match Paige on the halfway line. Her swift transfer to midfield gave Kerry time to pick out a super cross field pass to Jess on the right sideline.

A trademark slaloming run to the baseline and drive in to the circle from Jess and resulting pinpoint pull back found Carolyn who swept home past the scrambling keeper; a superb team goal to double the lead.

Donaghadee dominated for much of the remaining quarter but as the seconds counted down a final twist saw Owls win a penalty corner just as the final whistle blew. With enough time to take the corner, Paige cleared to ensure Donaghadee kept the clean sheet and bagged their first valuable three points in Senior Two.

With thanks to Ulster Hockey for providing the two umpires for the game, and to NI Building Surveys for sponsoring the match ball. Congratulations to Paige for her Star Player performance in defence and driving into midfield, and a quick shout out to Carolyn for scoring her 150th recorded goal for the club.

The 1XI have a break this weekend (11th October) but are back in action the following week (18th October) with an away trip to Omagh in the Intermediate Cup.

Kerrie (2) and Emily were the scorers for the 2XI against South Antrim

Junior League 10: DLHC 2XI 3-2 South Antrim
Donaghadee 2s finally got their league campaign underway at the 3rd attempt last Saturday after the first couple of games fell foul of other teams pulling out of the league.

South Antrim were the visitors and a quick attack straight from the first whistle caught Donaghadee unawares and the ball was in the back of the net after just 23 seconds.

Donaghadee quickly put the early shock behind them and with Emily Morris on the right and Molly McKee on the left, Donaghadee looked dangerous going forward; Vicky O’Neill, Katie McKee and Kerrie Turtle all threatening to get the Dee back in the game with some clever attacking play. Just three minutes after South’s goal, the ball fell to Kerrie in the circle and she fired it home to make it 1-1.

There was little time for celebration however as South Antrim were quickly back on the front foot and less than 2 minutes later a break into the circle and a hopeful shot made it past keeper Janice McVeigh and 1-2 on the scoreboard.

Into the second quarter and despite a lot of great effort there were very few clear chances for either side and at half time it remained advantage to the visitors.

After words of encouragement at half time, the home side were straight on the attack and they won a penalty corner within the first few minutes. Injected by Emily the ball was quickly returned to her and she swept it in past the keeper to bring things level at 2-2.

It was now all to play for as both sides pushed for the winner and although the visitors worked hard to get into the Dee circle, sterling work from Row Moore, Lisa Higgins, Megan Inglis and Laura Hamilton kept them from getting any clear shots on goal.

Caroline Davison, Erin Hamilton and Lauren Niblock were now dominating the midfield and a great run through from Emily saw the ball fired on goal with Kerrie on hand at the back post to make sure it was definitely goal bound. 3-2 to Donaghadee with seven minutes left and having come from behind twice this was a super result to keep the momentum going in to next week, when the 2s welcome Ballymena to BGS, pass back 1pm.

Despite a few more chances being created there was no more scoring and the final whistle blew with a well deserved 3-2 win for the home side. This week’s Star Player award was shared between Lisa and Emily and thanks to Andy Mckee for umpiring and to Elevate Storage Solutions for sponsoring the match ball.

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged owls, south antrim | Leave a comment

REPORT | 27 September 2025: Saintfield 1-0 DLHC 1XI and Ballymena 2-3 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 29/09/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Bird’s eye view of a soggy DLHC supporter at Saintfield on Saturday

Senior League 2: Saintfield 1-0 DLHC 1XI
On a Saturday that might quite easily win the Wettest Day of the Season (so far), DLHC 1XI were on their travels to Co. Down neighbours Saintfield. The match got underway in a downpour that only intensified as the afternoon went on yet both teams did their best to play free-flowing hockey in what made for a decent spectacle for the soggy spectators who braved the elements.

Saintfield won the toss for first pass back and were immediately on the front foot with a number of crash balls peppering the Donaghadee defence. With Jodie MacLaren and Paige Reilly both rock solid in the centre Dee keeper Faith McMillen was well protected while Katie McHenry did well on the right to keep the lively Saintfield left winger in check.

One move from the Saintfield right saw a shot on target but a fantastic diving save from Faith low down to her right deflected the ball clear with her stick, quickly followed by another good save which was mopped up (no pun intended) by Kathy Sinnamon doing due diligence on the post to ensure the board remained scoreless at half time.

There was absolutely no respite from the rain which went from downpour to biblical at half time but the game continued at pace in the second half with Donaghadee carving out a couple of excellent chances through runs down the right wing by captain Jess Moore, but ferocious home defence kept them out.

Kerry Kennedy and Carolyn Scott were combining well up front with the former threading through a couple of excellently timed passes towards the Saintfield circle, with Carolyn forcing the keeper in to one double save to keep the Dee out.

Donaghadee were delighted to welcome Helen Herron back to midfield and she joined Rachelle Pearson and Hannah Younge – fresh from that morning’s Bangor 10k and on to their second soaking of the day – and these three kept driving Donaghadee forward, Hannah in particular sliding in to the Saintfield circle to get on the end of a cross and only narrowly missing a good connection at the Saintfield goal mouth.

At the other end Saintfield created a number of threatening chances and eventually took advantage; a drag flick from the edge of the circle just evading Faith, despite the keeper doing tremendously well to get a pad to it. 1-0 to the home side.

Donaghadee looked to provide a quick response and with Row Moore on at right back and Chloe Ferguson in left midfield, they looked to change the point of attack. Late on the Dee earned a couple of penalty corners of their own with Jess going closest at the near post but with no conversions it ended with a 1-0 victory to Saintfield.

Thanks for Ulster Hockey for providing the umpires and congratulations to Faith McMillen for her Star Player performance in the Dee goal. The team is at home to Owls this Saturday, pass back at BGS is 1pm.

A super 3-2 win for the 2s in Ballymena on Saturday

Friendly: Ballymena 2-3 DLHC 2XI
With Raphoe the latest team to pull out of Junior 10, Donaghadee 2s travelled to Ballymena to play a friendly just to get some game time ahead of the league matches starting, next Saturday all being well.

The first minutes were end to end with both teams threatening on the attack but despite best efforts, there were no clear chances. The Donaghadee defence of Floss Patton, Natalie Jamieson, Angela Parker and Lisa Higgins were on top form to help out wonderful stand-in keeper Megan Inglis – normally found in the middle of defence but filling in this week in the pads and kickers. Despite some stout defending from the Dee, Ballymena capitalised on a chance and they went 1-0 up.

A slight reshuffle in the line up meant Erin Hamilton slotted in at right mid for the second quarter and it wasn’t long before some great link up play between Floss, Erin and Ellen Campbell led to Ellen firing a shot at an almost impossible angle which beat a defender and the keeper, bringing the score to 1-1.

The third quarter started off similarly to the first with all the play being equally shared up and down the pitch. Caroline Davison was proving her defensive capabilities as she broke down plenty of attacks in that sweeping midfield role, while going forward Donaghadee had a few more chances in the circle, including Vicky O’Neill firing just wide of the post. Again, Ballymena took advantage of a break and scored to take the score to 2-1.

Into the fourth quarter and Donaghadee were determined to keep up the tempo and it wasn’t long before Lauren Niblock gave a lovely pass to Emily Morris who was able to make a run towards the circle. A quick pass allowed Katie McKee to fire home and bring the score to 2-2. No less than 3 minutes later, Katie picked up the ball near the half way line and beat several defenders to make her way into the circle and score her second goal of the afternoon, making the final score 3-2 to Donaghadee.

Katie Mckee received Star Player for her non-stop running and goal-scoring performance and she thanked Megan for stepping into goals and making some amazing saves for the tea,. A massive thank you to Ballymena for agreeing to the match last-minute to getting the team some game time and also for providing both umpires so all of the Dee players could get some game time!

The team is hopeful that the league will finally get underway this weekend at home to South Antrim, pass back 2.30pm at BGS.

Upcoming Dates

Posted in 2025/26 Match Reports | Tagged ballymena, saintfield | Leave a comment