REPORT | 13 September 2025: DLHC 1XI 5-0 Ballynahinch

Posted on 15/09/2025 by Donaghadee LHC
Hannah scored two against Ballynahinch on Saturday

Intermediate Cup Round 1: DLHC 1XI 5-0 Ballynahinch
Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI got the 2025/26 season underway last Saturday with a home game in the first round of the Intermediate Cup against old rivals Ballynahinch Ladies.

Donaghadee’s starting team included two of three players making their competitive debuts for Donaghadee, with Chloe Gault and Rachelle Pearson lining out in defence and midfield respectively, and right from the first whistle the home team showed their intent. Within minutes the Dee were on the attack and threatening the visitors’ goal, and it was no surprise that in the fifth minute they opened the scoring when Carolyn Scott scored – a scrappy effort at the back post that was initially saved by the outstanding Hinch keeper but which was bundled over the line at the second attempt.

There was no let up in the attacking pressure but some great work by the visiting keeper thwarted Donaghadee until in the thirteenth minute captain Jordan McWilliams’ shot at the edge of the circle was deflected by a Hinch defender to loop up and over the keeper to double the Dee’s lead.

The visitors had few chances to get into Donaghadee’s circle but when they did win a penalty corner, Donaghadee’s first runner Jodie MacLaren put sufficient pressure on the striker to force the shot wide, leaving Dee keeper Faith McMillen yet to touch the ball.

As the quarter neared its end Donaghadee extended their lead further as a lovely interchange between midfielders Kerry Kennedy and Hannah Younge freed Hannah to drive into the Hinch circle, firing shot past the keeper to make the advantage 3-0.

Having hitherto created havoc on the right flank, turning her defenders inside out, Jess Moore took a well deserved five minutes off, with third debutant Ellen Campbell coming on for her first start,  and the fresh legs ensured the pattern in the second quarter was much the same; Donaghadee spent much of the quarter in the visitors’ final quarter but some excellent work again by the ‘Hinch keeper denied Donaghadee on numerous occasions and as half time arrived the score remained unchanged. 

The second half had only just got underway when Leanna McGimpsey-Young got a deft touch from a crash ball into the circle to deflect a shot past the keeper to add the fourth and put the game beyond the visitors’ reach. Despite the scoreline, Ballynahinch enjoyed their best spell of the game as they attacked the home circle but good work by defenders Paige Reilly, Row Moore and Kathy Sinnamon meant that Faith still awaited getting more involved in the game.

With Shell pulling the strings in midfield Donaghadee were producing some super attacking hockey and they ended the quarter on the front foot again but despite some great chances being carved out Donaghadee didn’t add any more to the score line until midway into the final quarter when Hannah produced another great driving run into the Hinch circle, finishing on target to get her second – Donaghadee’s fifth, and final – of the day.

The victory sees Donaghadee progress to the second round which takes place mid-October. With thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to NI Building Surveys for sponsoring the match ball.

Coach Willie McAdam was delighted with the result and praised a super performance from the 1XI to get the new season underway. The team looks forward to the start of the league next week when they entertain Limavady, pass back at BGS is at 1pm, with the 2s also getting underway at home to Parkview, pass back 2.30pm.

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

Walking Hockey Postponed
We’d been looking forward to another go at Walking Hockey this Tuesday evening (16th September) but unfortunately due to pitch availability at BGS over the next couple of months, we’re going to postpone.

We’re thinking Spring time, lighter nights, better weather, back out of hibernation… See you then!

Upcoming Dates

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

September Happenings: Quiz, Walking Hockey and Cup Action

Posted on 08/09/2025 by Donaghadee LHC
A great night’s craic at the Fundraising Quiz last Friday night, with vital funds raised to help cover pitch costs

Fundraising Quiz in the Meadowbank a roaring success
It was a packed back room at the Meadowbank Social Club last Friday night for the first big fundraiser of the year and it was fabulous to see some serious quizzing going on. With relatively easy initial rounds lulling numerous teams in to a false sense of security, things got tougher as the night progressed and it was Angela Rayner’s Tax Advisers who came away with the bragging rights and six bottles of winners’ wine (and who probably deserved the win for the name alone!). 

The Club would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported through participation, donations and just being there for a really good, fun night, Meadowbank Social Club for their hosting on the evening and also to a number of local businesses which donated various very generous prizes for the ballot:

Creative Gardens, Donaghadee – voucher
Grange Wine Merchants Donaghadee – wine
The Copeland Distillery – tour and tasting
Grattan’s Family Greengrocers & Fine Food Store – fruit hamper

Thanks to everyone who bought tickets and participated in the ballot, the total amount raised was £1400 which will help massively in covering a couple of months’ worth of pitch time.

Walking Hockey Taster Session – Tuesday 9th September
🦵🏻 Knees not great?
🐌 Speed gone?
💝 Miss the old camaraderie?
🤔 Want to try something new?
💪🏻 Current player fancying a challenge (can you NOT run to get that ball?)

We’re running a Walking Hockey taster session, 8.30-9.30pm on Tuesday 9th September at Bangor Grammar. Lots of the usual hockey rules apply but all without running!

Perfect for old hands, current faces or if you just fancy trying something totally different. Bit of craic and fresh air. We’ll bring the sticks if you bring the banter 🏑

Turn up on the night or email us for more info at dlhc@hotmail.co.uk.

Cup Action – Saturday 13th September
After several weeks of pre-season in preparation for the incoming 2025/26 action, Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI will begin proceedings this Saturday with a home tie against Ballynahinch in the first round of the Intermediate Cup. The two sides know each other well having spent many seasons together in Senior Three so it will be a familiar start for the Firsts, although the two clubs’ paths will then diverge, with Donaghadee looking forward to the new challenge of Senior Two following the successful promotion playoff at the tail end of last season.

With a number of new faces making their competitive debuts for the Dee over the next few weeks, it will undoubtedly be an exciting start to the season. Pass back this Saturday at BGS is at 1pm, with both teams then in action the following weekend (Saturday 20th) with a double header at home: 1XI v Limavady, pass back 1pm and the Seconds welcome Parkview in their opening game in the 2.30pm slot at BGS. 

Upcoming games:
Saturday 13th September: Intermediate Cup Round 1: DLHC 1XI v Ballynahinch (H), 1pm
Saturday 20th September: Senior League 2: DLHC 1XI v Limavady (H), 1pm
Saturday 20th September: Junior League 10: DLHC 2XI v Parkview (H), 2.30pm

Sponsor a DLHC Player
We’re really excited to launch a brand new sponsorship opportunity for the 2025/26 season: the chance to sponsor individual players from both our teams.

Not only will the club benefit from your generosity but that player will receive half the money meaning that not only do you help us with pitch and insurance costs, you give the player the opportunity to put that money towards club fees, new kit or simply cash in their pocket!

In return you’ll get your name, logo or brand appearing with the player’s image on our website, regular social media mentions and a shout out in match reports which are published each week online and in the Co Down Spectator and Newtownards Chronicle.

If you’d like to get involved, speak to your favourite player – they’d love to hear from you!

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 , , | Leave a comment

August 2025: Dates for the Diary

Posted on 18/08/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Dates for the Diary

Friday 5th September – Fundraising Quiz
The first fundraiser of the year takes place on Friday 5th September in the Meadowbank Social Club in Donaghadee. Grab your mates and test your general knowledge in the DLHC Quiz, with all proceeds going to club funds to help cover pitch and insurance costs. Tables of 4-6, tickets are £5 and are limited so please speak to any player to secure yours. Doors 7pm for a 7.30pm start. All welcome!

Tuesday 9th September – Walking Hockey Taster Session
Maybe the old knees aren’t so good, maybe your searing has deserted you. Maybe you used to play and miss the camaraderie. Maybe you’re a current player and fancy a challenge… We’re running a Walking Hockey taster session, 7-8pm on Tuesday 9th September at Bangor Grammar. Lots of the usual hockey rules apply but all without running! Turn up on the night or message the club at dlhc@hotmail.co.uk or on Facebook or Instagram to find out more details. Open to all females of 15+ whether you’re a past, present or future member of the club or not!

Saturday 13th September – Intermediate Cup Round 1
With several friendlies pencilled in over the next couple of weekends, competition proper starts on Saturday 13th September with the 1XI in cup action in the first round of the Intermediate Cup at home to Ballynahinch. Pass back will be 1pm at Bangor Grammar. 

Saturday 20th September – League Double Header at home
Senior 2 and Junior 10 get underway for both teams and both teams are at home. The 1s welcome Limavady for a 1pm pass back at Bangor Grammar while the 2s taken on Parkview in the 2.30pm match. The teams will then look forward to joining the rugby boys over in the Clubhouse for drinks after the conclusion of action at BGS. For a full list of fixtures please see the club website at https://donaghadeelhc.co.uk/fixtures-2025-26/

Player Sponsorship
The club is delighted to launch a brand new sponsorship opportunity for the 25/26 season: the chance to sponsor individual players from both our teams. Not only will the club benefit from your generosity but that player will receive half the money, meaning that not only do you help with pitch and insurance costs, you give your player the opportunity to put that money towards club fees, new kit or simply cash in their pocket!

In return you’ll get your name, logo or brand appearing with the player’s image on our website, regular social media mentions and a shout out in the club’s weekly match reports. To get involved, please speak directly to your favourite player for full details – they’d love to hear from you!

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

Final Standings 2024/25

Posted on 14/08/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

DLHC 1XI: Senior 3 – finished second, won playoff, promoted to S2!

DATEOPPOSITIONH/ASCORESCORERSSTAR PLAYER
14/9/24Antrim (F)HD4-4Leanna (2), Carolyn, Jordan Leanna
21/9/24Bangor (F)HW2-0Carolyn, Jess Hannah
28/9/24Derg ValleyAW2-1Leanna (2)Jess
5/10/24HolywoodHW4-2Leanna (2), Jess, HannahHannah
12/10/24Club KVAD1-1KerryJodie
19/10/24AntrimHW5-1Leanna (3), KK, CarolynHannah
26/10/24S. Antrim CUP–L2-1JessFaith
2/11/24––
9/11/24NewryAW1-0LeannaJanice
16/11/24ParkviewHW3-0Hannah, Carolyn, JordanJordan
23/11/24––
30/11/24CookstownHW5-1Tasha, Leanna (3), CarolynPaige
3/12/24PSNIAW2-0Jess, Leanna
14/12/24KilkeelAL7-2Leanna, CarolynKathy
20/12/24BallynahinchHW1-0Hinch conceded
18/1/25KilkeelHD0-0Helen
24/1/25
1/2/25Club KVHL1-0Kathryn
8/2/25CookstownAW3-0Carolyn, KK, JordanHelen
15/2/25
22/2/25ParkviewAW9-0Leanna (3), Jordan (3), Hannah, KT, CarolynHelen, Jordan
1/3/25HolywoodAW2-1Hannah, JessHannah
8/3/25PSNIHD1-1CarolynKathryn, KK
15/3/25PSNI (Plate)HW5-0Hannah, Jess (2), Carolyn (2)Jess
8/4/25Civil Service (Plate SF)AL3-0Helen
17/5/25Promotion PlayoffAW2-1Leanna, HannahFaith

Scorers
Leanna 19
Carolyn 11
Jess 7
Hannah 6
Jordan 6
Kerry 3
Tasha 1
Kerrie 1

Prize Winners
1XI Captain’s Player of the Year – Jess
1XI Coach’s Player of the Year – Hannah
1XI Most Improved Player – Faith
1XI Top Goalscorer – Leanna
Club Person of the Year – Row

DLHC 2XI: Junior 10

DATEOPPOSITIONH/ASCORESCORERSSTAR PLAYER
6/9/24Bangor (F)AL3-1Tasha
14/9/24
21/9/23Ards (F)HL5-0
28/9/24BallynahinchAL3-0Janice
5/10/24SaintfieldHD1-1KerrieDawn
12/10/24PegasusAL1-0Lisa
19/10/24DromoreAL3-2Molly, KTEmily
26/10/24Dromore CUPAL2-0Ruth
2/11/24––
9/11/24OwlsAW4-0Tasha (2), Erin, MollyTasha
16/11/24BallymenaHD0-0Lisa
23/11/24LimavadyAW1-0FaithCaroline
30/11/24LarneHL2-0Johneena
7/12/24––
14/12/24BallynahinchHL1-0Ruth
21/12/24––
4/1/25––
11/1/25SaintfieldA
18/1/25––
25/1/25CUP/PLATE–
1/2/25DromoreHW2-1Molly (2)Molly
8/2/25RaphoeAL1-0Lisa
15/2/25SaintfieldAW2-0Natalie, TashaEmily
22/2/25DromoreA
1/3/25LimavadyHL2-0
8/3/25LarneAL3-1KTCaroline
15/3/25–
22/3/25RaphoeHW2-0Vicky, TashaVicky
12/4/25BallymenaAL3-1Tasha

Scorers
Tasha 6
Molly 4
Kerrie 3
Erin 1
Faith 1
Natalie 1
Vicky 1

Prize Winners
2XI Captain’s Player of the Year – Caroline
2XI Coach’s Player of the Year – Floss
2XI Most Improved Player – Lauren
2XI Top Goalscorer – Tasha

Posted in 2024/25 Match Reports | Tagged | Leave a comment

REPORT | DLHC Charity Sixes 2025

Posted on 02/06/2025 by Donaghadee LHC
The second DLHC Charity Sixes Tournament took place on Sunday in memory of 1XI defender Sarah Hooks who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. Sarah’s husband Keith presented the club with a cup in Sarah’s name. Receiving on behalf of the club were tournament organisers Carolyn (far left) and Kerrie (far right), long-time Donaghadee player and Sarah’s sister-in-law Helen (3rd left) and club treasurer Alison (second from right)

Donaghadee LHC holds Charity Sixes tournament in memory of 1XI defender Sarah Hooks

Donaghadee LHC held their second Charity Sixes tournament at Bangor Grammar last Sunday in memory of 1XI player Sarah Hooks who passed away earlier this year.

Born last year from a desire to show support to Sarah who had been recently diagnosed with cancer, and to other club members whose friends or family had been affected by the disease, the 2024 Sixes tournament was a great success, with all proceeds from the day going to Sarah’s chosen charity of Friends of the Cancer Centre.

Although not well enough to play last year, Sarah was cheerleader-in-chief during the games and was on hand to present the winners with their trophies and, following the conclusion of the tournament, elicited a promise from the committee that the tournament would run again in 2025.

Members of the club were heartbroken to say goodbye to Sarah in February past but true to their word, the 2025 Sixes tournament was pencilled in for the first weekend of June with proceeds from the event to be split between Marie Curie and local charity Fire Lily which provides boxes filled with beautiful pamper items along with a message of hope given to women journeying with cancer. In addition the club was delighted to receive a beautifully engraved trophy donated by Sarah’s husband Keith to be presented to the winners of this year’s tournament.

Twelve squads including teams from Antrim, Ballyclare, Bangor, North Down, Knock old girls, Ulster Masters and Ards Pickleballers along with a number of DLHC-based teams all congregated on a (mostly!) dry day at BGS. With the pitch divided into three, six players a side and each game lasting 10 minutes, the action was nonstop from the opening bell at 1pm. With only 5 minutes between games there was constant rotation of personnel on the three pitches and the action was fast and furious, yet off the pitch where each team had set up base on the adjacent rugby pitch there was much laughter, chat and catching up as hockey friends old and new renewed acquaintances.

The barbeque and tuck shop did a roaring trade and was a welcome pitstop for many, including the good crowd of spectators and supporters who came along to enjoy the action with all proceeds going in to the donation boxes.

As the afternoon wore on, and each team having played 5 matches in the group stages, the action got down to the business end and knockout hockey for the coveted spots in the final commenced. On one side, Donaghadee’s Goals Aloud made up of a number of Sarah’s 1XI team mates were progressing steadily with Antrim on course in the other half of the draw. It came down to these two in the final with Goals Aloud playing some lovely hockey and ultimately proving the stronger of the two, scoring several goals to ensure the first trophy in Sarah’s name was presented to a team from Donaghadee.

With Sarah’s parents watching on, Keith was delighted to present his sister – Sarah’s sister-in-law – Helen with the trophy, much to the delight of the large crowd which had stayed on to support the final; all in all a fitting end to a wonderful afternoon’s hockey played in the best spirit and for two extremely good causes.

The club would like to thank all the teams for their participation, good spirit and contribution, Ards Fireplaces for sponsoring the barbeque and tuck shop, Murdock Builders Merchants who sorted the between-pitch boards and Bangor Grammar for use of the pitch; all the support both on and off the pitch is very much appreciated.

Donations can still be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/dlhc-sixes2025

The most wholesome video of the day: Sarah’s husband Keith presenting the brand new Sarah Hooks Memorial Cup to sister (and Sarah’s sister-in-law) Helen. Well done Donaghadee team Goals Aloud for the tournament win! ❤️💚

Posted in 2024/25 Match Reports | Tagged | Leave a comment

REPORT | 17 May 2025: Senior 2, here we come!

Posted on 19/05/2025 by Donaghadee LHC
The 1XI promotion playoff match squad

Senior 2/3 Promotion/Relegation Playoff: DLHC 1XI 0-0 Castle (Donaghadee win 2-1 on run ins)

On a day of high drama in scorching conditions at Playball, Stormont, Donaghadee 1XI secured Senior 2 hockey for next season; the highest league the club has participated in since the current incarnation of Ulster Hockey’s leagues.

There has been very little hockey played in the last couple of months with Senior 3 wrapping up back on 8th March with a Plate semi final a month later the only competitive action the squad has seen but a number of friendlies and several training sessions were completed to try and keep sharp. 

On a day that was fabulous for the large crowd that turned out to cheer on both sides but less great for running round at full pelt, both teams took the initial stages to feel their way into the game, Donaghadee probably shading it in terms of possession and penetration but despite best efforts, they found the Castle keeper in superb form. 

In what turned out to be an end-to-end game, both teams were intent on playing attacking hockey with the final stats showing that Donaghadee dominated the circle entries: 26 to Castle’s 19 but again Castle’s keeper kept her side very much in it with the Dee’s 10 shots on target all repelled, while Faith McMillen in Donaghadee’s goal only had to content with two shots from Castle.

Half-time provided a welcome respite from the relentless heat in the form of the pitch sprinklers: players and spectators usually scatter when the half-time watering commences but none of the players moved too far out of the way while the jets completed their arcs this hot afternoon!

Both teams took advantage of their rolling subs and it is credit to all involved that there was hardly a drop in pace as the match wore on. There was so little to choose between them that it was becoming obvious to all watching that a single goal would probably settle it but who would find the break through?

Turns out, neither side and in order to provide maximum anxiety for the coaches and top entertainment for the spectators we headed for run ins. With both sides having selected their five attackers Donaghadee won the toss and opted to shoot first. Leanna McGimpsey-Young stepped up to take the Dee’s first which she did with aplomb: 1-0 to Donaghadee. Castle were unable to reply before Hannah Younge was next for the Dee and she doubled the advantage. 

Castle then pulled one back with their next strike before Faith – in only her second season of hockey – drew on her previous footballing experience to become Donaghadee’s hero of the hour. Making herself big, rushing out to close down the attacker, driving them well wide of the goal or forcing them to overrun the allotted 8 seconds meant that not another Castle shot got past her to give Donaghadee the most dramatic of victories much to the unbridled delight of the team and all the supporters sporting red and green on the sideline. 

Coach Willie McAdam was understandably delighted with the victory. “All 15 players contributed today putting together an absolutely superb team performance, even though it would have been a lot less stressful if they had managed to do it in normal time!” 

The club passes on their thanks to the two UH umpires for officiating and commiserations to Castle for a well-fought game that came down to the tightest of margins on the day. Next stop, Senior 2!

The winning pile-on!

Stick It To Cancer Sixes
Official league action has now wrapped up for the season but everyone at the club is very much looking forward to the second charity Sixes tournament on Sunday 1st June with all proceeds going to Marie Curie and local cancer charity Fire Lily, dedicated to 1XI defender Sarah Hooks whom we lost earlier this year. 

There are still some spaces left for teams so please contact the club on social media to enter, and donations can be made online at https://www.justgiving.com/page/dlhc-sixes2025 or in person on the day. With a barbeque (kindly sponsored by Ards Fireplaces), tuck shop and refreshments all organised, it will be a good, fun day so even if you’re not playing please do join us to catch up with hockey friends, old and new.

Stick It To Cancer Sixes: 1pm to 5pm on Sunday 1st June at Bangor Grammar – all welcome!

Posted in 2024/25 Match Reports | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

REPORT | 12 April 2025: Two tough games but Summer Hockey is on the way!

Posted on 14/04/2025 by Donaghadee LHC

Intermediate Plate Semi Final: Civil Service 3-0 DLHC

The 1XI squad for the Intermediate Plate Semi Final, 8th April 2025

A terrific Plate run – which included a 9-0 victory over Parkview and a 5-0 against PSNI – ended in defeat away to Civil Service last Tuesday for the 1XI. In the league above Donaghadee, Service were clinical with their finishing and booked themselves a spot in the final thanks to 3 well taken goals. Still one more match for the Firsts, with a promotion playoff spot still to come; opponents and date to be confirmed.

Huge thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to all the supporters who cheered the team on at Stormont – the support was very much appreciated by everyone on the pitch.

Junior 10: Ballymena 3-1 DLHC 2XI
The 2XI rounded off their league campaign with a tough away fixture against Ballymena last Saturday. A disappointing first quarter saw the team 3-0 down but a much better attacking performance in each of the three remaining quarters, along with some great defensive play, saw Donaghadee pull one back thanks to Tasha McGimpsey. Final score 3-1 to Ballymena.

Upcoming training
Training continues on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-8.30pm for the remainder of April before a short break in May before further action in June with the return of the Fundraising Sixes and Summer Hockey. Details will be announced for both in due course – please keep an eye on club socials for more information.

Posted in 2024/25 Match Reports | Leave a comment

REPORT | 22 March 2025: DLHC 2XI 2-0 Raphoe

Posted on 24/03/2025 by Donaghadee LHC
The 2XI beat league leaders Raphoe 2-0 on Saturday

Junior League 10: DLHC 2XI 2-0 Raphoe

Donaghadee 2s welcomed league leaders Raphoe to Bangor Grammar school for their final home match of the season last Saturday, determined to get a win in their penultimate league game of the season.

The first minutes were quite end to end with both teams threatening but neither creating any clear chances. For Donaghadee, Tasha McGimpsey found lots of room down the right wing and in the ninth minute a blistering run towards the baseline saw her fire the ball across goal to find Vicky O’Neill waiting at the back post, Vicky pouncing to open the scoring for the home side, 1-0 to the good in the first quarter.

In defence the hard work of Floss Patton, Natalie Jamieson, Lisa Higgins and Laura Hamilton kept the Raphoe forwards away from Janice’s McVeigh goal, whilst Donaghadee continued to threaten at the other end, as Emily Morrison and Caroline Davison created chances for Dawn McDonald and Chloe Ferguson; the quarter end seeing the visitors’ keeper the busier of the two, having saved a couple more shots and penalty corners but she kept the deficit to one at the first break.

A shuffling of players for quarter two saw Laura, Tasha and Vicky rested but there was no let up for the Raphoe defence, with attacks coming from Erin Hamilton, Faith McMillen and Katie McKee but some super last ditch defending by the visitors restricted Donaghadee’s chances to score and, with Janice saving the visitors’ only shot on target, the score at half-time was still 1-0.

Into the second half and another shuffle saw Dee swarming all over the visitors as they fired in half a dozen shots, including the one that doubled Donaghadee’s lead – a calm Tasha gathered the ball at the top of the attacking circle and drew the keeper before firing it home to make it 2-0 in the 37th minute.

Donaghadee dominated possession and territory for much of the remaining periods of the game, and while they were unable to add to the score it ended as a comfortable 2-0 win for the home team. Vicky O’Neill received this week’s Player of the Match award and she thanked Row Moore and Gavin Moore for umpiring, Final thanks to Elevate Storage Solutions for sponsoring the home match ball for the 2XI this season.

There follows a break in action for both sides: next up is a Donaghadee Select against Ulster 45s on Wednesday 2nd April as the latter prepare for the Interpros in Cork at the end of April, with the 1XI’s Intermediate Plate Semi Final confirmed as Tuesday 8th April away to Civil Service, followed by the 2XI’s last league match of the season, away to Ballymena on 13th April.

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

Posted in 2024/25 Match Reports | Tagged | Leave a comment

REPORT | 15 March 2025: DLHC XI 5-0 PSNI and Larne 3-1 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 17/03/2025 by Donaghadee LHC
The 1XI are in to the semi final of the Intermediate Plate

Dee through to Plate semi final thanks to a comprehensive 5-0 victory over PSNI

Donaghadee welcomed PSNI to BGS for the second time in as many weeks last Saturday. While the previous week was a slightly cagey 0-0 draw, albeit enough for the squad to earn themselves a second place league finish and the promise of a promotion play off spot, this week’s encounter saw Donaghadee producing much more of the free-flowing hockey that has served them so well this season.

Indeed a very early goal from a penalty corner strike courtesy of Hannah Younge settled any pre-match nerves; Donaghadee were up and running on the score sheet within the first five minutes. In a first half which produced six attempts on goal, four of which were on target for the Dee, the home team dominated much of the play with a lot of attacking play coming through the midfield of Hannah, Jordan McWilliams and Tasha McGimpsey.

Helen Herron completed the midfield set up, sitting just in front of the defence to protect the central channel and her good positioning meant that extra body was available to help out the Donaghadee defensive unit, restricting PSNI to just one shot on target in the first half; keeper Faith McMillen on hand to see the ball to safety on that occasion.

Donaghadee’s attacking dominance allowed full backs Paige Reilly and Kathy Sinnamon to push up in support and as a result, the visitors found themselves penned in for much of the half. However some stout defending and an excellent goalkeeping display from the PSNI Number 1 meant that the score was still a very tight 1-0 going in to the half time break.

With the fresh legs of Chloe Ferguson, Jan Morrow and Row Moore all on at the start of the second half, Donaghadee continued to press and two goals within the space of five minutes from Jess Moore – a constant threat all afternoon – gave Donaghadee a bit of breathing space. A nice interchange between Dee players also set Jordan free in the PSNI circle but again, great keeping kept the ball out, and the quarter finished 3-0 to Donaghadee.

PSNI enjoyed probably their best spell of the game in the late stages of the third quarter and it required determined defending from both Jodie MacLaren and Kathryn Cunningham to ensure there was no way in for the visiting team. 

Into the final quarter and within the first minute, forward Carolyn Scott pounced at the back post to add number four, before doubling her tally midway through the half to give Donaghadee an unassailable 5-0 victory and passage to a semi final berth in this year’s Intermediate Plate which will be played on 12th April against Civil Service.

Many thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring, to Ards Fireplaces for sponsoring the match ball, and congrats to Jess for her Player of the Match performance.

Junior League 10: Larne 3-1 DLHC 2XI

Last weekend Donaghadee Ladies’ 2XI travelled to Larne for a 4pm pass back. Larne were quickly on the attack but some great defensive play from Lisa Higgins, Natalie Jamieson, Floss Patton and Megan Inglis kept them away from the goal, then a Donaghadee foot saw a penalty corner awarded and the ball crashed home to give Larne a 1-0 lead after 11 minutes.

Donaghadee pushed forward through Emily Morris to Kerrie Turtle and Vicky O’Neill but the Larne defence held firm. Into the last couple of minutes in the quarter and Larne broke through and scored with their first shot on target from open play: 2-0 at quarter end.

The second quarter was end to end hockey, with both sides creating chances but both keepers making saves to keep it 2-0 at halftime.

A quick start to the second half for Donaghadee and with just a couple of minutes on the clock, Chloe Ferguson attacked through the centre of the pitch and slid the ball through to Kerrie Turtle in the circle who beat the keeper to pull the scoreline back to 2-1.

Both teams were working hard to create chances, Donaghadee carrying the ball through midfield by Erin Hamilton and Vicky O’Neill into order to pass to the forwards Kerrie and Nicola Patton but excellent defending kept them away from the goal. Caroline Davison in particular had a great game in midfield, supported by Lisa and Lauren Niblock coming forward from the back.

Then with 5 minutes to go, another penalty corner to Larne saw the ball crash off the backboard, the force of the shot rebounding the ball directly on to the elbow of Floss Scott, unfortunately ending her game early. 3-1 to Larne.

Into quarter 4 and Kerrie continued to cause the home defence problems with her movement, allowing Chloe Ferguson and Emily Morris to run through: twice Donaghadee got clear shots in only to be saved by the keeper. 

Overall it was a close game with the difference coming down to the clinical penalty corners of the home side: final score 3-1 to Larne, with Donaghadee’s Player of the Match going to Caroline Davison for her sterling work in midfield.

The 2XI welcome Raphoe to BGS this Saturday in the last home game (and penultimate match) of the season, pass back 2.30pm.

Posted in 2024/25 Match Reports | Tagged , | Leave a comment

REPORT | 8 March 2024: Donaghadee 1XI secure promotion playoff spot

Posted on 09/03/2025 by Donaghadee LHC
1XI squad against PSNI, 8th March 2025

Donaghadee 1XI secure promotion playoff spot

Donaghadee 1XI went into Saturday’s game knowing that a win or draw would be enough to secure second place in the league and with it, a promotion playoff spot against second-from-bottom in Senior Two.

Donaghadee started possibly a little nervier than in other matches this season and the action was end to end from the start with some lively attacking exchanges but excellent defensive play from both teams restricting clear chances.

Despite the even action in the middle of the pitch, there was little quarter given in either circle: Donaghadee had one shot on target and one saved, and in testament to the strong defending from Jodie MacLaren, Kathyrn Cunningham, Paige Reilly and Row Moore, PSNI were denied any shots on goal.

The quarter two action saw more of the same. Donaghadee won a penalty corner midway through the quarter and a scooped shot from Leanna McGimpsey-Young was well saved by the PSNI keeper, Jess Moore following up on the rebound was unlucky to see her shot go just wide of the post.

Again the home side was enjoying more possession and looked the more dangerous but only one other attempt on target. At the other end. the visitors were again stopped from getting any shots but did win three penalty corners in quick succession, striking the far post on the third attempt but Donaghadee were quick to get the ball away from Dee keeper Faith McMillen and cleared from danger. Half-time 0-0.

PSNI hit a purple patch in the third quarter, attacking from the start but again the defensive work from the Dee – working well as a unit – was good and clear chances were limited to a single penalty corner, well saved and away by Donaghadee.

A shuffling of personnel saw Jan Burgess on in the defensive midfield role with Kerry Kennedy and Hannah Younge rotating in the higher central positions, as Donaghadee looked to convert some of their own pressure into more of an attacking threat. Tasha McGimpsey replaced sister Jess on the right, with Jess then rotating during the quarter with Jordan McWilliams as the Dee looked to keep the pace and intensity high.

Donaghadee then began to create some better opportunities to win a couple of penalty corners, one of which was fired wide but the second struck gold with Carolyn Scott finding the backboard to open the scoring: 1-0 to Donaghadee. Donaghadee then almost doubled their advantage but the visitors’ keeper saved the shot to keep it 1-0 heading into final quarter.

Pushing forward to try and build on the lead, Donaghadee had much of the ball in the opening moments of quarter four but a quick counter from the visitors saw a penalty corner awarded (much to the disappointment of the home defence!), the resulting shot finding its target and levelling the score at 1-1.

Much of the remainder of the game saw attack after attack from both sides, with both sides playing much freer and open hockey, and Donaghadee launched attacks down both flanks. Despite having another couple of penalty corners on target, the PSNI keeper was equal to the task, leaving the score 1-1, and giving Donaghadee the point needed to secure second position in the league on the last day of the season, with a play off to come for a potential promotion to Senior 2.

The 1XI do it all again next week against PSNI, this time in the Quarter Final of the Intermediate Plate, pass back 1pm at BGS.

Posted in 2024/25 Match Reports | Tagged | Leave a comment