REPORT | 9 Nov 2024: Newry 0-1 DLHC 1XI and Owls 0-4 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 11/11/2024 by Donaghadee LHC
The 1s beat Newry 1-0 on Saturday – the perfect pre-wedding score line for Jodie!

Senior League 3: Newry 0-1 DLHC 1XI

Saturday saw the 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club heading down the A1 to take on a Newry side going well in the league, so this would prove a good test for Donaghadee, who have themselves enjoyed a good start to the season thus far.

Donaghadee showed their burgeoning strength in depth, with midfielder Helen Herron showing her versatility by slotting in to the right back position alongside Paige Reilly, Rachel McClatchey and Row Moore in defence, and Janice McVeigh stepping up to take care of goalkeeping duties fresh from her clean sheet from the Seconds’ game against Owls on Friday night.

Despite the changes to the defensive unit, Donaghadee looked assured going forward with Hannah Younge, Jess Moore and Jordan McWilliams driving Donaghadee on from midfield. A sticky, heavy pitch didn’t help the Dee’s flowing hockey much but they were still able to make inroads up front, with balls being worked down the two wide channels as Donaghadee looked to stretch the home side and create the opening. 

The pressure lead to a couple of penalty corners but neither came to anything of note and just as it looked like it might be one of those days, up popped Kerry Kennedy with a mazy run which took her to wide right of the circle close to the baseline. She had the presence of mind to pull the ball back and Leanna McGimpsey-Young was on hand to nick the ball past the Newry keeper to give Donaghadee the lead.

Vicky O’Neill then had a stint at right back and was immediately called into action, with Newry’s young left wing breaking down that side as they attempted to get forward. She linked well with Kerrie Turtle to make sure the danger was cleared, and Donaghadee looked to press again. Some good play saw them deep in the Newry half, but without any return in the circle.

The second half was very backwards and forwards, with both sides having chances: Donaghadee almost doubled their lead when a strong run from Jess found Carolyn Scott at the back post but an unfortunate slip left the forward trying vainly to prod the ball over the line while prostrate; that extra second allowed the Newry defence to clear the lines.

Newry then enjoyed their best spell towards the end of the match; piling forwards in search of the equaliser, Donaghadee needed to be on their mettle to keep the home side at bay, with Janice in particular making two top-drawer saves to keep Newry out. Despite continued pressure Donaghadee held firm and were pleased to chalk up another win to make it 5 played, 4 won and 1 drawn – giving them joint top spot with PSNI in Senior 3. 

Janice was voted Player of the Match for her role in the clean sheet and she extended Donaghadee’s thanks to Newry for supplying two umpires.

The 1s will be looking to build on their results when they welcome Parkview to BGS on Saturday, pass back at 1pm.

Junior League 10: Owls 0-4 DLHC 2XI

Donaghadee 2XI travelled to Roughfort Playing Fields to face Owls on Friday evening in their latest league fixture. With not having had much success this year to date, the Dee girls were keen to give the match their all and win some elusive league points.

With that determination in mind, Donaghadee started off strongly and dominated both in terms of territory and possession in the first two quarters in the game with Ruth Coulter, Katie McKee and Dawn McDonald putting the Owls defence under sustained pressure, but the well-organised home side kept the visitors from scoring in the first quarter.  

A cleverly taken free hit by Ruth from just outside the Owls circle in the opening minutes of the second quarter saw the ball worked across the goal mouth and captain Erin Hamilton calmly slotted it home at the back post to give Donaghadee the lead. Minutes later, Emily Morris found Tasha McGimpsey free in the circle and Tasha gave the Owls keeper no chance as she fired the ball into the roof of the net in emphatic style. 

Owls then rallied and came back with some lovely play down the left of the pitch leaving Dee keeper Janice McVeigh to make a point blank save to keep the scoreline 2-0 at half time. 

The second half started well with Donaghadee securing a penalty corner which again saw Tasha find the back of the net, albeit with the ball deflecting off a defender stick. On the recommencement, Lauren Niblock won possession for Donaghadee and with the ball getting worked up the pitch, Katie played a perfect cross to sister Molly who was well placed to evade the Owls keeper and seal the victory for Donaghadee. 

However, Owls got better and better as the match went on and it was their turn to put pressure on the Donaghadee defence. With some of the regular defenders out of action this week, Dee were delighted to welcome Natalie Jamieson back for her first match of the season and she showed no signs of match rustiness, as together with her fellow defenders Floss Patton and Lisa Higgins, they snuffed out several dangerous attacks to keep Donaghadee with a clean sheet. 

Coach Willie McAdam was delighted with the team’s performance to take the 3 points with a much deserved 4-0 win. Tasha McGimpsey was voted Star Player and she thanked Row Moore for umpiring. The 2XI are in the 2.30pm slot on Saturday when they welcome Ballymena to BGS.

Tasha (2), Molly and Erin wee all on the score sheet against Owls

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REPORT | 26 October 2024: DLHC 1XI 1-2 South Antrim and Dromore 2-0 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 28/10/2024 by Donaghadee LHC
Jess gave Donaghadee the lead less than a minute in to the Cup tie against South Antrim

Intermediate Cup Round 1: DLHC 1XI 1-2 South Antrim

In a break from league action, it was Cup weekend for both Donaghadee teams, with the 1XI welcoming Senior 2 side South Antrim 1s to Bangor Grammar in the first round of the Intermediate Cup, while the 2XI were back to Dromore for the second week in a row, this time for the Junior Cup.

Not only are South Antrim a league about Donaghadee’s 1XI, they are also current holders of the Intermediate Cup so Saturday was going to prove a good test for the Dee. Indeed the home side got themselves off to a dream start when some slick pass and move hockey got them deep into South territory straight from the first whistle. 

With less than a minute on the clock, Jess Moore put the home team in front with a cool finish that she lifted over the diving South Antrim keeper, and Donaghadee were one to the good before anyone had time to settle in to the game!

That seemed to waken South Antrim up and for much of the remaining first quarter, Donaghadee needed to be on their mettle as the well-drilled Lisburn side looked to make inroads.

Their pressure bore fruit when, shortly before quarter end, they broke down a Dee attack and within three passes were in the Donaghadee circle, some clinical finishing levelling the score as the break beckoned.

The second quarter was a lively affair, with Donaghadee very much holding their own against the higher opposition; both sides created chances with neither able to take advantage. 

With the third quarter Donaghadee began to tire against a team rotating subs four at a time, and the visitors’ attacking pressure mounted to the point where Donaghadee conceded a penalty stroke for a deliberate foot on the line – South making sure with a well taken flick to take the lead.

Much of the remainder of the match was a similar story, with Donaghadee defending heroically and working hard to make the most of their breaks, but unable to work the keeper sufficiently to add to the scoreline.

Final score 2-1 to South Antrim, with Donaghadee now entered into the Intermediate Plate. With thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to Red Leaf Kitchens and Interiors for sponsoring the match ball.

Junior Cup: Dromore 2-0 DLHC 2XI

The 2s were back down the A1 for the second week in a row, this time for the first round of the Junior Cup. They met a strong Dromore side who completed their win double thanks to a 2-0 score line – which definitely did not reflect the effort put in by the Dee girls!

Thanks to Dromore for supplying a second umpire and best wishes to them in the next round.

Ruth was voted Star Player for the 2s on Saturday
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REPORT | 19 October 2024: DLHC 1XI 5-1 Antrim and Dromore 3-2 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 21/10/2024 by Donaghadee LHC
A Player of the Match performance from Hannah on Saturday
Photo: Co Down Spectator

Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 5-1 Antrim
It was another home game for Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI on Saturday on what was a beautiful autumnal day with Antrim the opponents in the 2.30pm game. 

The two sides know each other well, with Antrim having joined Senior 3 in the last couple of seasons, and the two sides facing each other in a pre-season friendly at the end of the summer. Donaghadee showed some of the strength in depth that has been forming this season, with another reshuffle in personnel at the back, with Rachel McClatchey joining captain Jodie Ingham in the heart of defence, and these two made a really strong start as the Dee defence mopped up the early Antrim attacks.

Hannah Younge was providing a super link between defence and attack as she picked up any loose balls in the middle of the pitch to feed forward it was thanks to her work alongside Helen Herron that, despite possession being quite even in the first quarter, it was the home side who looked the most dangerous, creating a number of well worked chances; one early through ball set Jess Moore through on goal with the midfielder sliding the ball agonisingly wide.

Then in the 11th minute a counter attack down the left and a hopeful strike from outside the circle saw an Antrim forward manage to get her stick out and the ball deflected up and past Dee keeper Faith McMillen to give the visitors a very good goal, albeit somewhat against the run of play.

The home side rallied immediately and continued to get into the attacking circle but a number of saves and blocks meant they trailed at the quarter end. Jordan McWilliams replaced Jess and with the team looking to make use of the flanks to get in behind Antrim the second quarter saw a more aggressive and efficient performance from Donaghadee going forward.

It was all hands on in defence for the visitors as they fought to keep their lead and midway through the quarter Donaghadee were level when good work from the forwards won a penalty corner. A well-timed slip saw the in-form Leanna McGimpsey-Young scoring to bring the Dee back on level terms.

The pressure from Donaghadee continued, as did the chances and five minutes later a low shot from Kerry Kennedy slipped through the keeper’s legs to give the hosts the lead. Antrim were being pegged back so much that they only once made it to the Donaghadee circle in the quarter, and thanks to some great defensive work high up the pitch from wide defensive players Kathy Lawton and Row Moore were able to support the attacking efforts for the Dee, as halftime arrived with a 2-1 lead.

The second half started as it left off and it was Donaghadee on the front foot, though some good work from Antrim restricted the clear chances initially. Six minutes in and another penalty corner saw a great first shot from Hannah coming back off the post with Leanna reacting first to fire home to make it 3-1.

Antrim then needed their keeper to pull off a good save, whilst shots slid wide of both posts as Donaghadee looked to extend their lead, but it remained 3-1 at the three quarter mark. A warm day and the high pace of the game saw both teams start to flag a little in the final quarter, and Donaghadee brought on Vicky O’Neill to add fresh legs to the attack.

Antrim managed a couple of shots – well dealt with by some excellent defending – but much of the remainder of the game was again played in Donaghadee’s attacking half; Leanna completed her hat trick to put the game totally out of reach and then with a couple of minutes left a third penalty corner goal for Donaghadee when Carolyn crashed it home left the score line a convincing 5-1 win which keeps Donaghadee in second place as their unbeaten run continues.

Thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to Ards Fireplaces for sponsoring this week’s match ball.

There is a break from league action this Saturday when Donaghadee welcome South Antrim to BGS in the first round of the Intermediate Cup, pass back 2.30pm

Junior League 10: Dromore 3-2 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee 2s travelled to Ferris Park to play Dromore on Saturday in the late afternoon pass back. With usual keeper Janice on holiday this week, Emily Morris kindly and bravely stepped forward to go into nets. It was Emily’s first time as goalkeeper but despite this, she made numerous fantastic saves throughout the course of the match. 

Donaghadee found themselves with an early mountain to climb, conceding two goals early on as they tried to settle in to the game. Despite the early setbacks, there was great work from the midfield with Lauren Niblock, Ruth Coulter and Erin Hamilton all carrying the ball well as they aimed for their forwards. 

One strong burst from right winger Katie McKee saw her passing the ball into the circle which found her twin, Molly and with an excellent touch, Molly took a shot which landed on target to bring the score back to 2-1. 

Into the second quarter defensive players Laura Hamilton, Lisa Higgins, Caroline Davison and Floss Patton worked extra hard to communicate effectively, defend and pass the ball out wide for midfield players Tasha McGimpsey and Johneena Brown to collect. 

With the tempo of the match increasing Donaghadee found themselves in the Dromore circle once again, with left winger Molly crossing the ball to centre forward Kerrie Turtle who was on hand to finish well and give the Dee thei second goal to draw the level with the home side. 

Heading into the third quarter Donaghadee continued to stand firm and defend well against Dromore, with Emily making a great save to keep the home side out. At the end of the third quarter the score remained 2-2. With the game all square, both teams attacked well as they tried to find the winning goal and it was Dromore who scored thanks to an attack set up from the opening pass back.

Undeterred Donaghadee worked hard to gain another foothold in the match, with Ruth Coulter defending and attacking well in the centre of midfield to try and keep the pressure on the Dromore players. Donaghadee came ever so close when Tasha McGimpsey passed a great ball to Kerrie Turtle on the back line but the resulting shot went agonisingly just wide of the goal.

 The final score ended with Dromore winning 3-2, in what was a very closely fought match, and for her efforts in goal Emily Morris was voted Player of the Match, with the whole team thanking Andrew McKee for umpiring. Donaghadee 2s are heading back to Ferris Park again this Saturday to play Dromore in the Cup, pass back 12:30pm.

The 2XI side which lost narrowly to Dromore on Saturday

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REPORT | 12 October 2024: Club KV 1-1 DLHC 1XI and Pegasus 1-0 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 14/10/2024 by Donaghadee LHC
Kerry was on target in the 1-1 draw against KV

Senior League 3: Club KC 1-1 DLHC 1XI

Donaghadee Ladies were on their travels on Saturday with a trip to a sunny but blustery Queen’s pitch at the House of Sport.

Travelling with a full complement plus subs, there was an immediate shuffling of personnel when Kathy Sinnamon was unlucky to tweak her hamstring within the first minute.

The reshuffle saw Helen Herron dropping from midfield into left back, with Row Moore switching to the right and Tasha McGimpsey on to add speed in midfield.

Despite the early disruption for Donaghadee things were fairly evenly balanced with relatively even possession for both sides. Donaghadee had two good shots on target with strikes from both Dee forwards Carolyn Scott and Leanna McGimpsey-Young.

Quarter two saw Ruth Coulter and Kerrie Turtle on to add impetus up front and both were involved in keeping Donaghadee on the front foot; another couple of chances created but kept out by the home side.

Equally Donaghadee were putting in a shift in defence as momentum swung; Captain Jodie Ingham showing scant regard for her knees with one magnificent sliding tackle clearing danger before the shot came in while Kathryn Cunningham put in another tough tackling performance to keep KV away from the circle.

It was Hannah Younge’s turn to substitute in defence as she moved from midfield into right back in the third quarter to release Helen further up the pitch as Donaghadee looked to nick a lead.

With Jess Moore making good inroads down the right, Donaghadee started to shade possession and began to look dangerous again in attack. One shot led to the ball getting trapped in the keeper’s pads; with play waved on, Donaghadee were unlucky not to gain from that.

Early in the final quarter KV attacked down their right and a clever ball across face of goal managed to evade Dee keeper Faith McMillen with the KV forward sliding home at back post to give the home side the lead.

Donaghadee responded really positively, bouncing back in style to launch attack after attack, creating 6 chances – 3 of which were on target – in the final 15 minutes, before KK finally beat the keeper to level things up with mere moments remaining.

Final score 1-1 as Donaghadee continue their unbeaten run. Next up is Antrim at home, pass back at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Junior League 10: Pegasus 1-0 DLHC 2XI

Donaghadee 2s travelled to Newforge to play Pegasus in the early game on Saturday afternoon. In the first quarter Donaghadee players Floss Patton, Claire Horne, Lisa Higgins and Laura Hamilton defended superbly to keep the ball away from goalkeeper Janice McVeigh. 

At the other end, Donaghadee won two attacking penalty corners. With Emily Morris injecting the ball at a good fast pace, Dawn McDonald was able to get a shot on target but the home defence stood strong and Donaghadee were unable to convert. Up front, Dawn and fellow forward Vicky O’Neill combined well to carry the ball towards the Pegasus circle with Dawn shooting past the keeper only to see the ball come back off the post. 

The match then became extremely evenly contested, with both teams enjoying some good possession, and the stalemate was broken after 24 minutes when Pegasus scored with their first shot on target. Undeterred, Donaghadee kept pushing forwards and thanks to strong work in midfield by Erin Hamilton, Emily and Caroline Davison, the Dee created 5 shots at goal, 4 of which were on target, but the Pegasus keeper was in great form and did well to keep the ball out.

Into the third quarter, Claire suffered a nasty hand injury (a post-match trip to A&E confirmed two broken fingers!) meaning Donaghadee needed to make several positional changes. Lauren Niblock stepped in to help the defence with Johneena slotting in to the left hand side of midfield to protect Suzie Ferguson in defence. 

Another great ball from the Dee midfield was picked up by Anna Aitken received the ball to drive into the home side’s circle but again the Pegasus keeper made a great save to deny a Donaghadee equaliser. Donaghadee continued to work hard and the midfield and forwards had their best chances from some lovely counterattacking hockey; with five minutes left Vicky beat two defenders and the keeper but the ball slid just wide of the goal, and that proved to be the final attacking action of the game, leaving the scoreline 1-0 to Pegasus.

The player of the match was awarded to Lisa for her great defence work and accurate passing into midfield and she thanked Carolyn Scott for umpiring. The 2s are next in action away to Dromore on Saturday, pass pack 4pm.

The 2XI side that faced Pegasus on Saturday

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REPORT | DLHC 1XI 4-2 Holywood and DLHC 2XI 1-1 Saintfield

Posted on 07/10/2024 by Donaghadee LHC
The 1XI squad which beat Holywood 4-2 on Saturday

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 4-2 Holywood
Holywood were the visitors to Bangor Grammar on Saturday in round two of the Senior 3 league programme, and with both they and Donaghadee 1XI having won the previous week, this had plenty of potential to be an entertaining game.

And so it proved, with both teams playing at a furious pace right from the first whistle. Both midfields were distributing well and breaking up play, with Donaghadee’s Hannah Younge, Helen Hooks and Jess Moore all working hard to protect the Dee defence and get the forwards in to the game.

 Donaghadee probably shaded it in terms of early chances and it was the home side who took the lead shortly before the end of the first quarter when Leanna McGimpsey-Young scored to give the Dee a cushion going in to the first break.

Quarter two was only a couple of minutes old when the visitors won a penalty corner, and with the ball only being partially cleared, it allowed Holywood’s central defender to smash the ball home for the equaliser.

The penalty corner theme continued as Donaghadee built on their preseason success at corners with Carolyn Scott playing the ball back to Jess who coolly turned the ball home at the back post to reinstate the Dee lead after 25 minutes.

Four minutes later and another penalty corner saw a similar move almost come off but as the ball was cleared it fell to Hannah at the top of the circle and she connected cleanly to give Donaghadee a 3-1 lead.

The third quarter was played mainly outside the circles, with few clear chances thanks to some sterling work from Donaghadee’s excellent defence: Kathy Lawton with some super interceptions on the right and Row Moore and Rachel McClatchey combining on the left, while captain Jodie Ingham marshalled the troops well from the heart of defence.

With both teams trading play in the middle third of the pitch, Holywood made a break through the centre to fire past Faith McMillen in Donaghadee’s net to reduce the deficit to a single goal.

Into the final quarter and the home side once again picked up the pace with the team working from deep to create chances; centre back Kathryn Cunningham intercepted at the top of Donaghadee’s circle and then just kept going, stopping only when she got to the heady heights of the halfway line where she was able to pass the ball on to Jordan McWilliams (much more used to being in the attacking half of the pitch) who was able to set up another attacking opportunity.

Donaghadee continued to probe; Kerry Kennedy pulling strings in midfield as the Dee tried to find that extra impetus to increase their lead then as the hour mark approached, they did just that: a spin and shot from Leanna looped up and over the keeper to make it 4-2.

For the final ten minutes Donaghadee kept much of the ball, and broke down well when the visitors tried to get forward to ensure that the two-goal advantage was maintained, with 4-2 the final score in a breathless, end-to-end and hugely entertaining game from both sides.

Hannah Younge was voted Star Player for her hard work and she thanked Mike Smyth for umpiring and Ards Fireplaces for sponsoring the 1XI’s match ball. Next up for the Firsts is a trip to Club KV on Saturday, pass back at the Dub is at 2.30pm.

Dawn was voted Star Player for the 2s on Saturday

Junior League 10: DLHC 2XI 1-1 Saintfield
Donaghadee 2s welcomed Saintfield 4s to Bangor Grammar on Saturday afternoon for their first home game of the season.

Donaghadee started quickly and a fast-paced and very open game saw both sides move the ball from end to end in what began as a very open game.

Up front Dawn McDonald and Kerrie Turtle worked hard to get near the visitors goal, ably supported by Vicky O’Neill with Erin Hamilton and Ruth Coulter driving down the flanks from midfield. Clear chances were hard to come by but Dawn broke through the defence only to have her shot saved.

At the other end Saintfield attacked but sterling work from Caroline Davison in the defensive midfield berth and the back four of Floss Patton, Claire Horne, Suzie Ferguson and Laura Hamilton fought to keep them away from Janice McVeigh in goal.

The second quarter saw much of the same, with Lauren Niblock and Johneena Brown joining the fray to give Donaghadee fresh legs: both Dawn and Kerrie had shots saved and the visitors were thwarted by a great save from Janice so as half time arrived it was still scoreless.

Into the third quarter and the Dee raced forward looking to break the deadlock, but early attempts on target were saved and just as it looked like they were getting the upper hand a quick counter by the visitors saw a shot fired high into the Dee net, somewhat against the run of play to give Saintfield a 1-0 lead.

The home side didn’t let this get them down and with Dawn racing into the circle, a neat pass was slipped to Kerrie lurking at the back post and she fired home the equaliser.

Into the final quarter and the visitors were hanging on bravely but despite a number of attempts Donaghadee just couldn’t get the ball in the net to clinch a late winner, leaving an entertaining game all square at 1-1.

Well done to Dawn for her Player of the Match performance, with thanks to Row Moore for umpiring and to Elevate Storage Solutions for sponsoring the match ball.

The next match for the 2XI is away to Pegasus on Saturday, pass back at Newforge at 12.45pm.

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REPORT | 28 September 2024: Derg 1-2 DLHC 1XI and Ballynahinch 3-0 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 30/09/2024 by Donaghadee LHC
Janice (left) was voted Star Player for the 2XI on Saturday while Jess got the votes for her tireless running in midfield for the Firsts. Very well deserved, both!

Senior League 3: Derg 1-2 DLHC 1XI
The 2024/25 season got underway last Saturday and Donaghadee were down to play two away games 100 miles apart with the 1XI heading west to take on Derg Valley in Castlederg, while the 2s were off to St Colman’s in Ballynahinch.

With only 11 for the game at Derg, Donaghadee were aiming to hit their hosts early to try and give themselves a head start before any tired legs might start to kick in on this first match of the season.

The girls in red certainly did that, starting on the front foot right from the first whistle with captain Helen Herron setting the tone for the day when she made several strong driving runs forward from her role as the defensive midfielder!

The front two of Carolyn Scott and Leanna McGimpsey-Young were well supported by Jess Moore in the high midfield role, whilst her sister Tasha McGimpsey took up the wide right berth with Emily Morris supporting on the left.

Donaghadee’s tempo didn’t waver and in the first quarter alone, they were in the circle 18 times, producing a dozen shots with 9 on target – a sign of what was to come as the Derg keeper excelled in repelling wave after wave of Donaghadee attacks.

The home side countered on occasion, with several penetrating runs through the centre but each was well dealt with by the back four of Vicky O’Neill, Paige Reilly, Lisa Higgins and Row Moore. On the couple of times Derg were able to get through and get a shot away, they were confidently dealt with by Emma McGimpsey-Young in the Dee goal.

Despite the action at both ends, quarter time came and went with the score line still showing 0-0. The pace dropped slightly in the second quarter, but Donaghadee kept dominating play with the Derg keeper pulling off another handful of good saves and, despite Donaghadee’s best efforts, at half time it remained scoreless.

As quarter three got underway it was starting to look like it was going to be one of those days! Donaghadee kept peppering the Derg goal to no avail; despite having 7 more clear shots saved by the Derg keeper the Dee players just couldn’t get the ball past her!

As Donaghadee committed more to the attack in their attempts to overwhelm the home defence, Derg began to counter as they tried to relieve the pressure. With a minute left in the quarter a Derg centre forward intercepted a Dee hit out and raced into the circle to fire home to take a lead very much against the run of play, much to the absolute delight of the home team and supporters.

Into the final quarter and Donaghadee regrouped and kept pushing forward as they tried to get back level. The efforts were finally justly rewarded when Donaghadee finally beat the keeper only for a defender to stop the ball on the line with her body. A stroke was duly awarded and Leanna stepped up to lift the ball into the net to make it 1-1.

For the final 15 minutes Dee swept forward time after time, with Jess and Tasha driving repeatedly in from the right and cross after cross beating the defenders with the keeper saving another seven.

The pressure mounted with Carolyn, Leanna and Jess all having shots when a final attempt from Leanna in the dying moments of the game saw the forward spinning and lifting the ball into the net and finally the keeper was beaten from open play!

Final score 2-1 to Donaghadee, with thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring andJess being voted Star Player, though with full plaudits going from Donaghadee to the Derg keeper for her outstanding performance in the home goal to keep her team very much in the game right up until the very last moments of the match.

Junior League 10: Ballynahinch 3-0 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee’s 2XI were on their travels when they took on Ballynahinch at St Colman’s. While the scoreline didn’t go Donaghadee’s way, it was brilliant to see a number of new players making their debuts for the club, and it will be exciting to see them settle in as the season progresses. Janice McVeigh was awarded Star Player for her brilliant display in the Donaghadee goal.

Both teams are at home on Saturday in the first double header of the season, with the 2s welcoming Saintfield in the 1pm match before the 1XI take on Holywood at 2.30pm. All support welcome!

Club Sponsor
We are delighted that Stanley Woods and Co Accountants continue to be the main club sponsor for the 2024/25 season – thanks to the team there for their continued support.

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Final Standings 2023/24

Posted on 20/08/2024 by Donaghadee LHC

DLHC 1XI: Senior 3

DATEOPPOSITIONH/ASCORESCORERSSTAR PLAYER
19/8/23North Down (F)HW5-1Carolyn (2), Kerrie, Molly, Jess
2/9/22 Ards (F)AL5-3Catherine, Kerrie, Kerry
9/9/23North Down (F)AL3-1Kerry
16/9/23KilkeelAW3-1Kerry (2), LeannaTeam!
23/9/23NewryHW3-0Jess, Kerry (2)Catherine
30/9/23Club KVHL4-1KerryKathryn
7/10/23OwlsHL1-0Paige
14/10/23– –
21/10/23CookstownAW3-0Kerry (2), CarolynKerry
28/10/23Derg ValleyAW3-1Jordan (2), CarolynJordan
4/11/23CastleHL3-1CarolynCarolyn
11/11/23
18/11/23Belfast LHCHD1-1KerryKerry
25/11/23EnniskillenAW5-0KT (2), Paige, KK (2)Helen
2/12/23––
9/12/23BallynahinchAW2-0Carolyn, KerrieEmma
16/12/23HolywoodHD1-1JessHelen and Kathryn
6/1/24AntrimHW6-0Carolyn (3), KK, Jess (2)Carolyn
13/1/24ParkviewAD0-0Jan
20/1/24–
27/1/24KilkeelHL3-0Helen
3/2/24NewryAW2-0Carolyn, JordanJess
10/2/24Club KVAL3-1CarolynNicola
17/2/24––
24/2/24Club KVAL1-0Helen
2/3/24Derg ValleyHW7-1Molly (2), Carolyn (3), KK, JessMolly and Hannah
9/3/24CastleAL6-1Jess
16/3/24Belfast LHCAL2-1CarolynJodie
23/3/24EnniskillenHW4-1Hannah, KK, Carolyn (2)Hannah
6/4/24BallynahinchH
13/4/24HolywoodAL3-1HannahJordan
20/4/24AntrimAW2-0Carolyn, KTJess
27/4/24ParkviewHW4-1Carolyn (3), JessKathryn
4/5/24CookstownHD1-1JordanJordan

Scorers
23 Carolyn
15 Kerry
8 Jess
6 Kerrie
4 Jordan
3 Molly
2 Hannah
1 Catherine
1 Leanna
1 Paige

Prize Winners
1XI Captain’s Player of the Year – Helen
1XI Coach’s Player of the Year – Jodie
1XI Most Improved Player – Jordan
1XI Top Goalscorer – Carolyn

DLHC 2XI: Junior 9A

DATEOPPOSITIONH/ASCORESCORERSSTAR PLAYER
25/8/23Bangor (F)H0-0
2/9/23Ards (F)AL1-0
16/9/23BangorHL1-0Jackie
23/9/23SaintfieldAD1-1MollyMolly
30/9/23OwlsHW2-0Katie (2)Zoe and Claire
7/10/23OwlsAL2-1Emily, VickyKatie
14/10/23DromoreAL4-0Lisa and Row
21/10/23NewryAW3-1Molly (2), KatieMolly
28/10/23South AntrimHD0-0Erin
4/11/23BallynahinchAL1-0Lisa
11/11/23CUP–
18/11/23CastleHW3-0Katie (2), ErinCaroline
25/11/23InstoniansAL5-0Team!
2/12/23SaintfieldHW1-0
9/12/23BangorAL1-0Laura
16/12/23SaintfieldH
6/1/24OwlsAD0-0Anna and Vicky
13/1/24DromoreHL3-1MollyLisa
20/1/24
27/1/24NewryHW2-0Molly, DawnKatie D
3/2/24S. AntrimAD1-1MollyLauren
10/2/24BallynahinchHW1-0Vicky
17/2/24CastleAW4-0Jordan (2), Vicky, MollyMolly
24/2/24InstoniansHL2-1EmilyTeam!

Scorers
7 Molly
5 Katie
3 Vicky
2 Emily
2 Jordan
1 Erin
1 Dawn

Prize Winners
2XI Captain’s Player of the Year – Caroline
2XI Coach’s Player of the Year – Molly
2XI Most Improved Player – Johneena
2XI Top Goalscorer – Molly

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21 May 2024: Sixes Excitement Builds

Posted on 21/05/2024 by Donaghadee LHC

Sixes tournament in aid of cancer charity
The committee are putting the final touches to our new Sixes tournament and the countdown is now on – less than two weeks to the action at Bangor Grammar on Sunday 2nd June, with all proceeds raised from the day going to Friends of the Cancer Centre in Belfast.

An idea to do something to support a cancer charity was first put forward at the start of the season as we looked to find a way to support friends and family who have been affected by cancer.

A Sixes tournament was settled on as a way for not only lots of club members to get involved but with the invitation also being extended to all local clubs, a chance for an afternoon of fun yet competitive hockey on what is sure to be a day for old friends and new, and all in aid of a most worthy cause.

The action is open to all females of 15 and over, and each team will be made up of six players plus subs. With goalkeepers optional, will fortune favour those teams brave enough to play with 6 outfield players? Or will a 1-0 thanks to the keeper’s heroics win the day? Only time will tell…!

Aside from the on-pitch action, there will be giant garden games, a tuck shop and refreshment stall and a barbeque so there will be plenty for non-players too. 

The action takes place at Bangor Grammar on Sunday 2nd June from 1-5pm.

For those wishing to enter a team:
– Females 15+
– 6 players plus up to 3 subs, GK optional
– All players should be registered with Hockey Ireland for insurance purposes
– £60 per team

Contact us on dlhc@hotmail.co.uk or on any of the socials below for an entry form to secure a playing slot for the day. 

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

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REPORT | 4 May 2024: DLHC 1XI 1-1 Cookstown

Posted on 07/05/2024 by Donaghadee LHC
The DLHC squad which drew 1-1 with Cookstown on Saturday, ensuring 5th spot was secured, and only 2 points behind PSNI who finished fourth. Missing from pic Katie and Molly McKee, Rachel McClatchey

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 1-1 Cookstown
It’s not often (ever?) that we’re rounding up the league as late as the first weekend in May but the weather was sufficiently soggy that it could well have been an autumnal outing for the Dee as they welcomed Cookstown for the last fixture of the 23/24 season.

At the start of the day, Donaghadee were sitting on 42 points, Holywood on 41 and Cookstown on 40 so this game was a one-match shoot out for fifth spot in Senior 3.

Donaghadee dominated possession in the first ten minutes but were unable to break down a determined Cookstown defence. Despite the tight marking, Donaghadee did manage to get away three shots, two of which were on target as they tried to continue the scoring form of previous weeks.

The second quarter was more even, with Cookstown starting to find their feet but most of the action was between the two 23s, with neither side overly troubling their opposing keepers. Donaghadee regained some of the possession in the third quarter and began to put together some dangerous forays into the Cookstown circle, only to be thwarted by an in form Cookstown keeper who, in a sign of things to come, made several smart saves to keep Donaghadee out.

A great run by Jordan McWilliams midway through the third quarter saw the deadlock broken when she finished with aplomb to give Donaghadee the advantage on the scoreboard. Cookstown were swift to respond however and they went in level as the third quarter ended.

Donaghadee then asserted their dominance in the final quarter as they went in search of a late winner: a dozen visits to the Cookstown circle created eight clear chance but the Cookstown keeper continued her fine form to keep the Dee at bay.

Donaghadee did not let up and were virtually camped in the Cookstown 23 for the final five minutes as they searched for that final killer ball but the visitors defended valiantly and the honours were shared at the final whistle: 1-1 in a breathless, entertaining last game of the season and, with Holywood confirmed as also having drawn their last game, Donaghadee held on to fifth spot, and just two points off PSNI who finished in fourth.

With thanks to Deborah Gilmore and Mike Smyth for umpiring for both teams, and congratulations to Jordan on her Star Performance this week.

Quiz Night
The committee is absolutely delighted that the Fundraising Quiz in the Meadowbank on Friday 10th May is now sold out, but some spaces are still available if you would like to come along and enjoy the live band which starts at 9pm. Entry is £3, payable on the door on the night. 

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

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REPORT | 27 April 2024: DLHC 1XI 4-1 Parkview

Posted on 30/04/2024 by Donaghadee LHC
Carolyn scored three on Saturday – third hat trick of the season!

Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 4-1 Parkview
With the games coming thick and fast as the season end approaches, Donaghadee enjoyed beautiful spring weather when they welcomed Parkview to BGS on Saturday. Coach Willie McAdam was keen to capitalise on the excellent 2-0 win away to Antrim the previous week, and he had at his disposal a full squad including a number of 2XI players keen for a run out following the early end to their season.

Donaghadee started brightly and enjoyed plenty of good possession across the pitch but it took until almost the end of the first quarter before the first goal was scored. A super run from Kerrie Turtle, cutting in from wide left, provided the space she needed to get a shot on target, with Carolyn Scott on hand to ensure the final ball was turned wide of the Parkview keeper to open the scoring for the Dee.

With the score line in the balance throughout the second quarter, Donaghadee turned round after the half time break looking to extend their lead to make things a little bit more comfortable, and Jess Moore duly obliged with Donaghadee driving into the Parkview circle and Jess getting away a shot that was deflected high into the roof of the net to double the Dee’s advantage.

Such was Donaghadee’s dominance in the final quarter, Carolyn converted another two chances to complete her third hat trick of the season to put Donaghadee 4-0 to the good, before Parkview claimed a consolation goal in the dying moments to leave the final score 4-1.

Squad: Nicola Patton, Jodie Ingham, Paige Reilly, Kathryn Cunningham, Row Moore, Rachel McClatchey, Hannah Younge, Jordan McWilliams, Jess Moore, Helen Herron, Kerry Kennedy, Carolyn Scott, Kerrie Turtle, Katie McKee, Molly McKee.

Thanks as always to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to Burgess Performance Training for sponsoring the match ball and congratulations to Kathryn Cunningham for her Star Player performance at the base of the midfield diamond.

The team is back in action tomorrow night (Wednesday) at home to Ballynahinch, pass back 7.30pm, with the final league game of the season taking place on Saturday at home to Cookstown with a 2.30pm pass back.

Super Star Performance from Kathryn against Parkview

Quiz Night
The committee is absolutely delighted that the Fundraising Quiz in the Meadowbank on Friday 10th May is now sold out, but some spaces are still available if you would like to come along and enjoy the live band which starts at 9pm. Entry is £3, payable on the door on the night. 

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

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