REPORT | 5th Feb 2023: Limavady 3-0 DLHC 1XI

Posted on 07/02/2023 by Donaghadee LHC
Lots of excellent play by the Dee on Saturday, despite the scoreline

Senior League 3: Limavady 3-0 DLHC 1XI
With a much changed side due to injuries and illness taking out half the team heading to Limavady on Saturday, Donaghadee knew they were in for tough afternoon.

They were the faster team out of the blocks and in the 6th minute a break down the right drew the defenders and a fast cross field pass just missed the stick of Kerrie Turtle, with the Limavady keeper stranded.

The home side started to build on their own possession and won a series of penalty corners which were well defended, with Dee keeper Emma McGimpsey-Young making a number of saves.

As the quarter end approached a defensive hit out from Donaghadee was intercepted in midfield and Limavady flooded the Dee circle with the ball being fired in to give the home side the opening goal.

The second quarter followed much the same pattern, with Limavady having the majority of the ball and Dee defending in numbers and looking for quick turnovers to counterattack. But with exceptional work rate and some intense tackling they reduced the home attack to just two shots (down from 8 in the first quarter), and just two penalty corners. At the other end Leanna McGimpsey-Young registered Donaghadee’s first shot on target.

Half-time 1-0 to Limavady.

Although Limavady tried to dominate once again, Donaghadee fought back hard as they tried to get on terms. Three minutes in and a super run from Kerry Kennedy into the circle saw a reverse shot turned away by the keeper; the first of four shots on target as both Kerry and Leanna tried to find the equaliser, whilst at the other end some great defensive work from Floss Patton, Lisa Higgins and Row Moore – well marshalled by Paige Reilly on her return from holidays – kept Limavady at bay.

Then as the quarter end approached a penalty corner for the home team was smashed into the corner of the net to double the lead.

The final quarter saw Donaghadee fighting hard to get back in touch, but in the third minute an attack broke down in the Limavady 23 and a quick break forward down the right wing saw the ball fired across goal and swept past Emma into the net; 0-3.

Rather than give up however Dee spent much of the remainder in the Limavady half, with two penalty corners and another shot from Leanna as well saved by the keeper. Donaghadee’s defence did well to restrict Limavady’s efforts to a couple of final long range shots.

Despite their impressive efforts however Donaghadee were held at bay and the final score was 3-0 to the home side. A great display from the 11 players who travelled and fought for the team, with thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring.

There is a double header at home on Saturday when the 2XI welcome Randalstown to BGS for the 1pm pass back before the Firsts play Parkview at 2.30pm.

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REPORT: 28 Jan 2023: DLHC 2XI 2-6 Banbridge

Posted on 30/01/2023 by Donaghadee LHC

Junior League 9A: DLHC 2XI 2-6 Banbridge
The 2XI of Donaghadee LHC welcomed Banbridge to Bangor Grammar on Saturday for the start of the second half of the league programme and the weather was more enjoyable than of late with some short appearances from the sun! 

With Donaghadee short on defenders, the first quarter was challenging with four early goals from Banbridge giving the visitors a big cushion. Despite the goals, DOnaghadee showed plenty of fighting spirit with Molly McKee working the ball effortlessly through the Banbridge midfield up the left side of the pitch before cutting across into the circle and capping a great run with a super goal. Coming into the second quarter, Donaghadee defended resolutely to keep to keep the ball away from the defensive circle however a well-worked ball through added another for the away team making the score at the end of first half 5-1.

Coming into the second half, an quick goal from Leanna McGimpsey-Young gave the Dee a new lease of life, making the 5-2 scoreline look a little bit more hopeful. Despite the best efforts from the entire team no further goals were scored but it was testament to the character of the side that Donaghadee kept their heads high and continued to fight until the final whistle blew. The final score of 6-2 was not really reflective of the level of play shown from the home side, and it was too difficult to single out just one player to be awarded this week’s Star Player. 

Thank you to Jan Morrow who made her debut umpiring for the team on Saturday and our club President Edna Robinson and husband for coming down to support. Both teams are away this weekend with the Firsts away to Limavady at Limavady Grammar School and the Seconds away to South Antrim at Friends School Lisburn.

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REPORT | 21 Jan 2023: Intermediate Cup: DLHC 1XI 1-3 Holywood

Posted on 23/01/2023 by Donaghadee LHC
A Star Player performance from Claire on Saturday!

Intermediate Cup: DLHC 1XI 1-3 Holywood
It was a local derby on Saturday for the Intermediate Cup game between the 1XIs of Donaghadee and Holywood; a game of few chances, but with some excellent hockey on show from both sides.

Both teams flew out of the blocks but some excellent work in the midfield by both sides kept the clear chances to a minimum, Holywood not making any efforts on goal and Donaghadee with only one, which slid wide. An exciting start which belied the 0-0 scoreline, with the Dee having the majority of the circle penetrations without creating any real clear chances.

Quarter two saw more of the same end to end action, but the circle penetrations were an exact reversal, with Holywood finally getting a first shot in – wide – whilst at the other end Donaghadee had the only shot on target of the first half amongst their 2 shots.

In what was a fast and open game, Jodie Ingham as pulling the strings in the heart of the makeshift Donaghadee defence – beleaguered by injury and unavailability, saw it 0-0 at halftime.

With the visitors having a nearly full bench to call on and Donaghadee waiting for theirs to arrive fresh from the Seconds’ game away in Portadown, the pace was starting to have an impact. It was Donaghadee however who opened the scoring with a break in from the right seeing Leanna McGimpsey-Young lift the ball from the edge of the circle over the keeper to give Dee the lead.

Holywood were quickly down the other end and when an attemptedDonaghadee defensive clearance only got as far as hitting a Dee foot, Holywood were awarded the first penalty corner of the match. A good save from Dee keeper Nicola Patton saw the ball land back on an attacker’s stick and she lifted it into the net; all level within a breathless 90 seconds!

The force was then with the Senior 2 team and despite the best efforts of Donaghadee, they added a second just 4 minutes later. Donaghadee weren’t without their chances however, with two shots, one on target, but they were unable to get the equaliser. In the dying seconds of the quarter it looked like a third for Holywood but a super diving save from Nicola pushed it wide.

With Vicky O’Neill having replaced Ruth Kennedy near the end of the third quarter, Dee started to run into problems with more injuries. Jodie took a bad blow to her hand and had to come off, then Leanna (an injury doubt beforehand) was replaced by Emily Morris. In amongst the defensive shuffling Donaghadee were having to do, Holywood added a third in the 55th minute.

Three excellent breaks into the visitors’ 23 from Kerry Kennedy were all eventually blocked before she could get a shot off, leaving the final score 1-3 to Holywood, and the end of the Cup run for Donaghadee.

Thanks to Ruth, Claire and Katie for their cameo appearances, to Vicky and Emily for returning from Portadown to help in the second half, well done to Claire and Nicola on their joint Star Player awards, and a massive shout out to Jodie who spent Sunday morning in minor injuries and has a confirmed fractured finger. Speedy recovery, Jodie!

The Seconds were badly hit with unavailability and travelled to face a strong Portadown side. Despite a heroic effort from every single player, Portadown ran out winners on the day but full credit to each and every player who made the trip. The Seconds are at home on Saturday when they play Banbridge with a 1pm pass back at BGS.

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REPORT | 14 Jan 2023: Minor Cup: DLHC 2XI 1-0 NICS and DLHC 1XI 0-2 Castle

Posted on 17/01/2023 by Donaghadee LHC
Lisa was voted Star Player for the Seconds


Minor Cup: DLHC 2XI 1-0 NICS
The first game back in the 2023 half of the season for the 2XI of Donaghadee LHC saw the team taking on NICS in the second round of the Minor Cup. After the first attempt to play the game in December was postponed due to frost, the conditions on Saturday were at least good under foot, but the sideways rain and icy wind made for a cold, cold day.

The first quarter saw an early break from NICS which meant Donaghadee defenders Mia Park, Lisa Higgins, Deborah Gilmour and Floss Patton were under immediate pressure, with a super save from keeper Emma McGimpsey-Young to prevent the visitors taking the lead. The rebound was cleared well by Donaghadee and the ball was worked down the wing to find its way onto Katie McKee’s stick. Sporting a fabulous new pair of bright white shoes for the new year, Katie’s pace remained remarkable as she charged up the pitch to score the first goal of the year for the Seconds within the first 4 minutes. In a really open quarter where both teams had chances, Donaghadee defended resolutely to maintain the 1-0 scoreline.

For much of the rest of the game Donaghaee dominated, keeping good possession of the ball as they looked to build on the lead. Erin Hamilton, Emily Morris and Caroline Davison worked the ball effortlessly in midfield, dodging numerous NICS tackles to keep the pressure on. Zoe Turtle did a great job linking defence and midfield as she cleared any NICS attacking threats, passing the ball out to Carmen Van Der Schyff and Row Moore. Vicky O’Neill also worked tirelessly to sneak past defending NICS players, winning a number of penalty corners.

Despite both teams having chances, Donaghadee were good for the win, with the single goal from Katie ensuring Donaghadee progress to the next round.This week’s Star Player was awarded to Lisa Higgins for her class display of being the best attacking defender on the pitch, and she thanked supporters and 1XI players who came down and watched in the blistering cold. The Seconds travel to Edenvilla Saturday 21st to take on Portadown in the next round of Junior 9A league. All support is welcome as always.

The 1XI were unable to follow suit in the second match at BGS on Saturday, going down 2-0 to a well organised, third placed Castle. In bitingly cold conditions both sides did very well to produce any sort of hockey at all; Castle scored in the first quarter from a penalty corner before doubling their tally in the third thanks to a break down their left. Despite both sides having chances in the final quarter, Castle maintained their 2-0 advantage to see the game out.

It was fitting that Star Player for the Firsts was Jodie Ingham for another masteful display in defence as she tackled and organised everything round her!

Next up for the Firsts is a home tie against Holywood in the Intermediate Cup, pass back at Bangor Grammar on Saturday is at 2.30pm.

Jodie tackled everything that moved in the Firsts’ match!

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REPORT | 7 Jan 2023: Derg Valley 1-3 DLHC 1XI

Posted on 09/01/2023 by Donaghadee LHC
Star Player Jodie in action against Derg on Saturday

Senior League 3: Derg Valley 1-3 DLHC 1XI
After a protracted break due to two matches falling foul of the weather followed by the Christmas break, Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI were back in match action on Saturday with a trip West to Castlederg.

It certainly lived up to its billing of being one of the coldest places in NI with a particularly chilling wind whipping cross-pitch for much of the match, freezing players and supporters alike; it was certainly one way to blow off any festive cobwebs!

Donaghadee did not take long to settle and were quick to put the home defence under considerable pressure. An early break from Leanna McGimpsey-Young down the right led to a pinpoint cross that was met with a sweeping first-time shot by Carolyn Scott but the Derg keeper made a smart save to deny the Dee the opening goal. 

Much of the initial action happened in the middle channel, with Kerry Kennedy and Emma McGimpsey-Young both stifling the out balls from the Derg defence as Donaghadee tried to press high up the pitch. An awkward fall by Kerry in the early stages gave Emily Morris the opportunity to add her tenacity to midfield, and the pressure remained very much in the Derg half, albeit without any score.

The perseverence paid off in the second quarter however. Kerry, back on after having caught her breath, broke into the attacking circle to unleash one of her trademark reverse stick shots. The keeper was only able to parry directly back to Kerry and she finished the inadvertent 1-2 with the Derg number 1 by slotting the ball past at the second attempt.

With only a goal in it at the turnaround, Derg began with some momentum and put enough pressure on the Dee defence to win a series of penalty corners. A well-struck shot found its mark, with Donaghadee keeper Nicola Patton only able to stretch far enough to get a toe to the ball, but not enough to divert wide, and Derg had their goal to draw level. 

Donaghadee’s defence regrouped quickly, with Jodie Ingham making several important tackles in the heart of defence to ensure any danger was kept out of the Dee circle, while Row Moore and Jan Morrow protected the wide channels. With the luxury of a couple of subs, Debs Gilmore slotted in to provide fresh legs just as Derg looked to threaten again.

Having weathered that storm, Donaghadee worked hard to get themselves back on the front foot, and both Vicky O’Neill and Helen Herron found themselves seeing much more action in midfield – Helen taking advantage of any extra pockets of space she could find to burst forward as she tried to set up the next goal for the Dee.

It was Helen who started the move for Donaghadee’s second goal when she cut out a Derg pass on the left before feeding Carolyn Scott who had her back to goal on the attacking 25. A deft turn and touch gave Carolyn the space to find Leanna in the circle and the Dee forward crashed the ball home with a first time shot to give Donaghadee the lead.

Leanna added her second – Donaghadee’s third – after Tasha McGimpsey won Donaghadee a penalty corner, with Leanna finding the net with an unstoppable shot to put the result beyond doubt. Final score 3-1 to Donaghadee in a hard-fought match played in the best of spirit by both teams. 

Jodie Ingham was voted Star Player for her tackling and breaking down in the heart of defence.

With thanks to Derg for the well-contested game and indeed the post-match soup and sandwiches which were very welcome indeed! Both teams are in action on Saturday (14th) – the 2XI are in Cup action, pass back 1pm, with the 1XI welcoming Castle to BGS for the 2.30pm pass back.

Everyone at DLHC sends condolences to Coleraine Ladies Hockey Club after the passing of Carol Anne Agnew, a long-time member of their club whom they sadly lost on 4th January after a battle with cancer.

Leanna (left) added two to her tally on Saturday

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REPORT | 26 November 2022: DLHC 1XI 2-0 and DLHC 2XI 0-1 Harlequins

Posted on 29/11/2022 by Donaghadee LHC

Junior League 9A: DLHC 2XI 0-1 Harlequins
The 2XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club stepped out on possibly the windiest day of the season so far to face Belfast Harlequins at Bangor Grammar last Saturday.

The first quarter saw both teams finding their place on the pitch and Donaghadee’s defence was called into action after an early shot from Harlequins along the goal line but which was guided effortlessly away by keeper Janice McVeigh to ensure the visitors did not take the lead. 

This quarter saw numerous excellent breaks from both teams but importantly, left back Lisa Higgins was not ‘left back’ in defence but quite the opposite as she found herself hassling Harlequins defence high up the pitch, culminating in a good shot which unfortunately, just went wide. Shortly after Harlequins countered, breaking through the Donaghadee midfield only to find Georgia Ferguson cutting across the pitch in  defence to intercept the Harlequins attack to ensure the quarter ended 0-0.

The second quarter saw the attacks from Harlequins coming thick and fast and an early shot on the edge of the circle was superbly deflected by Zoe Turtle and returned up the pitch as the Dee looked to turn defence into attack. With Quins turning over the ball, they earned a penalty corner from a Dee foot in the circle. On this occasion the straight strike from Harlequins was successful and evaded Donaghadee’s defence to bounce off the backboard to end the quarter 1-0 to the visitors.

Coming into the second half Dee had the wind at their backs and in one early attack, Caroline Davison hassled the Harlequins right back to make space for Katie & Molly McKee to fly up the wings and into the circle. Piling on further pressure, Emily Morris won a penalty corner with a well-taken strike by Emma McGimpsey-Young but unfortunately for Donaghadee, they were unable to breach the Quins goal line. A final break of the quarter saw Erin Hamilton and Row Moore work hard to turn defence into attack as Donaghadee looked to equalise but the quarter ended 1-0 to Harlequins.  

The fourth and final quarter saw Donaghadee facing an onslaught from the Quins attack with Tasha McGimpsey putting in a cracking tackle on one occasion and tireless teamwork saw Donaghadee stand firm to ensure no more goals were conceded. Unfortunately there were no goals at the other end, so the final score was 1-0 to Harlequins.

This week’s start player for the Seconds was Georgia Ferguson. Thank you to Nicola for umpiring and all supporters. The Seconds are away to Saintfield with a 1pm pass back on Saturday and all support welcome.

DLHC 1XI 2-0 Newry
The 1XI were next on the bill at BGS when they welcomed Newry. In a match which Donaghadee dominated, a Leanna McGimpsey-Young double secured the three points to leave Donaghadee in a solid fourth at the halfway point in the league programme. The Firsts play again on Friday night when they travel to Larne to take on the team top of Senior League 3.

Jon Scott Memorial Match
The club was honoured to have been asked by Bangor Hockey Club to attend the match organised in memory of Jon Scott on Sunday. Members of the club who attended were delighted to present a copy of the DLHC centenary book to Jon’s wife, Alison, as Jon features in it thanks to his umpiring for Donaghadee for a number of seasons before his untimely passing.

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REPORT | 19 November 2022: DLHC 1XI 3-1 Cookstown and Bangor 1-0 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 21/11/2022 by Donaghadee LHC
Kerrie and Leanna (2) both scored against Cookstown on Saturday

Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 3-1 Cookstown
Despite a couple of late changes to the starting line up, with Natalie Jamieson making a cameo appearance in the first quarter to allow for the late arrival of Sarah Hooks and Row Moore slotting in to the left back berth, Donaghadee got off to a flying start in this mid-table clash at Bangor Grammar on Saturday.

Donaghadee dominated the opening quarter with the team exerting periods of sustained pressure on the Cookstown defence; Carolyn Scott slotted a through ball in to the attacking circle for Kerrie Turtle to run on to, Tasha McGimpsey added width on the right to provide an outlet down that side and Leanna McGimpsey-Young provided plenty of trickery to win several free hits on the edge of the circle.

Despite the dominance and a further shuffling of personnel – Tasha sustaining nasty bruising on her hand from a lifted ball – there were no goals to show for the efforts in the first quarter for Donaghadee. Defensively Donaghadee restricted the visitors to just two circle penetrations with the ball being cleared well before it reached Dee keeper Nicola Patton. 

It was much the same story in the second quarter, with Donaghadee able to push defenders Jan Morrow, Jodie Ingham and Sarah up the pitch as they looked to hem Cookstown in. Just after the half hour mark Cookstown took the lead completely against the run of play however with a straight strike smash from a penalty corner.

The third quarter saw Donaghadee play with the same vim and vigour but they also had purpose: At the base of the midfield diamond, Paige Reilly was finding joy in breaking down any Cookstown forays forward and she looked to turn defence into quick attack with a couple of great balls in to Kerry Kennedy sitting high in the middle of the pitch.

With just a couple of minutes remaining in the quarter, a speculative Kerrie Turtle effort from the top of the circle clipped a defender’s stick to deflect it beyond the sliding reach of the Cookstown keeper to draw the score level before a clean strike from Leanna in almost the same position a couple of minutes later doubled the Dee’s tally: 2-1.

Cookstown rallied at this point and tried to play down their right but Helen Herron and Row both did exceptionally well to make a number of important blocks and tackles to prevent the visiting attacks leading to any danger closer in to the circle. With the game opening up as Cookstown searched for the equaliser, Donaghadee were able to exploit the space for Leanna to add her second of the day – a great run off the ball from Carolyn peeled away a couple of defenders which opened up the space for Leanna to run in to and she made no mistake with an emphatic finish to put the game beyond Cookstown’s reach.

Final score 3-1 to Donaghadee, with thanks to Debs Gilmour and Mike Smyth for umpiring. Donaghadee welcome Newry to BGS on Saturday at the midway point in the league, pass back at 2.30pm. The Seconds are also in action at BGS on Saturday, with their game against Harlequins passing back at 1pm. 

Junior League 9A: Bangor 1-0 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee 2XI were away to Bangor on Friday evening and, with Bangor winning pass back, they got off to a good start by attacking down both flanks, although there weren’t too many danger moments.

Donaghadee had a great early chance through an attack down the left which saw a quick switch right to give Erin Hamilton a shot that was well saved by the Bangor keeper.

This seemed to spur Bangor into action and Donaghadee keeper Janice McVeigh had to pull off a great save to keep them out, keeping the score at 0-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Going into the second quarter both teams were attacking end to end with some lovely hockey, but there were no real shots to trouble either keeper.

Then, with just over a minute left in the quarter Bangor had a penalty corner initially really well blocked by Natalie Jamieson but the ball fell to a Bangor forward who crashed a shot into the back the Dee’s net. Half-time Bangor 1-0.

After a galvanising team talk at half time by coach Willie McAdam, Donaghadee started to play with more confidence and created a number of chances which came really close, while at the back they snuffed out Bangor attacks with some strong tackles.

As the third quarter came to an end Donaghadee won a penalty corner, and after the initial shot was saved the ball bounced around in amongst a melee of players. Just as the ball was swept into the net, the whistle was blown for the ball hitting a Dee foot so unfortunately the goal was ruled out. 

The final quarter saw a good ten minutes of Donaghadee possession and some great attacking hockey but a couple of shots well saved by the Bangor keeper were all they had to show for their efforts.

The last few minutes were frantic with lots of end to end hockey, but neither team created any further chances on goal and the final score was 1-0 to Bangor. 

Big thanks to Keith Hooks for umpiring and well done to Erin who was voted Star Player by the rest of the team. The Seconds take on Harlequins on Saturday with a 1pm pass back at BGS. 

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REPORT | 12 Nov 2022: Parkview 0-5 DLHC 1XI and DLHC 2XI 1-1 Lisnagarvey

Posted on 15/11/2022 by Donaghadee LHC
The 1XI after their 5-0 victory over Parkview

Senior League 3: Parkview 0-5 DLHC 1XI
The 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club made it 10 goals in two games on Saturday when they beat Parkview 5-0 in Ballyclare on Friday night. In stark contrast to the monsoon-like conditions of the first round of the Intermediate Cup the previous weekend when they beat Club KV 5-0, conditions were mild overhead and dry underfoot which made no small contribution to the fast, free-flowing hockey that the Dee produced to win this game.

Despite dominating for long spells in the first quarter with Donaghadee peppering the Parkview goal, there was only a single Carolyn Scott goal in it. A combination of both posts getting in the way – both Carolyn and Kerry Kennedy hitting one each, shots narrowly wide, and several terrific stops from the home keeper left the game very much in the balance.

Parkview had a couple of opportunities of their own but good defending from Paige Reilly in the heart of defence flanked by Georgia Ferguson and Jan Morrow meant that Dee keeper Nicola Patton spent numerous spells spectating from the back as play unfolded well away from her. 

The half time turnaround saw plenty more Donaghadee pressure with the midfield of Helen Herron, Kerry and Chloe Ferguson playing the ball around well as they tried to find the space needed to release the forwards. Indeed a quick start caught the stoic Parkview defence napping, and a terrific angled ball from Kerry to the left of the Parkview goals found Kerrie Turtle making a run along the base line. A swift one-touch pass from Kerrie cut between the keeper and her defenders with Carolyn on hand to sweep it into the net to double the Dee’s advantage.

From there Donaghadee used the momentum to build on the phases of play with one shot stopped on the line by a defender’s foot resulting in a penalty stoke being awarded. Leanna McGimpsey-Young stepped up and made no mistake with an emphatic finish to make the score 3-0.

Parkview had arguably their best spell of the match as the third quarter drew to a close, and Donaghadee were grateful for a timely intervention from Natalie Jamieson to snuff out what looked to be a threatening attack down the Dee’s right. Deborah Gilmour also played her part on the left of the Dee defence, working hard to thwart the speedy Parkvew right wing.

With Emily Morris on in the final quarter to give Donaghadee fresh legs in midfield, the Dee kept pushing on, and they were rewarded with their fourth goal thanks to a great finish from Leanna with her second of the day. Kerrie then got her first – Donaghadees fifth – when she slotted home at the back post.

A super win for Donaghadee as they look forward to welcoming Cookstown to BGS on Saturday for what is sure to be a tough mid-table clash. Pass back at 1pm. Star Player for the Firsts went to Helen for her tireless performance in midfield and she thanks Mike Smyth for umpiring.

Junior League 9A: DLHC 2XI 1-1 Lisnagarvey
On Saturday the 2Xi of DLHC took on Lisnagarvey in the eighth round of the Junior 9A league. 

Straight from the whistle Garvey were keen with a series of attacks down their right wing only to be met by Donaghadee’s left back Miya Van Der Schyff who did really well to prevent the Garvery player from getting in a shot each time. After the first five minutes Donaghadee found their own pace with an excellent break down the left wing with the ball coming in across the Garvey circle to Erin Hamilton, her excellent shot only to be saved by the visiting keeper. The quarter ended 0-0. 

Defenders Zoe Turtle, Georgia Ferguson and Floss Scott worked to protect keeper Janice McVeigh from the dangerous Lisnagarvey attacks. Two excellent saves were made by Janice diving and two consecutive penalty corners were cleared to ensure the opposition did not score.

Dee took these attacks in their stride and won three consecutive penalty corners just as half-time was approaching. With time having been called, all the outfield players from Donaghadee surrounded the circle and the pressure told when Molly McKee’s shot was saved with Emily Morris on hand to lift the rebound into the net to end the first half 1-0. 

The penultimate quarter saw Donaghadee dominate with Caroline Davison and Vicky O’Neill working the ball tirelessly up the pitch. The Garvey keeper had a busy quarter with five saved shots from Donaghadee, whereas Janice found herself relatively untroubled in the Dee goal with the home defence winning every tackle.

The last 30 seconds of the quarter saw Katie McKee take a direct hit to the forearm at close range ending her game early. The quarter ended with 1-0 to Donaghadee, with the home side now down to ten players. 

The final quarter saw both sides tire and just as it looked as though Donaghadee had held their position to secure the win, Lisnagarvey broke through the defence to score the latest of equalisers with 90 seconds to go thanks to a one on one against Janice. Final score 1-1 in an entertaining end-to-end game. 

This week’s Star Player was a close run thing with a number of players playing extremely well but the final vote went to Janice McVeigh. Thank you to Nicola Patton and Carolyn Scott for umpiring and to all the lovely supporters who came along to enjoy the game.

The Seconds are playing Bangor on Friday night at the Aurora with an 8.15pm pass back, all support is welcome!

The 2XI had a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Lisnagarvey

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REPORT | 5 Nov 2022: Club KV 0-5 DLHC 1XI and Owls 0-4 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 08/11/2022 by Donaghadee LHC

Junior League Cup Round 1: Owls 0-4 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee’s 2XI travelled away to a surprisingly sunny Mallusk to face Owls in the first round of the Junior Cup last Saturday.

Molly, Leanna and Katie (2) scored the goals for the Seconds on Saturday

This match was literally a game of two halves with the first half evenly matched and the play end to end. Dee had the only penalty corner of the game where Emily Morris pushed out and while Dee managed a shot on target and deflection, unfortunately the ball didn’t get over the line. Both teams had five shots without success and keeper Emma McGimpsey-Young saved a couple of Owls’ shots on target, leaving the score at half time 0-0.

Quarter three was dominated more by Donaghadee with six shots, four on target and taking the lead in the 41st minute. Leanna McGimpsey-Young raced down the left and crossed in front of the keeper to Katie McKee who scored; 1-0 to Donaghadee.

It was a very dominant final quarter for the Dee team, with most of the attacking play. Erin Hamilton put great pressure on players at right midfield with super passes up the line to Katie for another Katie/Leanna combination run, making it 2-0. Then a great run from Leanna resulted in her goal at 55mins plus a minute later, Molly McKee made it 4-0.

While the second half was more dominant, the midfield and defence had to remain alert as when Owls got the break, there were some potentially threatening runs. Some of the team were playing more defensive positions than normal but the steadying hand of Natalie Jamieson at the back kept the team right.

 A number of great blocks by Row Moore on the right and Vicky O’Neill on the left alongside a welcome return for Georgia Ferguson helped settle the team. Passes through the midfield of Emily Morris, Caroline Davison & Tasha McGimpsey to the girls up front all made for a great team effort today with some super movement on and off the ball.

This week’s Star Player was jointly awarded to Leanna McGimpsey-Young and Erin Hamilton, with thanks to Janice McVeigh for umpiring.

Next Saturday the Seconds are at home against Lisnagarvey, pass back 1m at Bangor Grammar. All support welcome.

Intermediate Cup Round 1: Club KV 0-5 DLHC 1XI
The 1XI definitely heard the clanging of the gauntlet thrown down by the 2XI at the weekend when they travelled to Shaw’s Bridge on Monday night to face Club KV’s 2XI in the first round of the Intermediate Cup.

Against a depleted home side, Donaghadee took their chances in the first half, with Kerry Kennedy opening the scoring.

As the conditions went from heavy rain and gusty wind to full on monsoon-like conditions, Donagahdee put the tie to bed with further goals from Leanna McGimspey-Young (2), Kerrie Turtle and Carolyn Scott.This sets up a second round tie at home to Holywood on 10th December.

The 1XI play their second match of the week away to Parkview on Friday night.

Monsoon-like conditions at Shaw’s Bridge for the 1XI on Monday night!

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REPORT: 28 October 2022: DLHC 1XI 2-3 Limavady and DLHC 2XI 8-0 NICS

Posted on 31/10/2022 by Donaghadee LHC
Kerrie and Leanna were on the score sheet for the Firsts on Saturday

Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 2-3 Limavady
Since coming down from Senior Two a couple of seasons ago Limavady have proved themselves to be consistent contenders at the top of the Senior 3 table, narrowly missing out on promotion at the end of last year and scoring goals for fun.

Donaghadee have found their northwest opponents tricky to contain in past matches but it is a measure of how much the Dee team has improved that this was a closely fought affair with only one goal between the sides at the final whistle.

Limavady gave themselves a two goal cushion in the first half but with the half drawing to a close Kerrie Turtle pulled one back for the Dee to reignite the hope going into the second period.

There was further joy for Donaghadee when Leanna McGimpsey-Young scored an emphatic penalty flick into the roof of the Limavady net and that saw Donaghadee hunker down and pack the defence as the aimed to close out the game for a hard-fought but richly deserved draw. 

Indeed it looked very much as though Donaghadee was going to hold on for the point until a late penalty corner was scored by the visitors to bag them the three points in what was a hugely entertaining game between two sides determined to play good hockey.

Despite the late defeat, coach Willie McAdam was really pleased with the work rate of the team as a whole, with the result only moments away from being a good point against one of the best sides in the league. Leanna was awarded Star Player by the team and she passed on thanks to Deborah Gilmour for umpiring. The 1XI are next in action away to Club KV in the Intermediate Cup to be played on Monday night at Shawsbridge.

Junior League 9A: DLHC 2XI 8-0 NICS
Donaghadee Seconds returned to home ground last Saturday when they took on NICS in what was easily the wettest game of the season yet.

The first quarter was evenly matched with both teams settling into the horrible conditions. Eleven minutes in and Donaghadee made a break with Leanna McGimpsey-Young and Katie McKee charging up the pitch at great speed. Leanna fired the ball across the circle perfectly to meet the end of Katie’s stick and she gladly tipped the ball neatly past the NICS keeper and into the goal. Just before the whistle blew to mark the end of the first quarter, Leanna scored a cracking goal from the top of the circle to end the quarter 2-0 to Donaghadee.

Early in the second quarter defender Lisa Higgins found herself in the attacking 23, crossing the ball into Emily Morrison and Carmen Van Der Schyff who worked tirelessly to create chances in the NICS circle. Their play was rewarded when Donaghadee won a penalty corner and Caroline Davison scored to make the score 3-0 at the end of the first half.

Coming into the second half the Dee girls kept up the hard work with Natalie Jamieson and Laura Jackson working their way up the pitch smoothly, avoiding tackles from NICS defence. They combined well with Katie who bagged her second of the day to make the score 4-0. That was closely followed by Emily scoring her second goal of the game: 5-0 to the Dee.

The race was now well and truly on to see who would be the first to score the first hat trick of the season. Katie was first to the milestone with her third goal but not to be outdone, Emily got her third off the back of a penalty corner – 2 hattricks in one game!

All the scoring from the Donaghadee forwards meant that defenders Deborah Gilmore, Zoe Turtle, Floss Scott and keeper Emma McGimpsey-Young had a quieter week than in some recent matches but they remained alert so that when NICS broke, they were able to return the ball to Row Moore in midfield to keep the pressure away from the Donaghadee goal.

Despite the 8-0 final score, full credit to the NICS keeper, who made it difficult for Donaghadee, making numerous really strong saves throughout the match. This week’s Star Player was jointly awarded to Emily and Katie – well done for the hat tricks! 

Thank you to Nicola Patton for umpiring and all support who braved the horrible conditions. Donaghadee’s 2XI are away to Roughfort on Saturday to face Owls in the first round of the Junior Cup with a 3pm pass back. All support welcome.

Leanna, Emily (3) and Caroline scored against NICS (Missing from pic: Katie McKee)

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