Donegal Junior League season gets underway – detailed preview

The new Donegal Junior League season gets underway on Thursday evening 15th August. As usual the Brian Mc Cormick Cup competition will be the first to see action with fourteen matches down for decision.
Newly promoted Bonagee United entertain Orchard FC at the Dry Arch as the formerly named Downtown United make their first League appearance in their new identity. Kerrykeel ’71 FC, who also gained promotion last term, will host defending Cup Champions Rathmullan Celtic at Rabs Park.
Mulroy Celtic who complete the Letterkenny Area Group One have a free evening. In Group Two of the Letterkenny Area Whitestrand United host Milford United while Ramelton Mariners travel to play Kilmacrennan Celtic. Glencar Celtic are also free on the first day of the new season.
Moving into the Gweedore Area where Group One will not commence until Sunday 18th August. Prior to that Glenree United and Glenea United have home ties against Gweedore United and Gweedore Celtic respectively on the Thursday evening, August 15th. Cranford United are the free club in this group as the season sees it’s first action.
Over in the East of the County, in Group One, Convoy Arsenal entertain Tullyvinney Rovers at Orchard Park. Last season’s Premier Division Champions Lifford Celtic travel to Park View in Castlefin where they will play the local Celtic side who will have a familiar face in the home dug-out. Joe Mc Gee, having led Lifford to the title, has made the switch  to Castlefin where he enjoyed a successful term a few seasons ago.
Last season’s Saturday Division Two Champions Deele Harps will have to wait until Sunday to get their new season underway. In Group Two Raphoe Town host Curragh Athletic at Deele College while Lagan Harps are the home side when they play Drumoghill FC at Orchard Park in Manor. Ballybofey United will have Thursday free in this Group.
Group One in the Donegal Area sees Dunkineely Celtic start their season at home to Cappry Rovers. Drumbar FC entertain Eany Celtic while Fintown Harps AFC have the evening off. Donegal Area Group Two sees last season’s Division One winners Donegal Town travel to play Letterbarrow Celtic on match day one. Completing the fixtures of the day will be the teams of Erne Wanderers and St. Catherines. Copany Rovers, after their recent celebrations and book launch, will not get into the action until the Sunday.
By Kick-Off time on Thursday twelve and a half weeks will have passed since that exciting May day at the Oaktree Complex in Killygordan when Rathmullan Celtic came from a goal behind to claim the Brian Mc Cormick Cup with two late goals. Much has happened in the meantime as clubs and indeed the League itself honoured the achievements of season 2012 / ’13.
Management at some clubs has changed and some players will be togging out in new colours come August 15th. When all is said and done it will be great to get back to the action after Summer months that deposited Mediterranean like suntans on those who spent some time out of doors. Six match days will culminate on Sunday 8th September when the Area Finals of this competition will take place.
What team has made the astute signings of the closed season?, which manager will get the most from his panel?, how will the new teams fair?, who will score the season’s first goal? all will soon start to unravel as the Donegal Junior League 2013 /’14 gets underway.