Swilly Rovers FC

28/05/2026

Rovers U16 2 - 3 Drumbar U16

Another great game in Swilly Park in the intense evening heat. Drumbar started as they meant to go on and caused Swilly trouble almost immediately. Dealt with though by a combination of Millie Gildea who had another great game and full backs Grainne Sweeney and Jessica Sweeney . It wasnt long though before Drumbar found some space and a powerful run from Emma Thomas ended in a powerful shot into the Swilly net.
Swilly continued to struggle in the heat and Emma Thomas was on fire and full of confidence and after some pressure from Swilly, the space again opened up and a through ball found her for her to calmly grab her second. Swilly had their own chances with some balls over the top of the defense becoming effective with Anna Pshenychna running on but Drumbars keeper Varvara Khobta remaining alert and hard to beat. Moments later Emma had her hat trick with another powerful shot into the top corner. Swilly looked to be undone.
After a half time regroup though a different side came out and in this half Swilly started to push higher and see a lot more of the ball in midfield. Not long in tonthe second half, pocket rocket Roisin Toland, had made another one of her mazy runs and after some nice interplay with Anna Pshenychna,somehow made it through all defenders and smashed one home for Swilly. Belief again surged through the team. Anna and Roisin again linked up nicely and again they were rewarded after some initial midfield battling from Siomha mcFadden who won the ball and played it on. This time Roisin suffered an injury but the goal stood which made it a little easier to bear. The score now 2 - 3 and Swilly kept fighting without Roisin for the time being. As much as they tried and with huge effort across all players they couldnt find the equaliser in the heat. A good lesson for them though and they know to never give in and never believe you are beat until the final whistle blows.

Thanks to Michael Langan for officiating and to Emma and the Drumbar team for making the journey to Ramelton.

🔴⚪️🔴⚪️

28/05/2026

26/05/2026

Swilly Rovers Battle Hard Away to Kilmacrennan
On a glorious evening in Kilmacrennan some might even say slightly too glorious for 90 minutes of football the Swilly Rovers senior ladies travelled away for another tough Donegal Women’s League fixture.
With a number of injuries in the squad alongside several players missing due to studying and school exams, Swilly travelled with just 11 players and no substitutes. Despite the circumstances, the effort and attitude shown throughout the evening could not be faulted.
It was also a welcome boost to have Aoife McKenna back in the back line for the trip to Kilmacrennan, adding further strength to the defence.
Swilly started positively and created an early chance through Clodagh Neeley, while at the other end Keeley Boyle was quickly called into action with another important save to keep things level early on.
Unfortunately for Swilly, the opening goal arrived in unfortunate fashion as Orlaith Connolly’s header from a corner found the wrong net to give Kilmacrennan the lead.
Kilmacrennan added two more goals before half time to go in 3–0 ahead, but despite the scoreline there were still plenty of positives for Swilly. The back line of Orlaith Connolly, Aoife McKenna, Eimear Connolly and Kirsten Stewart worked tirelessly throughout the half, with Eimear and Orlaith switching roles after the break. As the half progressed, Swilly began to settle into the game and played some excellent football to finish the opening period strongly.
Kilmacrennan added a fourth goal in the second half, but once again the response from Swilly was impressive. With no subs available on a warm evening, every player continued to battle right until the final whistle.
Kirsten Stewart and Clodagh Neeley worked relentlessly throughout the game, covering huge ground from start to finish. In midfield, Gemma Boyle put in a composed and solid performance, constantly keeping possession moving safely and linking play well for Swilly.
Further forward, Caitlin Doherty created a number of chances, while Lorna Horton’s work rate especially in the second half stood out once again. Grace McGlynn, Finley Doherty and Aoife McKenna as always linked up brilliantly as Swilly continued to play good football despite tiring legs and the difficult circumstances.
While the result didn’t go Swilly’s way, there were still plenty of positives to take from another battling team performance. With only 11 players available, no substitutes and warm conditions throughout, every single player gave absolutely everything for the shirt.
The league now takes a short break for the Leaving Cert and Junior Cert exams. Everyone at Swilly Rovers would like to wish all of our players sitting exams the very best of luck over the next few weeks.
Thankfully training will continue during the break providing the girls with a very well deserved study escape for an hour or two 😄
A big thank you to Liam McLaughlin for refereeing the game.

25/05/2026

Our senior ladies are away to Kilmacrennan this evening.
Let’s hope our ladies can make it a good one before the league breaks for the exams.

22/05/2026

⚽️ SWILLY ROVERS FC AGM ⚽️

​🔴 YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU! ⚪️

​We are officially holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and we are calling on our incredible community to help shape the future of Swilly Rovers FC.

​Whether you’ve been with us for years or are looking to get involved for the first time, your voice, time, and support matter!

​📅 Date: Tuesday, 2nd June

⏰ Time: 7:30 PM

📍 Location: The Red Room, Swilly Park

​🙌 Who are we looking for?

​We are looking for passionate volunteers to help with the day-to-day running and growth of our club. You don't need to be a football expert—just someone who cares! We warmly welcome:

​Parents of our fantastic academy and youth players.

​Senior Players looking to give back to the club.

​Community Members who want to support local sport and help out behind the scenes.

​From coaching and committee roles to helping on match days or organizing events—every bit of help makes a massive difference for our players, from our youngest academy stars to our senior squads.

​Let’s keep the Swilly Rovers tradition going strong. See you all there on June 2nd! ⚓️🔴

​ VolunteersNeeded DonegalFootball Est1929 HonTheRovers

22/05/2026

Swilly Rovers u14 Girls 2 - 4 Glenree u14 Girls.

A fantastic game of football played between these two teams in a warm and dry Swilly Park.
Glenree put some early pressure on Swilly's penalty area but the defense held strong with Mollie Marley and Ella Coyle keeping it strong when needed. Within minutes Swilly were one up with another great goal from Hollie Sweeney from outside the box. Swilly though were left stunned when Eilish O'Connell snatched an equaliser after a long ball made it through the backline. Not to be deterred Swilly kept pressurising but were again punished with another goal from
O'Connell. 2-1 down now they had it all to do and they did come back fighting again and got their deserved equaliser through another fine effort from Anna Pshenychna. A thread bare swilly side though picked up an injury with Roisin Toland coming off after a head injury. Up stepped one of our u12 for some match experience. In the second half another injury and another u12 to come on. Swillys legs were starting to tire now and Glenree took advantage with their slick passing triangles. Two goals from Caldwell finished the game but it stayed competitive right to the finish with more chances at both ends. Well done to Michael Coyle and his Glenree side who now top the table and congrats to the Swilly girls who kept battling to the finish and who finish 4th. Phase 2 of the league is next with plenty more football to come.

Thnaks to Sean oDonnell for refereeing tonight.

🔴⚪🔴⚪

21/05/2026

Everyone at Swilly Rovers FC are saddened to hear of the passing of John Joe McCafferty. Former chairperson of the Donegal Junior League he was a truly commited volunteer and played a major part in local grassroots football for which we are trult grateful. We offer condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest In Peace 😔

20/05/2026

u16 girls 2 - 1 Illistrin u16 girls

A pulsating match held in Swilly Park on Wednesday. Illistrin started stronges and put Swilly under a lot of pressure almost immediately. Chances appeared but none quite making it past Millie Gildea in nets who had a great game. Swilly mostly attacked on the counter and a few half chances came our way but it was Illistrins turn to tighten up the defense. Nil nil at half time.
Both teams came out strong in the second half and chances were appeaeing at both ends. It was swilly who broke the deadlock with a poachers goal from Anna Pshenychna met with much celebration from the stand and the bench. Illistrin did not give up by any means and kept pushing for their equaliser which came after another 10 minutes. A nicely played through ball wasnt dealt with and the error was punished expertly by Eabha McKinney who saw the chance and slipped it into the net without needing another invitation. Swilly though fought on and were getting more chances. Roisin Toland coming on as a sub was breaking up the play nicely in midfield and her hard work paid off when the ball broke for her on the edge of the 18 yard box. She kept her nerve , smashed a shot at top corner and it was enough to get the win for Swilly ⚽️🔴⚪️

🔴⚪️🔴⚪️

19/05/2026

Swilly Rovers Senior Ladies Return Home to Swilly Park
The Swilly Rovers senior ladies finally played their first home game of the season on Monday evening, welcoming Fanad United to Swilly Park for another tough Donegal Women’s League encounter.
It began as a beautiful day for football, but as the Swilly girls came out for their warm-up, the rain arrived and it didn’t leave for the rest of the game. Despite the conditions, both teams produced a competitive and entertaining contest played at a strong tempo throughout.
Swilly started brightly and created an early chance that just drifted wide, while Fanad also threatened at the other end with an effort over the bar before eventually finding the breakthrough after 15 minutes to go 1–0 ahead.
Fanad doubled their advantage on 21 minutes, but the Swilly response was excellent. The girls kept battling, continued to move the ball well and were rewarded on 28 minutes when Orlaith Connolly found the net to pull one back and make it 2–1 heading into half time.
The second half saw Swilly push hard for an equaliser. The work rate across the pitch was outstanding, with the team pressing, battling and creating opportunities throughout the half. Caitlin Doherty came close on a number of occasions and looked dangerous going forward, but despite the pressure, Swilly just couldn’t find that crucial second goal.
Fanad eventually added a third on 82 minutes before a late fourth sealed the result at 4–1, and the scoreline certainly didn’t reflect the effort and football played by all Swilly girls throughout the evening.
At the back, Eimear Connolly and Gráinne Sweeney were once again excellent in defence, working together with an understanding that looks like they’ve been playing alongside each other for years. In midfield, Grace McGlynn and Finley Doherty worked tirelessly from first whistle to last, while Keeley Boyle produced another series of important saves to keep Swilly in the contest for long periods.
Most importantly, the Swilly girls never stopped fighting and continued to work for each other right until the final whistle something that continues to stand out with this group week after week.
A huge thank you as well to everyone who came out to support the senior ladies in Swilly Park. The encouragement from the sidelines was brilliant to hear throughout the game and is hugely appreciated by the players and management.
Thank you also to Eamonn Sheridan for refereeing the game.
Credit also to Fanad players Aisling McDevitt, who scored all four goals for Fanad United on the night, we will have to find out what boots she’s wearing and try them out at training this week.
We go again next Monday with training in between to keep the fight going ❤️
Finally, following a medical emergency involving one of the Swilly players after the match, the club would like to sincerely thank Fanad United players Lisa Friel and Keri Sweeney, who stayed behind and immediately stepped in to help and take control of the situation. Thankfully the player is now recovering in hospital and wanted to pass on her gratitude to both girls for their support and care.