Bonagee, Cockhill clash possible as FAI Junior Cup draw made

Former Ulster Senior League sides and FAI Intermediate Cup hopefuls Bonagee United and Cockhill Celtic have been put on a possible FAI Junior Cup collision course.

The first and second round draws have been made. Should Bonagee and Cockhill, now back in junior football following the cessation of the USL, could meet in round two.

First, Jason Gibson’s Bonagee - who will operate in Division 1 of the Donegal League this season - would have to successfully navigate an opening round joust with Deele Harps while Cockhill have been paired with Clonmany Shamrocks in the first round.

Last season, Cockhill reached the final of the Intermediate Cup, only beaten by Rockmount on penalties.

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Bonagee reached the quarter-finals of the competition two seasons ago and played League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne in the FAI Senior Cup in 2022.

The first round draw has thrown up a mouthwatering tie between the defending Donegal League and Inishowen League champions.

Arthur Lynch’s Fanad United were the first team out of the hat and were swiftly followed by Buncrana Hearts.

Last season, Gary Duffy’s Buncrana defeated Salthill Devon 2-1 to reach the FAI Junior Cup quarter-finals. Goals by Aaron McDaid and Eoin Murphy sealed a 2-1 win, but they bowed out following a narrow 1-0 defeat by St Michael’s from Tipperary, the eventual runners-up, who were beaten by Newmarket Celtic on penalties in the final.

Letterkenny Rovers, whose first team is also back in junior football, will be at home to Carndonagh in the opening round.

The draw was also made for the opening rounds of the FAI Youth Cup.

FAI Junior Cup

Round 1: Fanad United v Buncrana Hearts, Rathmullan Celtic v Moville Celtic, Cockhill Celtic v Clonmany Shamrocks, Keadue Rovers v Aileach, Letterkenny Rovers v Carndonagh, St Catherine’s v Castlefin Celtic. Kilmacrennan Celtic v Culdaff, Bonagee United v Deele Harps, Illies Celtic v Glengad United, Glenea United v Swilly Rovers, Byes - Donegal Town, Greencastle.

Round 2: Donegal Town v Keadue Rovers/Aileach; Fanad United/Buncrana Hearts v Illies Celtic/Glengad United; Kilmacrennan Celtic/Culdaff v Glenea United/Swilly Rovers; Greencastle FC v St Catherine’s/Castlefin Celtic; Letterkenny Rovers/Carndonagh v Rathmullan Celtic/Moville Celtic; Bonagee United/Deele Harps v Cockhill Celtic/Clonmany Shamrocks.

FAI Youth Cup

Preliminary Round: St John’s FC v Carndonagh.

Round 1: St John’s/Carndonagh v Buncrana Hearts; Strand Celtic v Ballyraine; Arrow Harps v Bonagee United; Glen Rovers v Merville United.