Draperstown Celtic Football Club is again hosting the annual Damian McGrogan Memorial Cup, now in its 14th year and played in proud memory of one of the clubs great stalwarts,player and friend to many.

This annual pre-season tournament is now a firm fixture on the local football calendar, and with a very competitive spirit shown over the years by all participating teams it has proven to be a great preparation source for all clubs as they commence their new season.

This years tournament will kick-off on Monday 26th July between 2008 winners Newtowne F.C and Irish Intermediate League team Killymoon Rangers. Tuesday27th sees host club Draperstown Celtic with their new management team of Marty McGuigan and Chris Larkin up against progressive Ballymena outfit Broadway Celtic. Wednesday sees Intermediate League’s Dungiven receive a bye unfortunately for the competition  into the next round by virtue of a very late withdrawal of  local opposition. The opening ties conclude onThursday 29th July with the tie of the round when cup holders Magherafelt Sky Blues take on local rivals Tobermore United.

The Semi-Finals wil be played the following Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd August,with the Final scheduled on Friday 6th August 2010.

All games will kick-off at 7pm and if level after 90 minutes the game will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Monday 26th July: Game A – Newtowne FC 6-0 Killymoon Rangers

Tuesday 27th July: Game B – Draperstown Celtic 1-1 Broadway Celtic *

Wednesday 28th July: Game C – Dungiven p-p Bye

Thursday 29th July: Game D – Magherafelt Sky Blues v Tobermore Utd

Monday 2nd August: SEMI-FINAL (1) Newtowne FC v Draperstown Celtic

Tuesday 3rd August: SEMI-FINAL (2) Dungiven v Winner Game D

Friday 6th August: Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2

Kick off 7pm Sharp at Cahore Playing Fields.

45minutes each way to be decided on a penalty shoot-out in the event of a draw.
All games played under IFA rules.

* Broadway withdrew due to other committments

Pharmacy Supplies Intermediate League Cup Final.

Draperstown Celtic were crowned Northern Ireland League cup winners on Friday night after goals from John Higgins and Gavin Bradley secured the victory over a hotly favoured Oxford side. Played at Dungiven, the big crowd were treated to a very evenly contested high tempo game which hung in the balance right until the final whistle. Draperstown were worthy winners, make no mistake of that. Despite coming into the game on a poor run of form and results, it appeared that they would have it all to do against the current league leaders who had easily dispatched Celtic in the Challenge Cup semi final only a few weeks ago. But there was to be no repeat of that 4-0 scoreline on this occasion and Celtic would regain the trophy having won it last in 2004. The success was also a fitting way for manager John McKee to complete his 3 year tenure in charge of the side and to know that his side put in a performance which he could be very proud of.

Celtic began the game on the backfoot, wary of the Oxford strike force of David Campbell and Carlin who had caused so much trouble in their last meeting. Oxford had a claim for penalty turned down in only the second minute when Carlin went down under a challenge by Ally McLean and Carlin also fired over from 8 yards in the 23rd minute when in a good position. Celtic were rarely seen as an attacking in the half force as Oxford dominated with the majority of the game being played in Celtic’s last third of the pitch. The half ended goalless, a reflection of the excellent defending by the Celtic back four in which Mclean excelled all through the match.

The second half was to see a different approach from Draperstown. They were more attack minded and with Higgins and Bradley coming more into the game Celtic were soon causing Oxford some defensive problems. This new attitude paid off after only 3 minutes of the half when Gavin Bradley stole past his marker and found John Higgins in the box. Celtic’s captain rode two challenges before slotting the ball past Walker for an excellent goal The Celtic support was now daring to believe that this might be their night but only 5 minutes later their hopes were temporarily dashed when Carlin finished clinically past McConnell with a first time strike.

Some would have expected Oxford to push on from here and take control of the game, but it was Draperstown who continued to play the more positive, incisive football. Gary Conway found Bradley with a delightful ball but the forward’s touch deserted him at the vital moment and Walker was able to clear the danger. A further good chance again fell to Bradley on the hour mark when he ran on to Eamon Murray’s pass but fired past the far post.

The game was now very open and end to end, but again the Drapertown back four held Oxford at bay and again the Derry City side were not able to cause McConnell any real problems. The last ten minutes saw Draperstown on the attack and further chances almost brought the winning goal. Bradley stabbed the ball wide at the near post while Walker almost allowed a shot to squirm past him but was relieved to see it spin past the post. The whistle at the end of 90 minutes saw the game go into extra time and already Celtic supporters were thinking of the chances which had gone a begging.

The first period again saw Draperstown take the game to their opponents but neither side were able to create a decent chance as fatigue was becoming a factor. However the Celtic pressure told five minutes into the second period of extra time when Higgins found Bradley in the box who turned his marker before firing past Walker.

The last ten minutes saw Oxford throw everything at Celtic in the search for the equaliser and they must have thought they had snatched when Logue volleyed a powerful shot from 6 yards but McConnell pulled off the save of this or any other season to push the ball over the bar. Oxford’s hearts sank, the Celtic “casuals” cheered their keeper and a minute later the final whistle was sounded to spark off great scenes of celebrations which were to continue long into the night.

The victory was certainly built on a quite superb defensive performance in which McLean was Man of the Match but he was closely followed by the rest of his team mates whose attitude and commitment were the real factors of this cup success.

Intermediate League

Draperstown surrendered their unbeaten home record this season with a tame defeat at the hands of Dungiven in what was a poor match last Saturday. Both teams were well under strength and with neither side in the hunt for league honours, it was more of a case of getting another game played in what will be a very busy league schedule in the remaining few weeks of the campaign.

Dungiven started brightly and took the lead on 9 minutes when a ball over the top allowed the forward to run on and score easily. Celtic came into the game more and were rewarded on 14 minutes when Higgins was taken down in the box for a penalty. The same player tucked the ball into the far corner for the equaliser. Both sides had opportunities to take the lead as the half wore on. Marty McGuigan fired just over from 20 yards while Haskins volleyed wide after a good cross from Adrian McGuigan.

The second half was only 4 minutes old when Dungiven got their second and ultimately the winning goal. McLean handled an inswinging corner and the resultant penalty was easily dispatched. Draperstown had plenty of possession but lacked the skill and guile to open up a resolute Dungiven defence. Right at the death however, Kennedy had a glorious opportunity to grab an equalise but managed to lift the ball over the bar when a goal seemed certain.

So note a game that will live long in the memory, but one that gives an indication of the work needed in the summer months, certainly for Draperstown, if they are to remain competitive throughout next year’s campaign

The importance of developing youth football is key to the future success of Draperstown Celtic and therefore we are pleased to announce the return of the highly successful Draperstown Celtic Skills Development Centre.

The focus of the Skills Development Centre is on developing skilled, confident and creative footballers while making the game fun to practice and play. We will teach the importance of good sportsmanship, respect for all and the value of winning but not at the expense of player character or performance development. The Centre embraces the concept of fun and enjoyment, which is important if children are to develop a lifelong love of football. It is designed for children from P3 – P7 of all abilities, to develop skills, understanding and most importantly make the game FUN and ENJOYABLE.

Last year was our most successful season yet with over 850 children attending the Centre during the season. We had an average of 40 children each Saturday morning learning new skills and enjoying the game of football. Since its beginnings 3 years ago the Centre has grown in popularity and has given rise to some interesting facts:

• Over 2,000 children have attended
• Received IFA Accreditation
• Hosted an IFA Football Fun week
• Hosted a Mini Soccer Tournament
• Produced players for our Youth team

This booklet will hopefully provide you with answers to any queries you have but if you need any further information do not hesitate to contact Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Please download/view the Information & Registration Booklet here.

if you dont have a current PDF Reader or the above link will not open then please click here for an online version of the booklet.

The Centre continues every Saturday morning at 11.00am at the Draperstown Celtic pitches in Cahore Park.

The sessions are delivered by qualified and vetted coaches who have completed the IFA Mini Soccer Coaching Award as well as a Safeguarding Children in Football Certificate.

The focus of the Skills Development Centre is on developing skilled, confident and creative footballers while making the game fun to practice and play. We teach the importance of good sportsmanship, respect for all and the value of winning but not at the expense of player character or performance development. The Centre embraces the concept of fun and enjoyment, which is important if children are to develop a lifelong love of football. It is designed for children from P3 – P7 of all abilities, to develop skills, understanding and most importantly make the game FUN and ENJOYABLE. The cost is £2.00

New members are always welcome.

If you have any questions about the Skills Development Centre you can contact the Centre Co-ordinator, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Draperstown Celtic Skills Development Centre Kits

Following requests from parents, Draperstown Celtic have this year introduced a Development Centre Soccer Kit. The kit consists of a shirt embroidered with club crest, shorts and socks. It can be worn to the Centre as well as to any tournaments or blitzes that we may attend. If you are interested in purchasing a kit please speak to the Centre Co-ordinator.

NI Intermediate League

John Mc Kee was forced to ring the changes with no fewer than seven players unavailable but those who came in put in a solid performance against a stubborn Strabane side at Cahore Park. While the game itself was hardly a classic the goals scored certainly came into this bracket. Strikes from Sinclair and Higgins for Draperstown and a fine effort from Strabane’s  Roulston were certainly the highlights and Haskin’s finish also had a touch of quality about it.

With neither side having set the league alight this season, the game did not have a great deal riding on it but Celtic still have a league cup final appearance and places are most certainly up for grabs as far as manager McKee is concerned. The early exchanges were quite even as both sides sought to overcome the hard pitch but Ryan Sinclair brought the game to life with a simply outstanding goal on ten minutes. Picking up the ball just inside the Strabane half he strove forward and seeing Devine off his line hit a glorious left foot arching shot from fully 35 yards which gave the keeper no chance. A wonderful goal which was matched, perhaps bettered, by John Higgins 4 minutes later. Higgins, making in first start in a number of weeks following injury, controlled the ball 20yards from goal and beat Devine with a measured shot in off the crossbar to leave Celtic in the driving seat .

Strabane showed they weren’t out of the game when Farniouk did well to tip McCallion’s free over the bar on 17 minutes, but Draperstown should have extended their lead on 20 minutes when Murchan’s cross was headed just wide by Joe Crossett. Draperstown did take the foot off the pedal and Strabane got back into the game with a goal which matched the quality of the earlier strikes. Roulston hit a thunderous goal from 25 yards into the top corner giving Farniouk no chance. Devine did well to stop Higgins from scoring at the end of the half but the home side were well worth their half time lead.

The second half did not have the fireworks of the first, indeed for the first 25 minutes there was very little goal mouth action. Caulfield produced a good surging run and shot which Devine did well to smother with mcCallion clearing Haskins’ follow up shot.  Strabane’s McCallion also did well to clear Kennedy’s effort off the line after his shot had beaten Devine. Draperstown made sure of the points on 82 minutes when Haskins ran onto Caulfiled’s pass and lobbed Devine from the edge of the box for another quality goal.

Celtic also hit the post before Kennedy almost got the goal his performance deserved but he fired over the bar as Draperstown finished the game well in control.A decent performance from Draperstown which was needed after last week’s mauling at the hands of Oxford and the goals certainly showed that there is some quality in the side. They have to be matched with a more positive attitude and commitment especially with a final looming. Manager John McKee will expect nothing less.

NWCDYL Semi Final

Last Wednesday evening Draperstown Youth welcomed Coleraine Under 15’s to Cahore for a top of the table clash, a game both teams needed to win to hold on to their chances of winning the league. The importance of the game seemed to be on the players minds and this showed with both teams looking slightly nervous. Both sides toiled and gave plenty of effort in a very tense game and the opening exchanges were scrappy with neither side in control and possession easily lost.

The first half came to an end with the defence on top as neither team created any clear cut chances.
The second half was as tense as the first and much of the game became a mid-field battle. Coleraine attacked and a good through ball from their attacking mid fielder put the impressive looking Morelli in behind the Draperstown defence. However Scullion in goals read the danger and raced out to clear. Draperstown upped their game and started to put the Coleraine defence under pressure but they were very well organised and dealt well with the threat. Draperstown attacked again and had strong claims for a penalty when Convery and the Coleraine centre forward had a coming together.

The referee, who had a very good game, correctly awarded an indirect free kick just outside the area. McGuigan lobbed the ball into the penalty area but this was well claimed by the Coleraine keeper. Draperstown tried to pressure Coleraine and great play between P. Flanagan and McGuigan led to Flanagan cutting in to be 1 on 1 with the keeper but he curled his shot wide. Coleraine also had another attack but their shot was also high and wide. Draperstown had possibly the best chance on 60 minutes when P. Flanagan connected too well with a rebounded shot and the ball sailed harmlessly over. Neither team were content with a draw in this keenly contested encounter and the introduction of Draperstown sub T. Flanagan gave fresh impetus to Draperstown and the young wingers pace caused problems for the Coleraine right back. However the well organised Coleraine defence was equal to all that Draperstown produced.

The last minutes saw Coleraine go for the win but equally the Draperstown defence held firm to hold onto their unbeaten home record. The game was a credit to both teams and youth football in the area as both sets of players had a real ‘go’ in a very competitive but sporting game in which the referee did not have much to do.

Team: Scullion, M. McAuley, McCabe (Capt), O’Hara, English, P. Flanagan, McKenna, Hegarty, McDevitt, McGuigan, Convery
Subs: C. McAuley, Elalilou, T. Flanagan, Greenwood

Next Fixtures
Draperstown Youth vs Moyola – League – Date and time to be confirmed
Draperstown Youth vs Institute/Coleraine – Cup Final – Date and Venue TBC

Draperstown Youth Teams
Next season Draperstown Celtic will have 2 youth teams competing in the following age groups:

Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997

The new youth season will begin in September 2010 with squad training for the newly formed U14 team beginning around May 2010. If you are interested in playing for Draperstown at the above age groups more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Development Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

NI Intermediate League Challenge Cup QF

A solid, workmanlike performance from Draperstown saw them through a difficult quarter final tie away to Mountjoy. Despite having had a comfortable league win at home to the same opposition a few weeks ago, Celtic knew this would be a difficult game against a much more physical side. The key to the win was Draperstown’s ability to take advantage of the few chances they created and also the performances of keeper Marcin Farniouk and Ryan Sinclair in midfield. Farniouk, brought in for the non availability of McConnell was the busier of the two keepers but unlike Gillfiillen in the home goals, he was safe in all that he did. An absolutely superb save from Derek Matthew’s free kick on 57 minutes went he score was 0 -0 was only bettered by his penalty save from Gibson in the 90th minute when Celtic were leading by 2-0. But it is goals which win games and Sinclair was instrumental in both to round off his best performance to date in a Celtic shirt.

Mountjoy certainly enjoyed the better of the first half and they certainly had the majority of the possession. Adams was prominent for them on the right hand side and he was helped by good performances from Bute, Thompson and Gibson. The latter in particular looked the most likely to score for the home side, but he never really tested Farniouk in Celtic’s goal despite having a couple of good opportunities. Conway and Sinclair were holding their own in the Celtic midfield as the visitors grew in confidence. Gillfillen saved from Emmett McKillion while Sinclair was narrowly wide with a header from a Bradley corner.

The second half saw Celtic replace Seamus Quinn with Gareth Haskins who was forced off with a back injury sustained in the last minutes of the first half and the first ten minutes again saw the home side in the ascendency, but without creating good openings as Darren McKillion and Ally McLean were solid in the heart of the Draperstown defence. Mountjoy almost took the lead on 57 minutes when Derek Matthews curled in a great free kick but Farniouk pulled off a remarkable save to touch the ball onto the bar and away. Mountjoy were still wondering how the score was still 0-0 when Sinclair took the game by the scruff of the neck on the hour mark. His shot from 25 yards appeared to have beaten Gillfillen all ends up but the keeper somehow pushed the ball onto the cross bar and as Eamon Murray looked to score from the rebound Gillfillen kicked the ball clear for the corner. But there was to be no reprieve for the home side. Haskins’ corner was not cleared and Gavin Bradley scored from close range. Six minutes later and it was 2-0. Sinclair again picked up possession in midfield, sublimely strove forward and from 25 yards struck a stunning strike past Gillfillen. A goal worthy to win any game and well deserved from a player whose Celtic’s career has been blighted by injury this season.

The final 20 minutes saw Mountjoy attempt to get back into the game. Celtic had to replace the hard working Gary Conway and Emmett McKillion who were both injured and this allowed the home side to begin to dominate possession again. Farniouk saved well from a David Matthews’ header while Haskins did well to prevent the same player from scoring at the near post. However as the game entered injury time, the referee awarded a penalty kick for an innocuous challenge but Farniouk dived to his left to parry Gibson’s spot kick. The last few minutes saw Celtic create a couple of good opportunities to score a third but they were more than happy with a two nil win which moves them into the semi final for the second season running.

The semi-final will be held on Saturday 17th April in Templemore, Derry against Oxford Utd Stars.

North West & Coleraine Youth League

Draperstown travelled to Donemana on Saturday and took another step towards the top of the league with a 4 – 1 victory. With several regulars missing and with Donemana confident after a few good results against bigger teams this could have been a tricky game.

Donemana started the brighter but did not really trouble Scullion in the Draperstown goal. After a scrappy 10 mins the Draperstown boys settled and began to get more into the game. It looked like a breakthrough would not arrive but on 16 mins T. Flanagan won the ball in his own half, carried it into the Donemana half and found his brother who outpaced the right back and slipped the ball under the keeper from a tight angle. Draperstown pressed for the second goal and it almost arrived when the ball fell to P. Flanagan but he hit his shot too well and the ball crashed against the cross bar and bounced on the line before being cleared by the Donemana centre-half. However the second goal did arrive 5 mins later when under pressure from Elalilou a Donemana clearance fell straight to T. Flanagan whose miss-hit shot flew across the goal mouth before being steered in by McDevitt at the back post.

The second half went the same way as the first with Draperstown in control. The game was 10 minutes into the half when C. McAuley hit a long clearance deep into the Donemana half – the Donemana keeper misjudged the bounce and this left T. Flanagan with the easiest of tap ins to make it 3 – 0. Draperstown were still not content and the fourth goal arrived 5 mins later when a long throw in from McGuigan found its way to Doyle who fired home from close range. However straight from the centre Donemana made the most of some slack Draperstown play and scored a deserved consolation goal. Draperstown saw out the rest of the game without incident and the 4 – 1 win keeps the pressure on the league leaders whom they still have to play. It is getting interesting at the top of the U15 league!!!!

Team: C. Scullion, M. McAuley, C.McAuley C. McCabe (Capt.), S. McBride, D. Doyle, O. Hegarty, P. Flanagan, T. Flanagan, C.McDevitt, R. McGuigan
Subs: Z. Elalilou, K. Webb
Scorers: P. Flanagan, McDevitt, T. Flanagan, Doyle

Next Fixture – League
Sat 10 April – Coleraine U15 vs. Draperstown at Coleraine. Kick off 11am.

Mini Soccer
The Draperstown Celtic Football Skills Development begins this Saturday 10 April at 11.00am in Cahore Park. The Centre is open to both boys and girls from P3 – P7 and the cost is £2.00 per child. For further information and to download a registration form please visit the new Skills Development Centre section on our website www.dc-fc.net . If you have any queries contact Paul McCallion the Centre Coordinator on 07841344253

Draperstown Youth Teams
It is hoped that Draperstown Celtic will have 2 youth teams next season, competing in the following age groups:

Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997

The new youth season will begin in September 2010 with squad training beginning around May 2010. If you are interested in playing for Draperstown Celtic at the above age groups more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Development Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

NWCDYL Semi Final

Draperstown Youth reached the final of the NWCDYL Cup with a narrow 2-1 win over local rivals Dungiven at a blustery Cahore Park on Saturday morning. It was a scrappy game that had everything – goals, good goalkeeping, penalties, a sending off and extra time.

Both teams were nervous at the start but it was Draperstown who had the first chance at goal on 3 mins. The ball was won by Tiernan Flanagan and his pass found his brother Piaras who shot wide from a tight angle. This was to be Draperstowns’ only shot at goal for a further 20 mins as Dungiven dominated the half. Straight from the kick-out the ball found its way to Duddy whose well hit shot was superbly tipped away by Scullion. However from the resulting corner Draperstown were still getting organised when Moore nipped in ahead of a static Draperstown defence to give Dungiven a 1-0 lead. Dungiven continued to dominate the game –putting in more tackles, closing down players and hassling the Draperstown team at every opportunity. It was the 25th minute before Draperstown had their only other decent chance when a kick out from Scullion found McGuigan who passed to Convery and his shot was just wide. That brought the first half to an end.

Draperstown started much brighter in the 2nd half and on 6 mins, after a good spell of pressure a 25 yard shot from O’Hara looped over the keeper to make it 1-1. For the rest of the half both teams struggled in the breeze and many mistakes were made on both sides. That was the story of the 2nd half until the final minute on the game when the Draperstown right back was adjudged to have fouled the Dungiven winger while making a clearance and the referee awarded a penalty. The Dungiven forward smashed the ball home. However the drama had not finished as the referee made the penalty be retaken as it was hit before the whistle was blown. This time Scullion saved low to his left to send the game into extra time – 10mins each half.

The first half of extra time went much the same way as the second half of the game until5 mins into the half Draperstown scored when the Flanagan brothers combined well and the elder Flanagan slid the ball home at the back post. That was probably the only clear cut chance of the half. The second half began and Draperstown tried to get a decisive third but again Dungiven battled well and made life difficult for the hosts. With about 3 mins left in the game Dungiven had an appeal for a penalty turned down when the ball struck a Draperstown defender. The ball did strike the arm of the defender but it would have been a very harsh decision as the player knew little about it and the referee got the decision right. The Dungiven protests led to a second yellow card for 1 of their team and he had to leave the field. Dungiven tried to battle back but Draperstown hung on determinedly for the win and their first cup final.

Team: C. Scullion, M. McAuley, J. English C. McCabe (Capt.), S. O’Hara, C. McKenna, O. Hegarty , P. Flanagan, T. Flanagan, C.Convery, R. McGuigan
Subs: C. McAuley (for C. McCabe) C. McDevitt, D. Doyle, Z. Elalilou, S. McBride
Scorers: O’Hara, P. Flanagan
Man of Match: Chris Scullion

Next Fixture – League
Donemana U14 vs. Draperstown at Donemana. Kick off 11am.

Milk Cup Trails
The first of the open trials for the Milk Cup squad has been announced for Wednesday 31st March 2010 with a 6.00pm kick off. All Draperstown players who registered for trials in Magherafelt should be at Meadowbank for registration at 5.30pm SHARP!

Mini Soccer
The Draperstown Celtic Football Skills Development Centre is to re-open on 10 April 2010. If you are interested in helping out at the Centre or have any queries please contact Paul McCallion, the club’s Development Centre Co-ordinator on 07841344253. Further details will be on our website and in the local papers closer to the time.

Draperstown Youth Teams
It is hoped that Draperstown Celtic will have 2 youth teams next season, competing in the following age groups:

Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995

Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997

The new youth season will begin in September 2010 with squad training beginning around May 2010. If you are interested in playing for Draperstown Celtic at the above age groups more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Development Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.