Ramelton · County Donegal · Established 1929
A football home on the Lennonside
Swilly Rovers brings a long cup tradition and a community football programme to Swilly Park in Ramelton. Younger players can discover the game at the same club whose name appears twice on the FAI Junior Cup’s roll of honour.
Find out about the club’s past, its current teams and how to arrange a first visit.
The Ramelton story
Two national cups and a local tradition
The sailing boat and 1929 date on Swilly’s crest connect today’s club with its long history in Ramelton. The town sits at the mouth of the River Lennon, on Lough Swilly, and the club’s identity belongs to that setting.
Swilly won the FAI Junior Cup in 1962 and again in 1967. The second campaign was unusually complicated: as Donegal Daily’s historical account explains, drawn and replayed finals were followed by protests and appeals. After another final at Oriel Park and further proceedings, Swilly’s appeal succeeded in December 1967. The players received their medals at a Ramelton Town Hall event in February 1968.
The celebrations also left a mark beyond football. McDaid’s describes how Football Special grew out of Swilly’s cup celebrations: the original Football Cup drink offered a non-alcoholic way to fill the trophy. The connection was celebrated again when Swilly won the Donegal League Division 1 title in 2022/23.
Playing at Swilly
Young players, women’s football and adult teams
A 2024 report on the club’s development described teams from under eight to adult junior level, with participation in the Donegal Schoolboys League and Donegal Junior League. That establishes the breadth of the programme, but each season’s intake and team places need to be checked with the club.
The 2026 women’s match record confirms Swilly’s participation in the Donegal Women’s League. Young girls and women interested in joining should ask which squad and training group suits them, rather than assuming a place from an older team announcement.
For a child’s first session, send their year of birth and any playing experience to the club. Ask about a trial visit, registration, fees, training surface and the coach responsible for the group. Confirm shin guards, footwear and collection arrangements before arriving.
Adult football
A new chapter in 2026
The 2022/23 Division 1 championship returned Swilly to the Donegal League Premier Division. By September 2026, the league’s club record listed its adult teams in Sunday Division 2 and Saturday Division 3. Historical success and current league position are different parts of the story.
In June 2026, Highland Radio reported a new management group: Columba O’Donnell as manager, Paul Callan and Leonard Boyce as assistants, and Freddie Boyle as head coach.
Hear from the manager
In this interview, published by Highland Radio on 26 June 2026, Chris Ashmore speaks with Columba O’Donnell about the club’s next chapter.
Visitor information
Finding Swilly Park
The Donegal league lists Swilly Park, Ramelton as the club’s home venue. Check your team’s fixture notice and arrival time before travelling, particularly when different age groups are using the ground.
Open Swilly Park in Google Maps
In August 2024 the club applied for a modular spectator building with an accessible toilet, refreshments and views of the pitch. That was a proposal, not confirmation of completed facilities. Ask the host team about current parking, toilets, shelter and step-free access if these affect your visit.
Parents should agree where to meet the coach and collect children. Visiting teams should confirm changing arrangements and any weather-related pitch decision with their club contact.
Getting involved
Contact Swilly Rovers
The league publishes info@swillyrovers.ie as the club email. The Swilly Rovers Facebook page carries club announcements. A parent or guardian should make the first enquiry for a young player.
Ask about the right age group, available places, membership costs and training times. Volunteers can also enquire about coaching and practical help around the club. Confirm the team’s current kit requirements before ordering from the Swilly Rovers club shop.
The teams and matches displayed by Irish Youth Football reflect connected records, not a complete register of every squad. For a particular player’s schedule or eligibility, confirm with Swilly and the relevant league.