Short History of Swilly Rovers: John Diver PRO
Football has long been a very important feature of life in Ramelton. Even before the foundation of Swilly Rovers in 1929, Ramelton Ramblers were the face of football in the town.
Swilly won the USL title in 2000, with Danny McConnell in charge. They have contested five FAI Junior Cup finals, winning in 1962 and 1968. In 1979 they contested the Intermediate Cup final. No fewer than 53 Ramelton-born players have played senior football in Ireland or cross-channel. The most famous of the local talent was Patsy Gallacher, Celtic all-time great. Currently, Conrad Logan is on loan Stockport County from Leicester City .
Although the town does not have a GAA or rugby club, many Ramelton players excel in these codes, especially with Milford GAA and Letterkenny RFC. And Swilly Rovers are proud of the fact that members come from all backgrounds: the trustees include Leo McDermott, Paddy Sweeney, Edward McDaid, Ivan Grier, Bert McCloy and Mark Duffy. Ramelton hosted the New Zealand All-Black rugby team, who came to discover the birthplace of their first captain, David Gallaher.
Local independent councillor, Ian McGarvey was captain of the 1962 side which defeated Castleview from Cork in the final at Dalymount Park . Two long serving clubmen passed away in the last two years – Seamus Norry and Sam McCloy. McCloy was president of the club and it was decided not to fill the position, to honour him. Paddy Sweeney and Leo McDermott are vice-presidents. Sam was a season ticket holder at Finn Harps and Derry City . A special relationship exists between Ramelton and Derry – when the Candystripes won the treble of League, League Cup and FAI Senior Cup in 1999, they brought all three trophies for the re-opening of Swilly Park . All proceeds from the day went to the Hillsborough Disaster Fund.
Former Donegal League USL secretary and Swilly Rovers legend Brendan Duffy was the only Donegal man to win two FAI Junior Cup Winners medals (1962 and 1968). Joe Duffy was a former referee and Swilly great, who captained the Donegal league. Paddy Sweeney and Brendan McDaid played for for Strabane United team which won the Irish Junior Cup in the North.
Ramelton-born Fergus McDaid, son of the late Eamon McDaid was a teammate of Roy Keane at Cobh Ramblers. Fergus managed College Corinthians for a few years bur still has a great affection for his hometown club.
Recent improvements to the ground at Swilly Park include an astro-turf pitch, built five years ago at a cost of €180,000. The project was partly-funded by the Department of Sport, under the ministry of James McDaid, and a monthly direct-debit scheme helps with the repayments. Quarterly draws take place and the club appreciate the present and any future support.
