Rovers host well attended FAI National League Launch night

Letterkenny Rovers FC officially launched its exciting new chapter in the FAI National League at a packed event, with players, coaches, committee members, sponsors, supporters, public representatives, former players and friends of the club all coming together to mark a landmark night for football in Letterkenny.

Hosted by MC Diarmaid Doherty, the event celebrated the club’s place among the founding members of the new National League and reflected on the commitment, ambition and hard work that has brought Letterkenny Rovers to this significant moment.

The club will be one of three Donegal representatives in the league alongside Bonagee United and Cockhill Celtic, underlining the strength of football across the county.

A major opportunity
The opening speaker, our Club Chairman, Eamonn McConigley welcomed everyone to the event and spoke of the excitement surrounding the new competition. He praised the Donegal League for its work in supporting junior football and welcomed the cooperation which will help players move between the local and National League environments.
A key message was the importance of creating a realistic pathway for young players. Moving directly from junior football to the League of Ireland Premier Division can be a major step, and the National League offers an important opportunity for ambitious players to continue developing closer to home.
Eamonn also highlighted the wider opportunity for Letterkenny. Visiting clubs, players and supporters will bring new people to the town, helping to showcase its hospitality, facilities and attractions. He encouraged the community and businesses to get behind the club and share the ambition that National League football can become something even bigger for Letterkenny in the years ahead.

Pathway and pride
Director of Football Anthony Gorman thanked the large crowd for attending and congratulated fellow Donegal clubs Bonagee United and Cockhill Celtic on joining the new league.
Anthony paid tribute to the committee, whose “hard work, ambition and foresight” have helped make the National League journey possible. He also remembered a number of former club members who have passed away, recognising their contribution to building Letterkenny Rovers over many years: Kieran McGrath, Dessie Kelly, Victor Fisher, Patsy Collins, Bernard McGlynn, Liam Blake.
He outlined how the club’s long-term vision remains centered on providing a complete football pathway: from Junior Rovers and schoolboy football through youth and reserve teams, to the senior and now National League side. Anthony stressed that the club’s identity is about more than the senior team, highlighting its commitment to girls’ and women’s football, as well as the Football for All programme.
Reflecting on the senior squad, he praised the many players who have progressed through the club’s own underage system, as well as the coaches who have supported them along the way. He welcomed the new additions to the squad and thanked every player for the commitment and standards that earned the club its place on the national stage.

Ready to compete
First-team manager Stephen McConnell spoke about the progress made by the club in recent years, following promotions, league and cup success, provincial competition and memorable days for players and supporters alike.
He said that success had been built through good players, committed coaches, a hard-working committee and a collective drive to raise standards. While recognising the challenge of National League football, Stephen made clear that the team is ready to compete.

"We’re proud to be part of the National League, but we’re also competitors.”

Stephen said the squad wants to make Leckview Park a difficult place for every visiting side and wants supporters to be proud of the team representing them. He also spoke about the importance of the players as role models, with young Rovers players now looking up to the senior side and seeing a pathway that they can aspire to follow.
He praised the character of the group on and off the pitch and said Letterkenny Rovers is prepared for National League football both on and off the field.

FAI Welcome

FAI Head of Grassroots Development in Ulster Trevor Scanlon attended the launch and spoke from several perspectives: as a parent, former Letterkenny Rovers player, coach and manager, as well as an FAI representative.

Garret Higgins, the FAI Competitions Executive, was unable to attend the event. In his absence, Trevor delivered a message on behalf of the FAI, honoring the proud history of Letterkenny Rovers—from its beginnings as Letterkenny Crusaders to its transformation into Rovers in 1962.

It praised the club’s sustained investment in facilities, people and player development across senior, women’s and underage football.
The FAI congratulated the committee, players, coaches, volunteers, stakeholders and supporters who have made the launch possible. It also outlined its commitment to making the National League a sustainable competition that creates opportunities for clubs, players, coaches and match officials across the country.

Historic Milestone

Mayor of the Letterkenny–Milford Municipal District, Pauric McGarvey, described the launch as a historic and exciting moment for Letterkenny Rovers and the wider Letterkenny community.
He said the club’s place in the National League reflects the vision, dedication, ambition and hard work of all those who have helped build Letterkenny Rovers into the club it is today.
Mayor McGarvey highlighted the special role football plays for young people, saying it gives the next generation something to aspire to, believe in and look up to. He said he had no doubt that the players, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters would represent Letterkenny with passion, pride and determination, while creating memories that will last for years to come.
On behalf of Donegal County Council and the elected members of the Letterkenny–Milford Municipal District, Mayor McGarvey congratulated Letterkenny Rovers on the remarkable achievement. He wished the club every success for the season ahead, with exciting matches, fantastic performances, big crowds and many memorable days for the club and the town.
He added that the Council and elected members are incredibly proud of the club’s achievement and will be behind Letterkenny Rovers every step of the way, offering support wherever possible.

Minister recognises historic step
Minister Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, addressed the gathering and described the occasion as a significant milestone for both Letterkenny Rovers and football in Donegal.

He highlighted the brilliant achievement of having three Donegal clubs represented in the new National League, describing it as a reflection of the county’s proud football heritage, the strength and quality of its clubs and the dedication and commitment of those who have contributed to the game at every level.

The Minister paid tribute to the club’s past and present stalwarts, along with its committee members, volunteers, sponsors, coaches and players, whose collective efforts have helped bring Letterkenny Rovers to this point.

He also praised the club’s wider contribution to the community, including its extensive underage structure, girls’ and women’s football and Football for All initiatives.

Acknowledging the scale of the challenge that lies ahead, Minister McConalogue pledged continued public support, particularly in relation to the development of facilities, as Letterkenny Rovers embark on what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the club’s history.

Thanks to all supporters
Diarmaid Doherty closed the event by thanking everyone who helped make the launch possible, including the club’s sponsors, volunteers, supporters and PR team. The club’s new National League jerseys were also displayed, while ongoing fundraising efforts—including the club lotto, weekly bingo and a recent fundraising 5K—were recognised.
The launch was a proud night for Letterkenny Rovers FC. With the backing of the town, the dedication of its volunteers and the ambition of its players and management, the club now looks forward to taking its place on the national stage.

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