Donegal Premier League – Friday, April 11, 2025 – Leckview Park
Champions’ Night at Leckview Park was capped off in style as Letterkenny Rovers delivered a composed and commanding performance to defeat Kilmacrennan Celtic 4-0 in front of a lively home crowd. The evening ended with the presentation of the Donegal Premier League trophy, marking a well-deserved celebration for the champions.
Kilmacrennan threatened early, with Shane McNamee firing over after a dangerous cross from the left in the opening minute.
Rovers responded immediately, as Rory Gallagher delivered the cross an Kieran Gorman headed just wide to clear the danger. Moments later, BJ Banda saw a strike come off the post in the 4th minute – an early warning of what was to come.
Banda was causing problems for Kilmac’s backline, battling with Kieran Gorman, but the defender stood firm in the early stages.
Lee McMonagle nearly opened the scoring on 18 minutes, meeting a pinpoint cross from Nathan Plumb, but his header drifted just wide of the left post.
Rovers’ best first-half chance came in the 23rd minute, as a slick team move involving Banda and Gallagher ended with a cut-back to Padraic Gilsenan, who unfortunately fired over.
Kilmacrennan created a couple of nervy moments, particularly through Caolan Curran and Conor Black, who saw efforts either saved or sail just over. Dean McCarry was on hand with a crucial intervention in the 37th minute to deny Mark Patterson after a threatening run.
As halftime approached, McMonagle had two efforts blocked – the latter coming after a clever exchange with Plumb. Then, just before the break, a penalty was awarded for handball, giving Rovers the chance to take control. Joel Gorman stepped up and confidently slotted the penalty into the net.
Second half saw Rovers come out with purpose. Joel Gorman and Banda linked up early for a chance, while Plumb’s delivery from the left found Gorman at the far post, but he couldn’t direct it on target.
52nd minute: Banda cut in from the right but pulled his shot wide. The pressure was building.
In the 61st minute, Rovers doubled their lead. A quick throw from McGinley launched a counter as Plumb surged down the left, threading a perfect pass to Banda, who rounded the keeper and slotted home.
Rovers didn’t let up. Banda saw another effort from distance saved on 66 minutes, and Gareth Doherty went close just after.
In the 73rd minute, McMonagle teed up Banda again, but Kieran Gorman continued to impress defensively, denying a second for the striker.
At the 80th minute, Chris Malseed ventured forward and was awarded a penalty for a trip. Joel Gorman stepped up and coolly converted from the spot to make it 3–0.
90th minute: A final flourish. Banda combined with Adam Murphy in the middle of the field with Murphy turning on the skill and getting the cheer from the young Rovers fans, eventually getting back on possession and setting up Malseed who struck from distance, and Banda got a clever touch to deflect it into the net, sealing the win and capping a fine night for the champions.
Final Score: Letterkenny Rovers 4–0 Kilmacrennan Celtic
GoalScorers: BJ Banda x2, Joel Gorman x2(penalties)
Referee: Gerard Devine
