U12 Rovers
U12 Champions League
Letterkenny Rovers 4 – 2 Drumbar
On a very soggy evening at the Aura yesterday, our U12s got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start – but it was far from straightforward.
Drumbar twice took the lead in the first half, with Charlie Lynch pulling one back to keep Rovers in touch going into the break.
The rain came down even heavier in the second half, but Rovers came out all guns blazing. Zach McKinley grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, powering home from a superb Shane O’Donnell corner before turning provider for both of Femi Gallagher’s goals to seal the victory.
Rovers created plenty of chances throughout, while the Drumbar goalkeeper produced some outstanding saves to keep the contest tight right until the end.
Standout performers on the night were Femi and Zach, both in outstanding form.
Under-12 Champions League Group Stages
Letterkenny Rovers 2–0 Gweedore Celtic
On a crisp evening at the Aura, our young squad secured a semi-final spot with a game to spare.
The match started tight. Ten minutes in, Gweedore earned a penalty, but keeper Scott McLaughlin made a stunning low save.
Five minutes before halftime, Charlie Lynch’s clever flick set up Femi Gallagher, who calmly slotted the opener.
The second half remained tense until the 45th minute, when Alfie Gallagher’s booming kick-out found Femi, who bravely headed past the keeper to seal the win.
The defence, led by Martin Okedokun, stayed solid until the final whistle.
A brilliant team effort and well-deserved victory for Rovers.
U12 Girls
Letterkenny Rovers 1–1 Glenree
A dry evening and freshly cut pitch set the stage for an entertaining game.
Both sides started brightly, with Letterkenny edging possession early. However, a defensive lapse allowed Chloe McGettigan to calmly slot Glenree ahead.
Rovers responded quickly. Despite Glenree’s solid defense, Caitlin Crampsie’s quick thinking set up Natalia Zabillo, who unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner — a potential goal of the season.
The first half ended 1–1, with both teams showing attacking intent.
The second half saw end-to-end action, with both goalkeepers rising to the challenge. Glenree pressed with dangerous corners, while Rovers threatened on the counter.
Substitutions didn’t disrupt the flow, showcasing the depth in both squads. It was a hard-fought, well-deserved draw.
Thanks to referee Sean O’Donnell for keeping the game flowing and contributing to a great evening of football.
Well done to all!
U12 Athletic
U12 Division 1 Cup QF
Keadue Rovers 1 Letterkenny Athletic 3
Athletic played their first game against Division 1 opposition at a windy Central Park as they moved up to play in the Division 1 Cup. The game was a scrappy affair as Athletic took time to settle against older opposition. Keadue took the lead against the run of play 14 minutes in from a well worked freekick routine. Athletic started to get their passing game going and Shay McLaughlins equalised after a fine flowing move involving Zac Kelly Doherty and Jake Devlin.
Athletic continued to drive forward and went ahead just before halftime when James McLaughlins freekick was parried to Shay by the Keadue Keeper who slipped it home. The second half started slowly with both teams battling hard in midfield to gain the upper hand however this changed 10 minutes in when Shay raced through to complete his hatrick from an inch perfect James McLaughlin pass. Blake Watson and Lopsy Adeyemi went close to adding to the score in a comfortable end to the game as Athletic progressed to the Semi Final. Fantastic team performance from the boys with player of the match going to Brandon Ndlovu for a flawless display throughout.
U12 United
U12 League Cup
Semi final
Letterkenny United 3-1 Gweedore Aontaithe
Letterkenny welcomed Gweedore to the Aura for a very late kickoff on Friday evening. The lads were at the end of a heavy defeat by the visitors the last time they met, and the boys were determined not to let history repeat itself. They got off to a flyer after Victor Ogunade scored after 1 minute from a Ryley Harkin assist. Moments later, a rushed kick out by the Gweedore keeper fell to the feet of Ryley Harkin, who tried the spectacular from 35 yards. He did the hard part perfectly by lobbing the keeper only to see the ball hit the post.
Gweedore pulled one back soon after, after a lapse in concentration in defence. 5 mins into the 2nd half, Letterkenny doubled their lead when Rhys Lynch, who was brilliant in midfield all game, scored a fine header from a Ryley Harkin corner. With the light fading fast, a 3rd came for Letterkenny on 50 mins when Victor Ogunade got his 2nd of the game. That’s how it ended, and we’re delighted to be in the final
U10 Girls
Our U10s had a fantastic morning of football at the All County Blitz in Letterkenny Community Centre. Great effort, teamwork, and plenty of smiles all around – well done, everyone
U9s - Cappry Cup
Letterkenny Rovers U9s had an incredible day at the Cappry Cup, reaching the final with outstanding performances. Their teamwork, determination, and passion shone throughout the tournament.
After strong group stage wins against Dunfanaghy, Ballybofey, and Strabane, they advanced to the semi-final, earning a hard-fought victory over Strathroy Colts. In the final, despite their efforts, they were defeated by Strathroy Harps. Finishing as runners-up is a fantastic achievement. Well done, lads!
