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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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James Abankwah on signing for Udinese last year
Former Letterkenny Rovers player James Abankwah today made his first appearance in Serie A - Italy's top flight.
The 19-year-old Waterford-born player came off the bench in the 86th minute of his side’s 3-0 loss to Bologna.
Abankwah signed for Italian Serie A giants Udinese for a record League of Ireland transfer fee believed to be in the region of €500,000, which could rise to €1 million depending on appearances, from St Patrick's Athletic last year.
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James Abankwah with Gerry McMonagle, who was Mayor of Letterkenny in 2011. Photo: Stephen Doherty
After moving to Longford, James went on to play for local club Melview and then Dublin schoolboys outfit Cherry Orchard before joining St. Pat’s. Beforehand, he played for Letterkenny Rovers in 2011 as a seven-year-old under coaches Michael Boyle and Brian Gallagher.
“My brother Michael was born here in Donegal and we lived here for a few years," he told DonegalLive last year following St Patrick's Athletic's visit to Finn Harps. "I’m familiar with the area. It’s been a while since I’ve been here but it’s nice to be back. I played for Letterkenny Rovers’ under-8 team and in 2011 I was named as the Player of the Year. I was very happy with that. I’ve still a few friends about here and my dad keeps in contact with the club so it’s great to have that connection.”
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