Letterkenny Rovers suffer cruel FAI Junior Cup heartbreak at Clonmel Celtic

Letterkenny Rovers put up a brave effort away to Clonmel Celtic on Sunday but it still wasn’t enough to earn them a place in the FAI Junior Cup last eight. 

Jamie Ahearne was the man who pounced for an injury-time winner for the hosts that completed a stunning comeback.

Despite enjoying large periods of possession, particularly in the first half, Rovers endured a heartbreaking defeat in the dying stages of the game.

 From the outset, both teams showcased their determination to secure victory, with Aidy Delap leading Rovers' charge with an early effort from 25 yards, narrowly missing the target. However, it was Clonmel settled quickest, testing Rovers' defense on the counter attack.

As the game unfolded, Rovers began to assert their authority, and the breakthrough came from Zach Gorman unleashing a mighty strike from the edge of the box on the 53rd minute, giving Rovers a precious lead.

Clonmel launched a relentless assault in search of an equalizer. Despite the efforts of Rovers' defense, Clonmel's persistence paid dividends as they found the breakthrough on the 89th minute, with Cain O'Sullivan slotting the ball home amidst a crowded penalty area.

With tensions running high, Clonmel seized the momentum and capitalized on their newfound momentum, as Ahearne got on the end of a ball delivered from Philip Drohan to snatch a late winner in the dying moments of the game.

Despite the disappointment, Rovers displayed resilience and determination throughout the match, epitomized by a crucial clearance off the line by Caolan McConnell and critical saves from Blake Forkan to deny Clonmel certain goals.

As the final whistle echoed across the field, it was a bittersweet conclusion for Rovers, who had fought so well but ultimately fell short against a determined Clonmel side.

Clonmel Celtic: Fabian Kerton; Cillian Horgan, Peter O’Dowd, Andrew Browne, Cian O’Sullivan; Jamie Aherne, Philip Drohan, Jack Purcell, Sean Browne; Keenan Kerton, Darren Sweeney. 

Letterkenny Rovers: Blake Forkan; Leon Doherty, Caolan McConnell, Michael Gallagher, Dean McCarry; Christy Connaghan, Zach Gorman, Gareth Doherty, Lee McMonagle; Adrian Delap, Nathan Plumb.