Letterkenny Rovers defeat Fanad United to lift Dessie Kelly Memorial Cup

Letterkenny Rovers claimed the Dessie Kelly Memorial Cup on Sunday evening with a 3–0 win over Fanad United.

An early Ciara McGarvey goal and a brace from Roisin Lynch secured the victory for the Leckview Park side at Diamond Park in Ballyare.

The Letterkenny side started strongly, with Ella McCarron delivering a dangerous early cross that was well defended by Fanad.

But the early pressure told just 13 minutes in when Ciara McGarvey showed great composure to slot home the opener with her left foot.

Fanad worked hard to find a response, but Rovers’ defence, led by Molly Page and Mia Devenney, stood firm.

Aoibhinn Randles reacted smartly to deny a Fanad attack and keep her clean sheet intact.

The lead was extended shortly before half-time when Erin Doherty’s diagonal pass found McCarron, whose precise delivery was finished superbly by Lynch to make it 2–0.

Rovers sealed victory just before the hour mark as Lynch struck again, converting another pinpoint McCarron cross to complete her brace and secure the silverware.

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Roisin Lynch was named Player of the Match for her two-goal display.

It was a fitting tribute to Dessie Kelly, who was a founding member of Letterkenny Rovers and served as chairperson of the club for 24 years.

He also served as a long-time secretary of the Donegal Junior League and Ulster Senior League, while he was also involved in the Donegal Youth League, Donegal Schoolboys League, and the Donegal Women's League as well as the Ulster FA.

In 2022, Mr Kelly was presented with an honorary life membership by the Football Association of Ireland.