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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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James Abankwah of St Patrick's Athletic and inset, Abankwah receiving his U-8 player of the year from Gerry McMonagle, who was Mayor of Letterkenny in 2011. Photo Stephen Doherty
Udinese-bound James Abankwah was back in Donegal on Friday night as part of the St Patrick’s Athletic team who defeated Finn Harps in the SSE Airtricity League.
Abankwah was a late substitute as the Inchicore side won 2-0 at Finn Park and afterwards said it was nice to be back in the north-west.
The 18-year-old has 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. He will move to Italy in the summer after he completes his Leaving Certificate.
Coming up here you knew it would be tough but we’re delighted with that,” he said of the three points.
“My brother Michael was born here in Donegal and we lived here for a few years. 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.”
“I’ve my Leaving Cert to do here and once that’s done I’m going over to Italy to join up for pre-season and I’ll work my way from there. It’s a really good opportunity and I can’t wait to get going I’m buzzing to get started up.”
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