BY STUART CONNOLLY
For the third year on the spin, Letterkenny Rovers will contest the Brian McCormick Cup Final.
They tasted defeat against Kilmacrennan Celtic in 2023, but won in very dramatic fashion last year against Keadue Rovers. A date with Castlefin Celtic is on the cards, and Keith Cowan knows that nothing will be taken for granted after what they witnessed at the Donegal League’s Headquarters prior to their own game last weekend.
“They’ve definitely got character,” he said about Castlefin Celtic.
“It’s not cut and dry for us. That was a battling performance (against Donegal Town), especially to come from two goals down.
“That was something that is difficult to coach. If you have that, players that have that, you know that they’re never beaten, it’ll stand for them going forward.
“Even at the weekend, no matter how the game goes, they’re never out of it, so it’ll be an exciting game.
“I feel like every team raises their game when they play against us, it’s something that’s been talked about in the dressing room, but that’s great because we raise our game as well.
“It’ll be an exciting fixture and both clubs will be wanting to win it for different reasons.”
Letterkenny Rovers lifted the Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division with a few games to spare. They then completed the mission and ended the 18-game campaign without defeat and became the first team to do so since Kildrum Tigers in 2017/18.
Ulster Cup joy against the St. Johnston side soon followed their league exploits, and Cowan spoke on the high standards at the Cathedral Town side.
“It means a lot,” he said on the level of success.
“At the start of the season, the main focus is always to get a bit of silverware on board, especially for a club like Letterkenny Rovers.
“The league was really good for us, and kept us focused all the way through. The idea of remaining unbeaten was something we wanted and then achieved.
“Then the Ulster Cup, it was a great success, 40 years since it was won, and now we’re in another Cup Final so it means everything to the boys and it’s what we’re here for.
“We’ve been lucky enough to get our hands on what we’ve talked about this season, and we’ll be looking to add one more to that list.”
Going unbeaten for a whole league campaign, plus two different Cup competitions is no mean feat. It’s been mentioned in the recent past by others at the club that the size of the squad played a big part in that achievement. Former Harps player Cowan reiterated that point, and added another layer to it too.
“Credit goes to Stephen McConnell and the board for putting the squad together,” he stated.
“People like Anthony Gorman, his coaching, knowledge and experience, winning trophies and leagues, that’s invaluable.
“The whole team has just been immense, and to have them available is pivotal.
“For a junior club to have that, it’s second to none. We’re looked after well, our coaching is top notch, so is the management, so to give something back, we’ll go all out to win this cup too, but we’re expecting a tough game and it’s one we’re looking forward to.”
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