Letterkenny Rovers and Bonagee United join forces for Darkness into Light

Local football clubs Letterkenny Rovers and Bonagee United took to the field at Leckview in the early hours for a fundraiser with a difference.

To coincide with Darkness into Light taking place all over the country and at 13 venues dotted across Donegal, the clubs played a walking football match in aid of the Pieta House charity.

The rival clubs were joined in unity in March following the tragic deaths of Letterkenny Rovers’ clubman Kieran McGrath and Liam Haughey of Bonagee United. Both men were remembered with an impeccably observed minute’s silence before the 4.15am kick-off. You can watch the video below, courtesy of Letterkenny Rovers FC.

With the sun only rising, some players wore flashlights on an occasion enjoyed by all. Stephen McConnell gave Letterkenny Rovers the lead but Bonagee United came back to win 2-1 through goals from Dermot Gillespie and Brian Doherty.

“Both Kieran and Liam have left a huge legacy at our clubs and we feel this is an opportune moment to bring both of our clubs together to host a unique event in aid of Darkness into Light, Pieta House,” the clubs said in the lead-up to the contest.

You can support the Letterkenny Rovers fundraiser here, or Bonagee United’s here.

“We hope to raise as much money as possible to support the charity and raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health services that are needed to support those who are in crisis.

“The world is facing challenges like never before, but during these difficult times, we need to come together and make a difference. The more support we have, the greater the impact we can make.”