Former Letterkenny Rovers defender makes Ireland debut as club carry the flag

Former Letterkenny Rovers player James Abankwah made his first appearance for the Republic of Ireland senior men’s team in Tuesday’s scoreless draw against North Macedonia.

The 22-year-old Waterford-born defender came off the bench in the 61st minute to replace Seamus Coleman from Killybegs, although had to be replaced by Alan Browne 22 minutes later, having picked up a dead leg.

Abankwah was a pupil at Scoil Cholmcille and won the Letterkenny Rovers' U-8 Player of the Year in 2011, picking his award up from then Mayor of Letterkenny, Cllr Gerry McMonagle.

It marked the continuation of a proud sporting week for the Letterkenny school, as Shane O'Donnell was joint-captain for Donegal, alongside Michael Langan, in their victory in the final of the National Football League, overcoming Kerry 3-20 to 2-10 at Croke Park

"Congratulations to past pupils Shane O’Donnell and James Abankwah on their fantastic recent achievements," Scoil Cholmcille posted. "Shane starred and captained the Donegal senior team on Sunday as they lifted the Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh National League Division 1 title for only the second time ever. James earned his first senior international cap against North Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium tonight, becoming our school’s first ever senior Irish international player."

James Abankwah with Cllr Gerry McMonagle back in 2011. Photo: Stephen Doherty

On a proud night for the Leckview Park club, their U-16 squad also had the honour of being flagbearers in front of 36,560 at the Aviva Stadium.

“We were honoured tonight, as an FAI Club Mark 2 Star club, to be selected as flagbearers for the Ireland v North Macedonia game,” Letterkenny Rovers posted. “A huge well done to the U16 players and managers, Paddy Gorman and Paddy McLaughlin, for leading them out with pride. Super proud of everyone involved.”

Letterkenny Rovers U-16s, who were flag-bearers at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night

Abankwah 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, from St Patrick's Athletic in 2022.

He is currently on loan at Watford, having also returned to St Pat’s and played for Charlton Athletic.

Coleman, formerly of St Catherine’s, was joined by his children Lily, Blake and Ellie, as mascots for the fixture.

After moving to Longford, Abankwah went on to play for local club Melview and then Dublin schoolboys outfit Cherry Orchard before joining St. Pat’s. Beforehand, he played for Letterkenny Rovers in 2011 as a seven-year-old under coaches Michael Boyle and Brian Gallagher.

“My brother Michael was born here in Donegal and we lived here for a few years," he told DonegalLive in 2022 following St Patrick's Athletic's visit to Finn Harps. "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.”

Despite the lack of goals, the home side delivered a dominant display on Tuesday in the international friendly, with Troy Parrott denied twice by the offside flag and once by the post, following their 4-3 loss on penalties against Czechia in Prague in their World Cup play-off semi-final following a 2-2 draw. Czechia went onto defeat Denmark 3-1 on penalties after another 2-2 draw to reach the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.