Following the conclusion of Rovers’ 2017-18 promotion-winning campaign, Darragh Lenihan, who scored his first Rovers goal in the 2-1 win over Oxford United, took some time out of the post-season celebrations, to speak to the clubs’ media team, as the defender talked about his frustrating season, following his ankle injury which he sustained on the opening day of the season, back in August.
“The goal has been a long time coming. I don’t know how many chances I’ve missed over the years, but it’s always great to get a goal. The main thing however, was that we got the win in-front of a packed crowd who were amazing and I’m delighted that we could send them home happy, not only with today’s victory, but with the promotion as well.
“I seemed to be in the right place at the right time after Charlie (Mulgrew) crossed the ball in; it was bit of a gamble, to be honest! I managed to see the ball and time my jump well enough to header the ball towards goal and luckily it went in. It’s a brilliant feeling and hopefully there’s many more to come. I didn’t even realise that I scored against Easty (Simon Eastwood)! I was just hoping that the goal was the one that would win us the league, but it wasn’t to be. It was a great moment regardless and I’ll always cherish it for the rest of my life. The celebration was a bit wild, as I never thought my knee slide would stop! But it was a great moment, especially with my family having come over, so it was really special.
“It’s always nice to finish the season on a high and with a victory. It allows us to keep the momentum going through to next season. Us winning also gives the fans something to be happy about, alongside the promotion and with 27,000 of them inside the stadium, we were determined not to disappoint them. The atmosphere was probably the best I’ve ever played in-front of, so to get the victory for them was great.
“To play in-front of a crowd, and in an atmosphere like that, was amazing, and it makes it better for us as it’s intimidating for the away team. Hopefully however, with the positive results we’ve displayed, we can encourage a positive reaction from the fans where, hopefully, we’re playing in-front of crowds that big every week. Although things are going to get tougher in the Championship, I’m sure the gaffer has a plan in-place in terms of recruitment and how he wants to go about life in the Championship next season.
“There’s certainly a ‘feel good’ factor around the club and that’s what winning gives you. When you have a winning mentality, like we’ve had this year, you’re always going to be successful. Hopefully we can carry this on into next year, keep working hard and get good result next season. I think the challenge now is to go into the Championship and prove that we’re capable of playing in that division. Last year when the boss took over, we had a good set of record under him, so I’m sure that he’ll ready us for the challenge that lies ahead.
“Having achieved what we have this season, is brilliant, because a lot of players don’t get the opportunity to experience promotions throughout their careers, but thankfully I’m lucky enough to have done it and I’ll look back on this season for the rest of my life, with fond memories.”
The Republic of Ireland international was questioned regarding his international career, and whether he looks forward to topping off a difficult personal campaign with a potential first start for Ireland over the summer.
“We have a few friendlies towards the end of May and the start of June. If I can manage to get a start in either of those games, it would top off a magnificent season for me. If someone had told me, after getting injured on the opening day, that I’d be promoted and potentially make my debut for my country, I would have never believed them. Of course, it’s up to Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane, but potentially making my Ireland debut would cap off a fantastic year and make all the pain, hard work and recovery worth it.”
