TSDL First Division Promotion Play-Off Final Cahir Park, Friday, June 5th, 2026
Bansha Celtic FC 3-1 Wilderness Rovers FC
Bansha Celtic secured promotion to the TSDL Premier Division after overcoming Wilderness Rovers 3-1 in an entertaining and fiercely contested Promotion Play-Off Final in Cahir Park on Friday night.
The occasion lived up to expectations as two evenly matched sides, who had shared several closely fought encounters throughout the season, produced another competitive battle in front of a large crowd.
It was Wilderness Rovers who struck first when Ashley Keane found the net to give his side a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal sparked the contest into life, but Bansha responded impressively, drawing level just ten minutes later to ensure the sides went into the closing stages all square.
With both teams pushing for the goal that could decide promotion, it was Bansha who edged ahead. A well-delivered Darren McGrath free-kick was met by Kevin Mullins, whose powerful header found the net to put Bansha 2-1 in front.
Wilderness continued to battle and looked for a route back into the game, but with ten minutes remaining Bansha added a third goal to seal victory and secure promotion after a tremendous effort from both sides.
The result brings a successful season to a fitting conclusion for Bansha Celtic, whose consistency and determination throughout the campaign earned them their place in the top flight.
For Wilderness Rovers, despite the disappointment of defeat, there was much to admire in their performance and their season as a whole. They competed strongly throughout the campaign and pushed one of the division’s top sides all the way in a closely fought final.
Both teams deserve enormous credit for producing an excellent spectacle that showcased the quality, commitment, and sportsmanship that have characterised the First Division this season.
Match Verdict
A final worthy of the occasion. Wilderness Rovers started strongly and led through Ashley Keane, but Bansha Celtic showed resilience to respond and took their chances at key moments. Kevin Mullins’ header proved to be the turning point before a late third goal secured promotion. While Bansha celebrate a deserved promotion, Wilderness can reflect on a season of significant progress and a performance that demonstrated why they reached the play-off final.
