Harps Hold Successful AGM

HARPS HOLD SUCCESSFUL AGM

The 2005 Finn Harps Co-Operative Society Limited AGM took place on Sunday, 30th January, at the Finn Valley Athletic Club in Stranorlar. Close on 100 shareholders were in attendance to hear news that the club had further reduced their debt, that there was a trading profit for the fourth year in succession and Shareholders heard of, and seen, plans of the proposed move to a new 6,600 seater stadium in Stranorlar.

Finance

Total income for the year totalled €376,164, with the single biggest income being gate receipts of €137,636. Total expenditure was €345,689 with the biggest outgoing being on wages/Paye/Prsi at €223,585. The club showed a trading profit of €30,688, the fourth year in a row that Harps have showed a profit. Seamus Devine of Stewart and MacLochlainn Accountants thanked the Board, and Treasurer Ian Curristan in particular, for their hard work in getting the accounts finalised so soon after the year end (31st December) and having an AGM within one month of the end of the financial year.

Move to Stranorlar

The Ground Development Committee produced a report on the proposed move to Stranorlar and produced drawings of the proposed new development. A new 6,600 all-seater Stadium would be the ultimate outcome. Cost of this project was in the region of €6 million with the bulk of this income hoped to be generated from a possible sale of Finn Park by the current Trustees. The new ground would remain in control of the Trustees of Finn Park in the same way in which Finn Park is currently owned. The Board have already lodged the plans with Donegal County Council and hope to obtain planning permission by the end of March.

Shareholders were also shown drawings and costings on upgrading Finn Park. Cost of getting the ground up to UEFA Licensing standard would be in the region of €2.5 - €3 million. At present there are no funds available to upgrade Finn Park and it was the belief of the Board and the Ground Development Committee that a move away from Finn Park was the only option.

The Shareholders backed the Board’s proposal and asked the Board to continue with plans to move to the new Stadium in Stranorlar. If all goes to plan, it is expected that Finn Harps will continue to play in Finn Park for at least two more seasons.

New Board Structure

In his address to the AGM, Chairman Peter Toner said that he was honoured and privileged to be Chairman of the club in the year which they had won their first ever League title. He said that it was fitting that this was achieved in the clubs golden jubilee year.

During his address, Mr. Toner gave details of the new structure which the club have agreed to adopt over the coming year. The new structure shows two new positions, (Financial Manager and General Manager) and he outlined the roles of these positions. The position of Financial Manager has already been filled with Ian Curristan taking up a full-time role within the club as Financial and Commerical Manager. This position, along with the positions of General Manager and Secretary would deal with the day to day running of the club. Former Chairman, John McNulty, has been acting as General Manager for the past month. Mr. Toner said that these roles still have to be defined and hoped that this structure would come into operation over the coming year.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shows just one change for the new season with Denise O’Neill resigning from the Board due to personal reasons. The Board will now have fourteen members for the coming season. The Board members for 2005 are: Peter Toner, Sean Quinn, Joe Doherty, Damien McCarron, Ian Curristan, Christian Carbin, John McNulty, Ann Kelly, Trevor Gordon, James Rodgers, Seamus Gallagher, Liam Breen, Alex Brady, and Derek Wilkinson.

After the AGM, the Board re-elected Peter Toner to the position of Chairman and Joe Doherty remained as Secretary. Liam Breen takes over the role of Treasurer from Ian Curristan who has moved to a new full-time position within the club as outlined above. The other positions will be filled at a later meeting of the Board.

Joe Doherty