Finn Harps open a new chapter in the club’s history

Finn Harps will mark a significant date in their development as a club on Monday next, May 12, when the the sod will be turned on the new Stadium Project at Railway Road, Stranorlar.

The new Tanaiste, Mary Coughlan TD, who is also Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, and Pat “The Cope” Gallagher TD, will perform the official sod turning duties on the day.

Finn Harps detailed their plans in a Press Release in which they said they were indebted to the local Trust, Councillors Patrick McGowan, JJ Reid and Alice Bonner, Council officials, local landowners including the Mart, as well as Ministers Mary Coughlan and Pat the Cope Gallagher, and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

The Finn Harps Press Release went on: “The FAI has been particularly supportive, and their advice over the last few years has been invaluable. Different hurdles presented themselves at various stages, but all parties involved have worked towards their resolution.”

The stadium will incorporate 6,800 covered seats, along with an administration building, with modern dressing rooms and all facilities required by UEFA Licensing.

A junior pitch for local soccer is also being provided in the first phase.

The project will cost over €9 million, and will be located close to the existing Finn Valley Complex. The FAI have designated the overall complex as their Regional Development Centre for the North West.

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Excellent.

First Sod Turned On New Finn Harps Development

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Minister of State Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher turned the first sod on the new Finn Harps Stadium at Railway Road, Stranorlar on Monday.

Among the 200 plus attendees were FAI CEO John Delaney, former international goalkeeper and FAI Technical Director Packie Bonner, members of Donegal County Council, members of the Finn Park Trust, Finn Harps Board members, Ground Development Committee Members as well as numerous Harps supporters, local soccer representatives and members of other sporting organisations.

Former Manager Patsy McGowan, manager of Harps when they entered the League of Ireland in 1969 was present, as was June Fields, wife of the late Fran Fields, a former Harps Chairman and President of the FAI.

Speaking at the event, Pat The Cope Gallagher said that he felt that the development was a massive one for the Twin Towns and the Donegal public.

“I am delighted to be here today to represent the Tánaiste to turn the first sod on a development that I believe will be a success,” he said.

“Not alone will jobs be created with the project, but they will also be created during the construction. Ballybofey and Stranorlar was always the sporting capital of Donegal and this development will consolidate that.

“I hope that Finn Harps can stay in the Premier Division and that the people of Donegal will continue to support Finn Harps - what is good for Finn Harps is good for the people of Donegal.”

Harps Ground Development Officer Patsy Lafferty acted as MC for the event that club chairman John Campbell said was ‘historic, not just for Finn Harps, but for the development of sport in Donegal.’

Local Councillor Patrick McGowan paid tribute to the work done by his colleague Alice Bonner and said that the day was a ‘proud one, especially for those of us in the Stranorlar Electoral Area to see this get off the ground.’

Cllr JJ Reid, who told the Ground Development Committee that their ‘tenacity’ got them through the last few years, had a similar view, adding: “This is a very proud day for the Finn Valley as we are at last turning the sod on this development. This is a great achievement to have this development here, and a pitch for the local soccer club as well.”

Club Officials and County Councillors acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Francie Coyle, Director of Planning and Economic Development with Donegal County Council, for all the effort he put in, in bringing the stadium plan to fruition.

Representing the developers, Barry McMenamin said: “We are pleased to be associated with this project and we have to send a huge thanks to the land owners, the trust and the council, as well as the club for all the work up to now. We wish Finn Harps a long and successful career in the new stadium.”

FAI CEO John Delaney said that Finn Harps should be proud of what will unfold over the next couple of years and said that he will miss Finn Park as much as the club’s supporters.

He said: “There was always a warm welcome on offer and there was always a special atmosphere about Finn Park. But the memories will never die of Finn Park - it has undoubtedly secured its place in Irish soccer history.”

Delaney added that he hoped to be back in the Twin Towns in two years time for the official opening of the new stadium and concluded with a wise prophecy, telling Harps that ‘well done is better than well said.’

On the new development, he stated: “The FAI is delighted to be associated with a project such as this. This facility is a very important development for soccer both locally and nationally. It will be an excellent example for all clubs and it will be the hub of soccer in the area, it will be ideal for junior soccer and schools soccer finals.”

Patsy Lafferty, Chairman of the Harps Ground Development Committee said: “The Club are indebted to the local Trust, Councillors Patrick McGowan, JJ Reid and Alice Bonner, Council officials, local landowners including the Mart, as well as Ministers Mary Coughlan and Pat the Cope Gallagher, and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

“The FAI has been particularly supportive, and their advice over the last few years has been invaluable. Different hurdles presented themselves at various stages, but all parties involved have worked towards their resolution.

“The Club also acknowledges the key input of the relevant legal representatives who have ensured that legalities have been progressed to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

“In recent months a number of final key issues have been overcome, with the Trust successfully obtaining court approval for the move as well as obtaining approval for some of the tax issues from the Revenue Commissioners.”

The stadium, which the club hope will be completed within two years, will incorporate 6,800 covered seats, along with an administration building, with modern dressing rooms and all facilities required by UEFA Licensing.

A junior pitch for local soccer is also being provided in the first phase. The project will cost over €9 million, and will be located close to the existing Finn Valley Complex.

The FAI have designated the overall complex as their Regional Development Centre for the North West.

Highlights of the Sod Turning Event of the new Stadium will be shown on the RTE Pobal Programme at 5.25 pm this Sunday, 18 May 2008.

There will be various interviews with Chairman John Campbell, 1st Team Manager Paul Hegarty, and Ground Development Officer Patsy Lafferty.

The programme will also be available on the web next week on www.rte.ie/pobal.

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