- Paul Corcoran
- Thu, Feb 16 2023
FINN HARPS
Harps face into life in the First Division when they begin their campaign when Galway United visit Finn Park on Friday night (kick off 8pm).
It’s been four seasons since Finn Harps secured promotion to the Premier Division and they won’t want to spend too long in the second tier this time around – although the new look side is a bit of an unknown.
New manager Dave Rogers has come in to replace the long serving Ollie Horgan – who will be in the opposing dugout on Friday as Galway’s assistant manager.
Rogers has put together a mostly young side but with a long term outlook as quite a few two year contracts have been given to new signings this past winter.
Their latest addition is former Cabinteely striker Cian Lynch who was announced on the eve of the beginning of the season.
“We are delighted to sign Cian at Finn Harps FC for the next two years. He knows the league having come through the underage system here but showed a lot of courage in moving abroad to further his career as well as his personal development and pursue his studies,” Rogers said, speaking to the club’s website.
“He is a striker with a real eye for goal, physical presence, mobile and with great hold up play and can bring others into the game around him.
“His time in the USA and Canada has added a positive technical aspect to his game and he is a tremendous athlete. Cian is an excellent addition to the squad and will now provide strong competition in our attack. I’m excited for Finn Harps fans to see him in action now that the season is about to begin.”
There is definitely talent in the new Harps squad, but Galway may just be playing them at the right time as no doubt it will take time for them to find their feet during this season.
GALWAY UNITED
For Galway the target is once again the same this season – promotion. They will need to get off to a good start when they make the trip to Donegal on Friday night but pre-season has looked good for them and they’ve added quality as well as being able to hold on to the bulk of last year’s squad.
Key additions are two of last year’s Harps players in Regan Donelan and Rob Slevin, but add to that Colm Horgan returning to the club with extensive Premier Division experience alongside Brendan Clarke.
This past week saw the addition of Ibrahim Keita, another former Harps player who could catch fire this season up front for the Tribesmen.
“We want to give a performance on Friday night to start off the season,” Caulfield said ahead of the season opener,” John Caulfield said, speaking to the club’s media team.
“Our conditioning is good and we have learned a lot during pre-season.
“Finn Harps have brought in very good signings and have kept a number of good players from last year.
“They play a lot of ball and they are well able to mix it up with direct and passing play.
“But there is a lot of our play that we are really excited about and we are keen to see it on Friday.”
Friday also marks Ollie Horgan’s return to Finn Park since his departure at the end of last season and Finn Harps relegation. That will be a talking point but after nine seasons in charge and many memorable nights in Donegal it is expected to be a warm welcome for the Galway native.
Referee: David Dunne
MATCH STATS
The last time these sides met was in August 2018, Harps ran out 2-0 winners at Finn Park on the night.
United and Harps faced each other three times that First Divisions season with the Donegal side emerging victorious on each occasion.
It was August 2017 the last time Galway beat Harps – they ran out 3-1 winners at Finn Park.
PREDICTION
Finn Harps 0–1 Galway United
Finn Harps
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Galway United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Maurice Nugent, Conor McCormack, Darren Clarke, Stephen Walsh.
Suspended: None.
