Upcoming MatchKerry FC v Finn Harps/14 February 2025/Mounthawk Park
Upcoming MatchKerry FC v Finn Harps/14 February 2025/Mounthawk Park

Congrats to the Finn Harps Down Syndrome Futsal Team on winning Donegal Sports Star Award!

Once again our Down Syndrome Futsal heroes have done us proud, being recognized for their superb achievements in 2024 at the Donegal Sports Stars Awards.

Our National League Down Syndrome programme is coordinated by Stephen McNutt as part of the Football For All Initiative in our Social Responsibility Section of the Harps Foundation.

The squad took part in the inaugural League of Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Cup on Sunday 9th June in Gormanstown.  The Harps squad stormed through the tournament with group stage wins over Sligo Rovers and Shelbourne before a 7-3 win over Wexford in the semi-final saw them meet Dundalk in the final and the Harps side once again prevailed by a score of 6-2.

The Harps squad for the tournament were: Lianne Kelly, Daniel O’Reilly, David Crawford, Keigan Taylor, Kealan Doherty, Shaun McCosker, Hughie Sweeney, Meg Carr and they were coached by Tony McNamee, Danny Ferry and Stephen McNutt.

Harps are crowned League of Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Cup
Harps are crowned League of Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Cup

The second tournament took place in October and once again the Harps team won every game they took part in, including a semi final win over Derry and the final against Dundalk. Harps won their group games- 6-1 v Wexford, 5-0 v Bohemians, 3-0 v Shelbourne and 3-2 v Bray Wanderers to win the group.

In the semi-finals, Harps took on Derry City, Shaun McCosker and Hughie Sweeney scored two each in a 4-2 win. Sweeney scored 2 more and McCosker added another as Harps defeated Dundalk 3-2 in the final.

Everyone at the club was delighted to see the squad representing the club so brilliantly and bringing home the Cairdeas Cup once more.  The squad even got the opportunity to pass on tips to Ireland MNT manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and assistant John O’Shea.

The squad for this tournament was: David Crawford, Daniel O’Reilly, Meg Carr, Hughie Sweeney, Shaun McCosker, Kealan Doherty, Anna Hennessy, Leanne Kelly with coaches Tony McNamee and Danny Ferry doing a fantastic job again on the sideline.

Finn Harps Futsal Team
Finn Harps win the Cairdeas Cup at the League of Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Festival on on Sunday, October 6 2024

Finn Harps would also like to extend our hearty congratulations to Sarah Bradley who was recognised for her achievements with Jump ‘n’ Jacks Special Olympics Gymnastics Club.  Sarah is a regular at Finn Park when she is not lighting up the gymnastics arena.

Sarah Bradley at the Donegal Sports Star Awards

Well done also to former Harps players Mark Coyle on his award for achievement in professional sport, Garbhan Friel on his soccer award, Gavin Cullen on his management award, Richie Kelly on the special achievement award and to all the other sports people who won or were nominated for awards.

Finn Harps FC would also like to extend our gratitude to Donegal County Council, to the FAI and to Healthy Ireland for their ongoing support for the Finn Harps Football Social Responsibility Programme.

Featured photo credit: Gabby O Reilly