Finn Harps Crowned Champions of Inaugural League of Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Cup

Finn Harps were crowned champions of the inaugural League of Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Cup on Sunday 9th June.

The tournament took place in Gormanstown, County Meath, and Finn Harps were impressive throughout the group and knock out stages.  Paired with Sligo Rovers and Shelbourne in the round robin section, they came away with two 5-1 wins in their North West Derbies, while they took 4-1 and 4-2 wins over Shelbourne.

A 7-3 win over Wexford in the semi-final saw them meet Dundalk in the final and the side once again prevailed by a score of 6-2.
Finn Harps Football Social Responsibility Officer Stephen McNutt spoke after the win. “Part of my role is to develop partnerships with organisations and hard working people such as Tony McNamee and Danny Ferry and this is yet another example of how Finn Harps are looking to create strong friendships throughout the County and help contribute to the health and wellbeing of as many Donegal people as possible.

It is a great day for the Club and Donegal Down Syndrome. It is also a great day for all the players who were able to complete on the national stage and represent Finn Harps in the LOI.  We have been sorting out a team over the last number of weeks with players coming from Donegal, Tyrone and Derry to represent the club. Tony and Danny deserve a lot of credit for the fantastic work they put in with these players on a regular basis. The whole team deserve so much credit as they were fantastic with all 8 of the squad making huge contributions to the success on the day.

The hope is to have the whole squad as guests of honour for the Kerry game in early July and of course give them the opportunity to parade the cup around Finn Park on that day. The FAI/LOI plan to host these tournaments on a quarterly basis. The second of these events will be taking place in September where Finn Harps will be defending the Cup. A special thanks needs to go the all parents, family members and supporters who made the long trip to cheer on our heros.

Finn Harps chairperson Ian Harkin said “What an amazing achievement, the preparation, recruitment, ambition, these players were in it to win it and win it they did. Congratulations to all involved players, management, supporting family and friends, you’ve done our club proud. Up the Harps!”

Thanks to Donegal County Council, to the FAI and to Healthy Ireland for their ongoing support for the Finn Harps Football Social Responsibility Programme.