Convoy Cup
The first mention of Finn Harps in the newspaper archives of was in early May 1957 and was a winning one. Harps played in the Convoy Knock-out cup and defeated Raphoe by three goals to nil. The Harps team was listed as Michael O’Flanagan, Jim McGavigan, Raymond Corry, Pat Quinn, Danny McNulty, Paddy McNulty, E. O’Donnell, Brendan McNulty, Noel McNulty, Jim Boyle and Michael Timoney. Pat Quinn was said to be Harps outstanding player while Paddy McNulty scored all three goals after being moved from left half-back to centre-forward at half-time.
In the second round Harps despatched Letterkenny side Rock Rangers by five goals to nil. Chris Bogan, got a hat-trick and Noel McNulty and Pat Quinn got a goal each.
In the semi-final St James Gate, a Derry side, defeated Harps by two goals to one. The score was one all at half-time. No goalscorer was recorded.
Raphoe Association Football Cup
Harps also took part in the Raphoe Association Football Cup competition beating Lifford by two goals to one in the opening round. Harps goals were scored by Jim Boyle either side of a goal by Billy Bonner for Lifford.
Harps were knocked out of the Raphoe Cup in the next round losing by three goals to nil to Derry Celtic. Harps conceded two own goals in the game. McGonagle played an outstanding game for Harps and M. O’Flanagan in goals, also did very well.
Cricket
An unusual reference in the Strabane Chronicle of the 17 August 1957, had Harps playing in the Ballybofey Street League at cricket! I have reproduced the report and interestingly they played against Glenfin Street. Eddie McMenamin playing for Glenfin Street made 53 not out, but, Eddie was also a talented footballer and lined out for Finn Harps on occasion too. Raymond Corry, Willie Duncan and Danny McNulty were
I will deal with 1958 in the next article so look out for the Ballybofey and Stranorlar A.F.C. 1958 Summer K.O. Competition. All the games were played at Finn Park, which, of course had opened two years previously in 1956.