It was our pleasure to host the Ballyraine u10 girls team at Finn Patk on Friday where they paraded the cup they won at the Monaghan Utd girls invitational tournament recently.
Thank you to Martin & Eddie Gallen of Northface Access for their continued support of Finn Harps.
Thank you to Paul Sweeney & staff of Sweeney’s Spar Express Letterkenny who were match ball sponsors for Fridays big derby match v Sligo Rovers.
Harps U17 player Shaunie Bradley was awarded the U17 National League Player of the Month for April. He produced some wonderful displays throughout the month and has been a key figure in the U17 squad this season. Shaunie, son of Finn Harps legend Shane, has been finding the net with regularity this season with the centre forward into double figures for the season.
We’re delighted to see Shaunie get recognized nationally for his fantastic contribution, as he received his award last week.
Letterkenny Lionesses- report by Trevor Gordon
It was heartening for this long suffering member of the Blue & White army to take a detour to a former stomping ground with the Ballyraine FC U10 and U12 girls teams last weekend, bringing back some good memories, as well as being reminded of the true joy of the beautiful game.
Since the demise of Monaghan United as a Senior League of Ireland entity after their infamous withdrawal from the League midway through the Euro 2012 festivities, many Harps supporters will have missed one of the relatively ‘handy’ away trips in the calendar each year. So, I was delighted to be able to accompany the Ballyraine FC to the inaugural Monaghan United Girls Invitational Tournament last weekend as a parent/coach.
Now operating as an underage club, providing football for boys and girls in the locality from 5-18 years of age, Monaghan hosted a day of football for girls teams at U10, U12 and U15 level on the wonderful facilities at Gortakeegan. So, at 8am, a Marley’s bus pulled out from the Mount Errigal as an excited group of young Letterkenny ladies (and parents and coaches) travelled for a day of fun and football.
Arriving at the venue where Finn Harps in 2004 sealed promotion to the Premier Division (before going on to win the First Division title at home to Dundalk) there were certainly fond memories of past trips. For any veterans of Gortakeegan, I can report that sadly the culinary delights that were ‘MonDogs’ are no more, however the cows on the hill behind the goal are still ever present and as unperturbed as ever by the excitement below.
With two Donegal Schoolgirls representative sides also making the trip with U12 and U15 teams there was plenty of Donegal representation, as well as teams from across the border in the South Belfast Youth League and Crusaders FC. While hosts, Monaghan United also had teams at all levels, with local teams including Ballyjamesduff FC also well represented.
With fun, skills and respect the primary objectives, the day was truly a reminder of the true spirit and joy of the game, with players showing their skills, enjoying the occasion and gaining experiences they will never forget. And the Ballyraine girls did themselves proud emerging as overall winners of the U10 competition, narrowly overcoming Ballyjamesduff in the final, while the U12 group won the “Bowl” final. The Donegal Schoolgirls also flew the flag for the northwest with victory in the U15 Shield final, also against Ballyjamesduff.
After the obligatory trip to the Ice Cream Van, the Letterkenny Lionesses headed back up the N2 with a haul of silverware, medals and a bowl, and were been invited to show them off at Finn Park.
We were delighted to welcome players, coaches and parents to Finn Park, and well done again!
