The new ownership model was passed at a club Special General Meeting in Autumn 2024. Essentially what was agreed was that the club would now have a membership fee of €25 a year and that this would include one share.
The share is yours for life, but the annual membership conveys voting rights and eligibility to join the club’s board until the end of the calendar year. For initial sales these purchase cover from the date of purchase until the end of 2025.
This did not require rule changes, as the provision for an annual charge was already in the rules, and in the rules shares cost 1 punt or €1.27, but had previously been always sold in bundles of 250- so the cost was £250 (punts) or €317.
This represents a major change for how the Finn Harps Co-Operative Society operates, but makes owning a stake in the club more accessible than ever.
The launch event was recorded, see HERE
Q: Why has this move been made?
A: The previous model has served us well (Finn Harps has been fan owned since 1996) but it became obvious we needed to evolve to meet the challenge of the League of Ireland today. The club has grown in recent years, moving from a time were we had one or two teams to eleven- with more planned in the coming years including a Senior Women’s team. Our community efforts are growing all the time, our youth development is flying with Harps players regularly representing Ireland at youth level and our support is expanding while our volunteers are simply immense. For all that, making ends meet is a challenge, and with incoming changes to UEFA solidarity and ever rising costs we need to add another income stream, and more importantly bring more and more people into the club with a voice and a stake who will help us continue our growth.
Q: What happens with existing shareholders?
A: Shareholders from the previous model remain shareholders in Finn Harps FC. However to retain voting rights after 2024 the €25 membership (which does include a share as well) must be purchased.
Arrangements can be made with any persons who bought shares in the last couple of years so that their payments are also credited as membership fees for as long as appropriate. This will be done on a case by case basis. Contact [email protected] to start this process.
An email has been sent to these purchasers- if you were missed or the email went astray let us know at the email address above.
Q: Why is the price so low?
A: Because we want the barrier to having a stake in Finn Harps to be low, we want as many people as possible to be involved and feel a part of the club. We did receive feedback that we should charge more, Harps people are like that, but this is a chance to get your friends, family, workmates, everyone involved in and owning Finn Harps. We see a day where being an owner, member and supporter or Finn Harps is essential for everyone in the Northwest! Also, we are entirely open to you paying anything you like over €25!
Q: Who gets voting rights?
A: Shareholders 18 or older have full rights to vote, run for the board etc once the €25 is paid. Under 18s either receive a €20 season ticket discount (13-17 years) or will have a season ticket included (12 and under).
Q: I bought more than one share but the certs show the same number, is this valid?
A: This is something we are working with our partners at Future Ticketing to resolve. Rest assured though your shares and membership are valid and will be honoured as such by the club.
Q: What are the benefits to being a shareholder and member of Finn Harps?
A: First and foremost you are part of something great- a club with a proud history and an exciting future. A community based, fan owned football club that represents football as it should be.
Members of Finn Harps enjoy a variety of perks, including:
