The Chairman of the Ulster Senior League, Mr Johnny McCafferty, has welcomed the confirmation that Finn Harps have secured a place in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland for the 2017 season.
Last night, Cork City’s 5-0 win over Wexford Youths means that Harps have been guaranteed Premier Division survival with a game to spare.
It means top flight senior soccer will again be played in Donegal next year.
“I would like to congratulate Ollie Horgan, his players, staff and everyone associated with Finn Harps Football Club,” Mr McCafferty said.
“For the development and promotion of football in Donegal, having Finn Harps playing in the Premier Division is a massive boost.
“It is a fantastic achievement by Finn Harps to retain their Premier Division status and should give everyone involved in the game locally a lift today.
“Finn Harps Reserves have recently returned to the Ulster Senior League and we are delighted to have the two senior clubs – Harps along with Derry City – competing in our League.”
Harps players Ciaran Gallagher, Packie Mailey, Keith Cowan, Ciaran Coll, Tony McNamee, Sean Houston, Gareth Harkin, Ryan Curran and Kevin McHugh have all played in the USL at some point.
The likes of BJ Banda, Gareth Doherty, Mark Coyle and Lee McCarron can be expected to feature in the USL this season.
Mr McCafferty said: “Having Finn Harps in the Ulster Senior League is important to the club’s development and we are only delighted that they have returned to our League.
“The League has served Derry City well since their return and both senior managers, Ollie Horgan and Kenny Shiels, are strong supporters of the Ulster Senior League.
“We look forward, again, to supporting their efforts in the Premier Division next season.”
