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Football

Paddy McCourt to assess his Finn Harps future at end of season

written by Chris McNulty October 17, 2017
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Paddy McCourt will take stock at the end of the season before deciding on his Finn Harps future.

The ex-Celtic star has managed to play 27 times during an injury-troubled season that looks like ending with relegation to the First Division.

McCourt has recaptured some of the old magic and his recent goal against Sligo Rovers going straight into his portfolio of wonder goals.

The 34-year-old signed a one-year deal at Harps, having arrived on the eve of the 2017 season, and is unsure as to his next move.

“I signed a contract for a year so I’ll just see how I feel about things when the season finishes,” McCourt said.

“I’m just hoping that I can be involved in the last two games as I picked up a calf strain in the Dundalk game and didn’t play against Derry.”

McCourt has shunned the media spotlight this season, save for a couple of interviews with the national media in the early months of the year.

The Derryman, now living in Fahan, was speaking to the Finn Harps media team, who have turned down requests to speak to the former Northern Ireland international.

McCourt left Glenavon in December by mutual consent.

He said:  “I had a few injuries and just couldn’t get a decent run of games so we agreed that I could leave Glenavon.

“I had about ten weeks where I did my own work in the gym and I had to think about what I would do next. I spoke to a few other clubs.

“I spoke to Higgsy [Paul Hegarty] and Ollie [Horgan] and they convinced to me to come to Finn Harps. It ticked all the boxes for me at the time because it suited where I am living and I didn’t want to have to travel a long distance to training.

“I knew Higgsy from our time together with Derry City so that also played a big part in my decision and I came down to train with Harps a couple of times before signing. I had a good feel about it and met a good bunch of lads. So I decided to give it a go here this season.”

Harps are five points off safety with just two games remaining and their time in the top flight appears to be coming to an end.

Drogheda United, already relegated, are at Finn Park on Friday night.

McCourt said: “Even though they are relegated Drogheda is still a good side if you look at the names in their squad. Their position doesn’t reflect the quality that they have. I’m expecting a very tough game against them.”

McCourt’s team-mates have regularly spoken about his influence around the club and Horgan has echoed those comments.

The Harps manager said:  “Paddy has made a huge contribution on and off the field, be that on the training ground or in the dressing room.

“He’s a quiet spoken man who has been a massive addition to Finn Harps. On the training ground his influence has been immense and he’s been great with the young lads.”

Paddy McCourt to assess his Finn Harps future at end of season was last modified: October 18th, 2017 by Chris McNulty
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Tags:
Celticderry cityDrogheda UnitedFahanfinn harpsOllie HorganPaddy McCourtPaul Hegarty
Chris McNulty

Author of 'Boxing In Donegal: A History (2021)' - the definitive history of the sport in County Donegal - and 'Relentless: A Race Through Time', the 2019 memoir of former Irish Athletics Team Manager Patsy McGonagle. From St Johnston and now based in Letterkenny, Chris was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

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