View source for Finn Harps F.C.

{{Use Hiberno-English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox Football Club
| short name = Finn Harps
| nickname = The Harps
| ground = [[Finn Park]], [[Ballybofey]],<br /> [[County Donegal]]
| capacity = 4,458 (351 seated)
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| clubname = Finn Harps
| image = Finn Harps FC logo.svg
| upright = .8
| fullname = Finn Harps Football Club
| founded = {{start date and age|1954}}
| chairman = Ian Harkin
| mgrtitle = Manager
| manager = [[Kevin McHugh]]
| league = [[League of Ireland First Division]]
| season = [[2025 League of Ireland First Division|2025]]
| position = [[League of Ireland First Division]], 8th of 10
| website = {{official URL}}
}}

'''Finn Harps Football Club''' is an Irish football club that play in the [[League of Ireland First Division|First Division]] of the [[League of Ireland]], as of 2023. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from [[Ballybofey]], [[County Donegal]] and play their home matches at Finn Park in Ballybofey.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=16 November 2023 |title=Finn Harps - Club Information |url=https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/finn-harps-club-information/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=www.leagueofireland.ie |language=en}}</ref> The club's colours are blue and white, and they go by the nickname '''Harps'''. The main successes of the club include winning an [[FAI Cup]] in 1973–74 and the First Division title in 2004. They also contested the [[1999 FAI Cup Final]], a second replay of which ended in a narrow defeat, the first replay having been lost to a draw with 30 seconds left to play.

Finn Harps share a local rivalry with [[Derry City F.C.|Derry City]] with whom they contest the [[Northwest Derby (Ireland)|Northwest Derby]].

==History==

===Early years===
Finn Harps was formed in 1954 as a junior club.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNelis |first=Aidan |date=2023-03-25 |title=Finn Harps – When was the club founded? By Bartley Ramsay - Finn Harps FC Official Website |url=https://finnharps.ie/finn-harps-when-was-the-club-founded-by-bartley-ramsay/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=finnharps.ie |language=en-GB}}</ref> The club's name derives from the river that runs through [[Ballybofey]] – the [[River Finn (County Donegal)|River Finn]] – and a traditional Irish symbol – the [[Harp#As a symbol|harp]]. They first came to national prominence by winning the 1968 [[FAI Junior Cup]]. This enabled them to compete in the 1969 [[FAI Intermediate Cup]]. After they were knocked out of that competition, club directors [[Fran Fields]] and [[Patsy McGowan]] decided to apply to the League of Ireland for membership. The club was admitted into the senior ranks in May 1969 and played their first senior game against [[Shamrock Rovers F.C.|Shamrock Rovers]] on 17 August 1969. They lost the game 10–2. After initial worries that the club were not of sufficient standard, the club became a considerable force during the 1970s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-14 |title=Club History - Finn Harps FC Official Website |url=https://finnharps.ie/club/history/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=finnharps.ie |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===1970s: A decade of dominance===
[[File:Performance chart ire FIN.svg|thumb|Chart of yearly table positions for Finn Harps in League of Ireland]]
Finn Harps won their first senior trophy, the [[Dublin City Cup]], in 1971–72, after a goal from club legend and all-time League of Ireland record goalscorer [[Brendan Bradley (footballer)|Brendan Bradley]] defeated [[Cork Hibernians F.C.|Cork Hibernians]] at [[Dalymount Park]]. This was significant as before others had dismissed the idea of Finn Harps in the league. Two years later, Dalymount Park was again the scene as the club secured its first and only [[FAI Cup]] win. Two goals from Brendan Bradley and one from [[Charlie Ferry]] saw off the challenge of [[St Patrick's Athletic F.C.|St Patrick's Athletic]]. Finn Harps qualified for European competitions on four occasions during the 1970s. They appeared in the [[UEFA Cup]] three times against [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]], [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] and [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] respectively, after finishing as runners-up in the league. They appeared once in the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|European Cup Winners Cup]], playing [[Turkish Cup]] winners [[Bursaspor]]. The club was again runner-up in the [[League of Ireland Cup]] finals of 1974 and 1975 to [[Waterford F.C.|Waterford]] and [[Bohemian F.C.|Bohemians]] respectively. Through the 1970s, the club never once finished in the bottom half of the table and were widely respected for their attractive and attacking football style.<ref name="FHhistory">{{cite web|first1=Bartley|last1=Ramsay|first2=Rodney|last2=Dullaghan|url=http://finnharps.openhosts.com/history.htm|title=Finn Harps Club History|year=2006|access-date=5 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928034209/http://finnharps.openhosts.com/history.htm|archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> The 1974 final was the first to be broadcast in colour.

===Slow decline===
The 1980s saw a gradual decline of the club when it came to competing against the best in Ireland.<ref name="FHhistory"/> An FAI Cup semi-final in 1981 and a [[League of Ireland First Division Shield]] final defeat by [[Kilkenny City F.C.|EMFA]] were the highlights of the decade for them and by 1985 the club had been relegated to the newly formed First Division. A series of managerial changes occurred over the following few years in an attempt to raise the club's status, but signs of improvement did not appear until the early 1990s.<ref name="FHhistory"/> Patsy McGowan took over as manager for the third time at the start of the 1992–93 season. The next three seasons saw the club finish in the play-off position twice, though they were beaten both times (once by [[Cobh Ramblers F.C.|Cobh Ramblers]] and once by [[Athlone Town F.C.|Athlone Town]]). The club let McGowan go before his aim of promotion could be completed. Following this the club's fortunes improved.

Nevertheless, Finn Harps won promotion at the end of the 1995–96 season, thus bringing an end to end their 11-season spell in the First Division. During the summer of 1996, a consortium of businessmen offered to take control of the club, but - when their offer was rejected - the manager and certain members of the club committee resigned. The club appointed [[Charlie McGeever]] as manager and, despite time being against him, he managed to assemble a squad for the opening of the 1996–97 season. By the season's conclusion, he had ensured that the club's Premier Division status was retained. Off the field, the remaining committee members set the club up as a [[Cooperative|co-operative society]], selling shares to the ordinary supporters, to ensure that the club would be owned and run by the people whom they felt would truly care about it. A long-term blueprint for the future was put in place.<ref>This plan, upon eventual completion, is intended to include a school of excellence for young [[County Donegal]] footballers. It also made way for the renovation of [[Finn Park]], of which certain sections of the work have already gotten underway.</ref>

In 1998–99, Finn Harps finished fourth in the Premier Division; one point behind [[Shelbourne F.C.|Shelbourne]] in third position and just missed out on Europe. They made it to the [[1999 FAI Cup Final]] but lost to [[Bray Wanderers F.C.|Bray Wanderers]] after a number of replays, leaving themselves with nothing to show (bar the [[Irish News Cup]]) for what is considered to be one of their most impressive seasons.<ref name="FHhistory"/> After a very poor start to the 1999–00 season, and with the team having won one point from a possible 21, McGeever resigned as manager. The club appointed Gavin Dykes as manager and, though he managed to retain the club's Premier Division status, they were forced to go public company due to financial difficulties and debts amounting to £280,000. The following season, and after an abysmal run of results, Dykes resigned. Fan-favourite [[Jonathan Speak]] took his place as new financial structures were put into place and a newly appointed fund-raising committee established along with numerous supporter clubs around the country. However, after a run of 14 games undefeated and a late-season fightback, Finn Harps were ultimately relegated to the First Division on the last day of the season. This ended a five-year run in the top flight.<ref name="FHhistory"/>

===The [[Yo-yo club|yo-yo]] years===
Speak's first full season in charge saw the club finish second to [[Drogheda United F.C.|Drogheda United]] in the First Division, thus securing them a play-off place for promotion. [[Longford Town F.C.|Longford Town]] beat them on penalties. The following season saw the club finish third and lose at the play-off semi-final stage to [[Galway United F.C.|Galway United]]. Speak managed to hold most of the squad together, despite their top-scorer [[Kevin McHugh]] (who formed a successful forward partnership with English striker Damien Whitehead) attracting the interest of several Premier Division clubs. Considered bookmaker's favourites to lift the 2003 title and win promotion, Finn Harps began well but fell to fourth position after having gone without a win for a month by mid-September. This poor run included a home-loss to the neighbouring northwest club [[Sligo Rovers F.C.|Sligo Rovers]] and a home-draw against league leaders [[Dublin City F.C.|Dublin City]], the latter game billed as a must-win match.<ref name="FHhistory"/> Despite losing only two games for the entire season, the nine draws cost Speak his job. Speak's assistant, Sean McGowan, took temporary charge until a suitable placement was found and steadied the club with two wins from two. Approaching the final third of the season, the club appointed [[Noel King]] as manager. They were rejuvenated and stormed back to the top of the First Division table with a club record-equalling six wins on the trot.<ref name="FHhistory"/> With only four games remaining, Finn Harps led the table by a point but losses away to Bray Wanderers and Dublin City handed the title to Dublin City and left Finn Harps in the now-dreaded playoffs once again. They disposed of Bray Wanderers in the semi-finals but lost in the final to local rivals [[Derry City F.C.|Derry City]], who had finished ninth in that season's Premier Division.<ref name="FHhistory"/>

Noel King lasted six games into the 2004 season before leaving the club by mutual consent, with the amount of travelling the [[Dublin]]er had to endure being cited as one of the main reasons for his departure.<ref name="FHhistory"/> Sean McGowan, his assistant, once again took charge for two games but within ten days the club announced a shock replacement. [[Felix Healy]], the former Derry City player and manager who had won all domestic major honours with his home-town club, would be the new manager. Fans viewed this as a bold move by the Finn Harps board of directors, considering Healy's history with the club's fiercest rivals.<ref name="FHhistory"/> However, Healy - in the club's [[golden jubilee]] year - won the club's first First Division title and achieved the promotion to the Premier Division that had eluded so many managers before him. However, the following season saw the club struggle in the Premier Division and Harps sacked Healy in July. Anthony Gorman agreed to become [[Player-coach|player-manager]] until the end of the season. However, at the season's end and with Finn Harps relegated again, Gorman agreed to take the position on a full-time basis only to leave following the 2006 season as his efforts to lead the club to promotion failed. In 2007, after [[Paul Hegarty (Irish footballer)|Paul Hegarty]] took charge of managing the team,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/6196141.stm|title=Hegarty is new Finn Harps manager|work=[[BBC Sport]]|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=20 December 2006|access-date=20 December 2006|archive-date=22 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222062922/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/6196141.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> financial difficulties that had nearly bankrupted the club some seasons earlier became more prevalent so the club - struggling in the lower half of the First Division - put all players on sale.<ref name="FHhistory"/> The 2007 season started sluggishly with a number of defeats and "bore draws" (notably against [[Monaghan United F.C.|Monaghan United]]), but a lengthy unbeaten run left the club in second place in the league, only one point behind Cobh Ramblers. They emerged as victors over [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]] from the first round of the First Division play-off, with a 2–0 win. The first leg of the final play-off round against Waterford United ended at Finn Park with Harps taking a 3–0 advantage to the Waterford RSC ahead of the return leg, which ended 3–3. Thus, Harps secured promoted to the Premier Division 6–3 on aggregate.

In 2008, Harps began the conversion from a semi-professional, part-time club to a full-time setup over the off-season, with 16 full-time players on the books as of the opening day of the season. The conversion succeeded but relegation beckoned once again for the club, this time on the final day. Though they won their game, Galway United's win sealed the fate of Harps. In 2009, Finn Harps played in the FAI First Division, on a semi-professional basis once again. On 11 May 2009, Paul Hegarty left the club, citing "personal reasons". James Gallagher replaced Hegarty as manager. On 3 May 2011, [[Peter Hutton (footballer)|Peter Hutton]] took over as manager, while former Northern Ireland international and fellow former Derry City player [[Felix Healy]] also arrived to take the role of club [[director of football]]. Following the final home game of the 2013 season (a 3–2 win against champions [[Athlone Town A.F.C.|Athlone Town]]), Hutton announced his resignation as manager.<ref>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=McNulty|url=http://donegalnews.com/2013/10/peter-hutton-tenders-resignation-at-finn-harps/|title=Peter Hutton tenders resignation at Finn Harps|work=[[Donegal News]]|date=5 October 2013|access-date=5 October 2013|archive-date=6 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006210837/http://donegalnews.com/2013/10/peter-hutton-tenders-resignation-at-finn-harps/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Rejuvenation and the 'Ollie Years'===
On 25 November 2013, the club named Galway native and former [[Fanad United F.C.|Fanad United]] manager [[Ollie Horgan]] as manager for the [[2014 League of Ireland First Division|2014 season]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Foley|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/soccer/finn-harps-confirm-ollie-horgan-as-new-manager-1-5708630|title=Finn Harps confirm Ollie Horgan as new manager|work=[[Donegal Democrat]]|date=26 November 2013|access-date=26 November 2013|archive-date=15 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215020911/http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/soccer/finn-harps-confirm-ollie-horgan-as-new-manager-1-5708630|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his first season in charge, Horgan led the club to an FAI Cup semi final for the first time in 15 years, before being beaten by Premier Division side [[St. Patrick's Athletic]] in [[Richmond Park]]. The [[2015 League of Ireland First Division|2015 season]] concluded with Finn Harps securing promotion to the [[League of Ireland Premier Division]] by beating [[Limerick F.C.|Limerick]] 2–1 on aggregate in a famous relegation/promotion playoff, the second leg of which occurred on 6 November 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2015/1106/740242-bj-banda-sends-finn-harps-up-to-premier-division/|title=BJ Banda sends Finn Harps up to Premier Division|work=[[RTÉ Sport]]|publisher=[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann]]|date=6 November 2015|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030434/https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2015/1106/740242-bj-banda-sends-finn-harps-up-to-premier-division/|url-status=live}}</ref> Against all the odds, Horgan managed to keep Finn Harps in the Premier Division in 2016, however, in [[2017 League of Ireland Premier Division|their second season back in the top flight]] they were relegated once again. They spent [[2018 League of Ireland Premier Division|2018]] in the First Division, achieving immediate promotion - again at the expense of Limerick in the relegation/promotion play-off, though this time on a 3-0 aggregate score.

2019 saw another relegation battle, as Harps defeated Drogheda United in the relegation play-off game in Finn Park to retain their Premier Division status for 2020.

2019-20 marks Harps's fiftieth season in the League of Ireland.<ref>{{cite news|first=Brian|last=Quigley|url=http://leagueofireland.ie/index.php/2019/05/20/50-years-in-the-league-of-ireland-for-finn-harps/|title=50 years in the League of Ireland for Finn Harps|date=20 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527223253/http://leagueofireland.ie/index.php/2019/05/20/50-years-in-the-league-of-ireland-for-finn-harps/|archive-date=27 May 2019}}</ref>

In a [[COVID-19]] disrupted 2020 season, Harps again managed to avoid the drop, with a last day of the season win against [[Waterford F.C.]] securing their place in the Premier Division again under Horgan, in what was his seventh season in charge of Harps.

The 2021 season got off to a good start with Adam Foley securing a win over Bohemians. May 2021 would see Finn Harps get their first ever away success over Derry City at league level.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2021/0503/1213491-foley-earns-finn-harps-bragging-rights-at-derry-city/|title=Foley earns Finn Harps bragging rights at Derry City|access-date=16 May 2021|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516131826/https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1213491/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The end of the Horgan era for Finn Harps came at the end of the 2022 season, with the departure of manager Ollie Horgan and relegation from the Premier Division.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.the42.ie/ollie-horgan-finn-harps-2-5915170-Nov2022/ | title=Ollie Horgan departs relegated Finn Harps after nine seasons in charge | date=9 November 2022 | access-date=30 December 2022 | archive-date=12 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112073041/https://www.the42.ie/ollie-horgan-finn-harps-2-5915170-Nov2022/ | url-status=live }}</ref> This ended a long spell of years in the Premier Division, with six out of seven seasons spent at the top tier of Irish football for the club.

===New beginnings===
On 2 December 2022, Finn Harps unveiled Dave Rogers as their new manager, on a full-time four-year contract.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://finnharps.ie/dave-rogers-appointed-manager/ | title=Dave Rogers Appointed Manager – Finn Harps FC | date=2 December 2022 | access-date=30 December 2022 | archive-date=2 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202231508/https://finnharps.ie/dave-rogers-appointed-manager/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
Ten days later, Darren Murphy was announced as Rogers new full time assistant manager.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://finnharps.ie/darren-murphy-appointed-assistant-manager/ | title=Darren Murphy Appointed Assistant Manager – Finn Harps FC | date=12 December 2022 | access-date=30 December 2022 | archive-date=30 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230154922/https://finnharps.ie/darren-murphy-appointed-assistant-manager/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
After a disastrous 2023 season on the pitch, Finn Harps parted company with Dave Rogers on 23 September, with assistant manager Darren Murphy placed as interim manager until the end of the season, himself assisted by Tommy Canning and Kevin McHugh.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://finnharps.ie/darren-murphy-to-continue-in-caretaker-role/ |title=Darren Murphy to Continue in Caretaker Role - Finn Harps FC |date=27 September 2023 |access-date=27 September 2023 |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927221018/https://finnharps.ie/darren-murphy-to-continue-in-caretaker-role/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 3 November 2023, Harps announced the appointment of Darren Murphy to become the Head Coach for the upcoming season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://finnharps.ie/finn-harps-appoint-darren-murphy-as-head-coach// |title=Finn Harps Appoint Darren Murphy as Head Coach - Finn Harps FC |date=3 November 2023 |access-date=3 November 2023 |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103222008/https://finnharps.ie/finn-harps-appoint-darren-murphy-as-head-coach// |url-status=live }}</ref> In his first pre-season match, Harps secured a 2–2 draw in front of the home crowd against Derry City.

Under Darren Murphy, the team had a good start to the season, peaking at 2nd place in the early stages but came short to the play-off places to [[Bray Wanderers F.C.|Bray Wanderers]] in the [[2024 League of Ireland First Division|2024 season.]]

A shaky start to Harps 2025 season with an away loss to [[Kerry F.C. (Ireland)|Kerry FC]] 2-0 saw Harps placed 10th position at the end of Gameweek 5 in the [[League of Ireland First Division|First Division]] for the first time since the reign of Dave Rogers. Numerous losses were accounted until a 5-0 win home to [[Bray Wanderers F.C.|Bray Wanderers]] in Gameweek 6 secured Harps first win of the 2025 season. 

On 25 March, the club confirmed the departure of manager Darren Murphy from the club. Following an interim basis with joint management by [[Kevin McHugh]], Eamon Curry and Tommy Canning the club announced on 2 April 2025 that [[Kevin McHugh|McHugh]] was confirmed to be the next manager of Finn Harps.

Within the first half of the [[2025 League of Ireland First Division|2025 season]], Harps recorded only five wins, along with eight draws and ten defeats in the league. New introductions were brought into the squad to strengthen the team's performances, with Patrick Ferry and William Oduwa departing the club. Harps confirmed the signing of Kieran Cooney, a [[Saint Kitts and Nevis|Saint Kitts & Nevis]] international on 4 July. On 3 September, [[goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]] Oisín Cooney transferred to [[Burnley F.C. Academy|Burnley Under-21]] side becoming the latest Finn Harps Academy player to join a [[Premier League 2]] side after having 12 appearances for the first team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=COONEY JOINS U21 RANKS {{!}} BurnleyFC |url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/cooney-joins-u21-ranks |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=www.burnleyfootballclub.com |language=en}}</ref> 

The club secured a quarter-final in the [[2025 FAI Cup]] after recording wins over [[University College Dublin A.F.C.|UCD]] and [[Bray Wanderers F.C.|Bray Wanderers]] at home respectively. Harps were knocked out in the Quarter-Final stage, following a 3-0 defeat home to [[Cork City F.C.|Cork City.]]

==Stadium==
{{main|Finn Park}}
Finn Harps play at [[Finn Park]] in [[Ballybofey]], County Donegal. Finn Park is formed mainly of open terracing surrounding the football pitch. In 2005, the terraces were renovated for health and safety reasons as new concrete surfaces replaced the old viewing slopes.<ref>"[http://finnharps.openhosts.com/Stadium/05April12ground.htm Temporary Works at Finn Park continue {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928034225/http://finnharps.openhosts.com/Stadium/05April12ground.htm |date=28 September 2007}}", ''FinnHarps.com'', 12 April 2005. Retrieved 6 June 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://finnharps.openhosts.com/Stadium/05Oct04ground_gantry.htm Final preparations continue at Finn Park] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928034902/http://finnharps.openhosts.com/Stadium/05Oct04ground_gantry.htm |date=28 September 2007}}", ''FinnHarps.com'', 2005. Retrieved 6 June 2007.</ref> In total, the ground's capacity accommodates approximately 6,000 spectators. The stadium has one covered stand, which also caters for 350 seated supporters. The area allocated to supporters of visiting teams is the terrace opposite the seated stand (situated in the Shed End). The pitch dimensions measure 110 yards in length by 80 yards in width.<ref>[http://homepage.eircom.net/~scroche/finn.htm Finn Harps] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929134606/http://homepage.eircom.net/~scroche/finn.htm |date=29 September 2007 }}, ''What's the score?'', 2000. Retrieved 6 June 2007.</ref> Sitting on the [[Bank (geography)|banks]] of the [[River Finn (County Donegal)|River Finn]], Finn Park is prone to [[waterlogging (agriculture)|waterlogging]] in times of wet weather.

===New stadium===
The club planned to move to a [[New Finn Harps Stadium|new covered 6,600 all-seater stadium]] just across the River Finn in [[Stranorlar]]. The proposal would also feature an FAI Regional Development Centre.<ref>"[http://finnharps.openhosts.com/News/06November16stadium.htm Harps welcome Minister O'Donoghues announcement] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928034130/http://finnharps.openhosts.com/News/06November16stadium.htm |date=28 September 2007 }}", ''FinnHarps.com'', 16 November 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2007.</ref> Club shareholders gave the club's board a mandate in 2005 to proceed with the stadium plans. Planning permission was obtained in mid-2005. Approval to proceed to tender was obtained from the [[Football Association of Ireland]] in early 2006 and local developers, Joseph McMenamin and Sons, won the tender process and had their tender approved a year later. Finn Harps received funding of €750,000 in 2007 to commence works at the new stadium. They hoped to be in the new stadium for the 2013 season. Work ceased on the new stadium due to the recession and lack of funds.<ref>"[http://finnharps.openhosts.com/News/007_NEWS/07April04StadiumGrant.htm Harps allocated €750,000 to start new Stadium this year] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928034307/http://finnharps.openhosts.com/News/007_NEWS/07April04StadiumGrant.htm|date=28 September 2007}}", ''FinnHarps.com'', 6 April 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2007.</ref> Work was expected to resume on the stadium in early 2011 but in the end it did not restart until late 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onestopnewsstand.com/donegal/work-to-start-on-harps-stadium |title=Work to start on Harps stadium &#124; One Stop News Stand |website=www.onestopnewsstand.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315182033/http://www.onestopnewsstand.com/donegal/work-to-start-on-harps-stadium |archive-date=15 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Revised plans were unveiled in May 2022, showing a 6,130 capacity ground, with all four sides covered, and a seating capacity of 3,330.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://finnharps.ie/donegal-community-stadium-update-may-2022/ | title=Donegal Community Stadium Update May 2022 – Finn Harps FC | date=18 May 2022 | access-date=18 May 2022 | archive-date=18 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518210410/https://finnharps.ie/donegal-community-stadium-update-may-2022/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Colours and crests==
{| class="wikitable" align="right" style="margin-left:0em"
| [[File:Finnharpsoldcrest.png|76px|thumb|center|Old Finn Harps crest]]
| [[File:FinnHarps.png|thumb|76px|center|More modern crest]]
| [[File:Harpsjubilee.png|thumb|76px|center|The [[golden jubilee]] crest]]
|}
The traditional colours of Finn Harps are blue and white. The club played in white jerseys and blue shorts upon entry into the [[League of Ireland]]. Their away strip was all green. Since that time Harps have played in either white or blue jerseys as their primary colour and used green, yellow or white as their away colours. In the 1975/76 and 1976/77 Harps wore blue and white stripes and repeated this during 1983/84 and 1984/85.

Harps kits and training gear is currently manufactured by [[Joma|Joma Sports]], and the club's jerseys are sponsored by The Kernan Group, with Letterkenny Medics sponsoring the back. The third kit is currently dedicated to The Bluestack Foundation, who is the current Charity Partner. The current home strip is made up of a blue jersey with black pattern across the shoulders and chest, blue shorts and socks with the home goalkeeping kit being light green jersey with green shorts and green socks. The current away strip consists of a green jersey with white collared trim, white shorts and green socks, the away goalkeeping kit is made up of a purple jersey, purple shorts and purple socks. Harps current third kit is made up of a mix of colours ranging from blue to purple,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Finn Harps x Bluestack Foundation 2024 Charity Jersey, Adult |url=https://fhfcshop.ie/Finn-Harps-Bluestack-2024-Limited-Edition-Jersey-Adult-p655973537 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Finn Harps FC Online Store |language=en}}</ref> with purple shorts and socks. The current third kit is in a partnership with The Bluestack Foundation. The third goalkeeping kit consists of a black jersey with black shorts and black socks.

Finn Harps have sported various crests throughout their history. All, largely circular in composition, have featured a harp and new designs have essentially been modernised updates of the previous crest. The harp has traditionally been a symbol of Ireland. Footballs have also been a common feature.

The modern stylised crests contain the club's name in a [[Gaelic type|Gaelic-style font]], similar to the Gandalf typeface.

For the club's [[golden jubilee]] year, 2004, they introduced a new golden crest which was very similar to their early crest. Bar this crest, blue, green and white have been common colours used.

In 2010, Finn Harps decided to play in an all-white kit due to demand from supporters after they wore an all-white kit against Shelbourne to celebrate 40 years in the League of Ireland in 2009. They reverted to blue home kits in 2011.

For the 2021 season, Joma sport has been announced as the jersey partner.

==Supporters==
Finn Harps supporters share a rivalry with their north-west neighbours, [[Derry City F.C.|Derry City]]. The most exciting encounter between the two sides was perhaps the 2003 relegation play-off between the two sides. A [[Brandywell Stadium]] packed with both sets of fans witnessed a Finn Harps side managed by [[Noel King]] (a former Derry City manager) lose a highly charged affair that finished 2–1 to Derry after an extra-time goal from Derry City favourite, [[Liam Coyle (footballer, born 1968)|Liam Coyle]].<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-111242316|title=FOOTBALL: Derry Stay in Top Flight Football; Derry City 2 Finn Harps 1|journal=|date=14 December 2003|access-date=}}{{dead link|date=July 2021}}</ref> A  rivalry is maintained between the two clubs, yet both have encountered times of trouble in recent years. One team has often been helped by the other in this regard. Harps' other main derby is with southern neighbours [[Sligo Rovers F.C.|Sligo Rovers]]. Harps have a good relationship with [[Shamrock Rovers F.C.|Shamrock Rovers]]. The clubs have provided financial assistance to each other in the past and both sets of supporters socialise together when the clubs play one another. The club's anthem "The Finn Harps Song" can often be heard being sung by the club's supporters and its lyrics "they follow them in Donegal, Derry and Tyrone" illustrates that the main core of the Harps support comes from the North West of Ireland.

==Rivalries==
Finn Harps and [[Derry City F.C.|Derry City]] share what is called the Northwest Rivalry. It has been hotly contested since [[Derry City F.C.|Derry]] entered the League in 1985. The close proximity of the two [[Ulster]] clubs, being only 30 miles apart, has contributed to the rivalry. The strong contrast between the two clubs, Rural/Urban and the gulf in success, has aided the rivalry. Both sets of fans can be frequently heard singing songs about each other. Many players have played for both clubs, such as [[José Mukendi]], but the most notable of whom is [[Kevin McHugh]]. Finn Harps also share a rivalry with Sligo Rovers due to the proximity of the clubs. Although this rivalry is viewed as important, the Derry rivalry is seen as more important by Harps fans.

==Players==

===Squad===
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finnharps.ie/teams/first-team/player-profiles/|title=Player Profiles – Finn Harps FC|access-date=1 April 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420231751/https://finnharps.ie/teams/first-team/player-profiles/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{fs start}}
{{fs player|no=4|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=Conor Tourish}}
{{fs player|no=5|nat=IRL|pos=MF|name=Oran Brogan}}
{{fs player|no=6|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=Joel Bradley-Walsh}}
{{fs player|no=8|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Max Hutchison}}
{{fs player|no=9|nat=NED|pos=FW|name=Hans Mpongo}}
{{fs player|no=10|nat=IRL|pos=MF|name=Tony McNamee}}
{{fs player|no=11|nat=IRL|pos=MF|name=Gavin McAteer}}
{{fs player|no=12|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=Josh Cullen}}
{{fs player|no=14|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=Darragh Coyle}}
{{fs player|no=18|nat=IRL|pos=FW|name=Gavin Hodgins}}
{{fs player|no=19|nat=IRL|pos=FW|name=Max Johnston}}
{{fs mid}}
{{fs player|no=20|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=Mikey Place}}
{{fs player|no=21|nat=CAN|pos=MF|name=Idir Zerrouk}}
{{fs player|no=24|nat=IRL|pos=MF|name=Adam McDaid}}
{{fs player|no=25|nat=BRA|pos=GK|name=Lorenzo Piaia Barbosa}}
{{fs player|no=27|nat=SKN|pos=DF|name=Kieran Cooney}}
{{fs player|no=28|nat=IRL|pos=FW|name=Aaron McLaughlin}}
{{fs player|no=30|nat=IRL|pos=FW|name=Gradi Lomboto}}
{{fs player|no=33|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=Daniel Cunningham}}
{{fs player|no=40|nat=IRL|pos=GK|name=Corey Sheridan}}
{{fs player|no=42|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=Seaghan McCormick}}
{{fs player|no=43|nat=FRA|pos=FW|name=Ibrahima Pokou Bangoura}}
{{fs end}}

==Technical staff==
{| class=wikitable
|-
! style="color:white; background:blue"|Position
! style="color:white; background:blue"|Staff
|-
| Manager || [[Kevin McHugh]]
|-
| Assistant manager || Eamon Curry
|-
| First-team Coach || Tommy Canning
|-
| Goalkeeper Coach || Eamon Curry
|-
| First-team physio || Seamus Bogle
|-
| Analyst || Eoin Logue
|-
| Fitness Coach || Gary Wallace
|-
| Kitman || Shane Elliott
|-
| Head of Youth Development || [[Kevin McHugh]]
|}

==Honours==
*'''[[FAI Cup]]'''
** '''Winners:''' 1973–74
*'''[[League of Ireland]]'''
** Runners-up: [[1972–73 League of Ireland|1972–73]], [[1975–76 League of Ireland|1975–76]], [[1977–78 League of Ireland|1977–78]]
*'''[[League of Ireland First Division]]'''
** '''Winners:''' [[2004 League of Ireland First Division|2004]]
** Runners-up: [[2015 League of Ireland First Division|2015]], [[2018 League of Ireland First Division|2018]]
*'''[[Dublin City Cup]]'''
** '''Winners:''' 1971–72
*'''[[Irish News Cup]]'''
** '''Winners:''' [[1998–99 Irish News Cup|1998–99]]
*'''[[FAI Junior Cup]]'''
** '''Winners:''' 1967–68
*'''First Division Cup'''
** '''Winners:''' [[2002–03 League of Ireland First Division|2002–03]]

{{small|'''Source''':<ref name="rsssf202003cups">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/iercup03.html|title=Ireland Cups 2002/03|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205085243/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/iercup03.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://finnharps.openhosts.com/contactus.htm Honours] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928034251/http://finnharps.openhosts.com/contactus.htm |date=28 September 2007 }}, ''FinnHarps.com'', 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2007</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=16 November 2023 |title=Finn Harps - Club Information |url=https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/finn-harps-club-information/ |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=www.leagueofireland.ie |language=en}}</ref> }}

==European record==

===Overview===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! Competition
! Matches
! W
! D
! L
! GF
! GA
|-
| align="left"| [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]
| 6
| 0
| 0
| 6
| 3
| 33
|-
| align="left"| ''[[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|European Cup Winners' Cup]]''
| 2
| 0
| 1
| 1
| 2
| 4
|-
| align="left"| '''TOTAL'''
| '''8'''
| '''0'''
| '''1'''
| '''7'''
| '''5'''
| '''37'''
|}

===Matches===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%; text-align: center;"
! Season
! Competition
! Round
! Opponent
! Home
! Away
! [[Aggregate score|Aggregate]]
|-
| [[1973–74 UEFA Cup|1973–74]]
| [[UEFA Cup]]
| [[1973–74 UEFA Cup |1R]]
| align="left"| {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Aberdeen FC|Aberdeen]]
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|1-3
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|1-4 
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|'''7-2'''
|-
| [[1974–75 European Cup Winners' Cup|1974–75]]
| [[European Cup Winners' Cup]]
| [[1974–75 European Cup Winners' Cup#First round|1R]]
| align="left"| {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Bursaspor]]
| bgcolor="#ffffdd" style="text-align:center;"|0–0
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|2–4
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|'''2–4'''
|-
| [[1976–77 UEFA Cup|1976–77]]
| [[UEFA Cup]]
| [[1976–77 UEFA Cup|1R]]
| align="left"| {{flagicon|England}} [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]]
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|1–4
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|0–12
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|'''1–16'''
|-
| [[1978–79 UEFA Cup|1978–79]]
| [[UEFA Cup]]
| [[1978–79 UEFA Cup|1R]]
| align="left"| {{flagicon|England}} [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|0–5
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|0–5
| bgcolor="#ffdddd" style="text-align:center;"|'''0–10'''
|}

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{official website}}

{{Finn Harps F.C.}}
{{Finn Harps F.C. squad}}
{{League of Ireland clubs}}
{{Irish clubs in European football}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Finn Harps F.C.| ]]
[[Category:1954 establishments in Ireland]]
[[Category:Association football clubs established in 1954]]
[[Category:Association football clubs in County Donegal]]
[[Category:Former League of Ireland First Division clubs]]
[[Category:League of Ireland Premier Division clubs]]