Finn Harps F.C.

Early years

Finn Harps was formed in 1954 as a junior club. The club's name derives from the river that runs through Ballybofey – the River Finn – and a traditional Irish symbol – the 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 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.

1970s: A decade of dominance

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 defeated 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. Finn Harps qualified for European competitions on four occasions during the 1970s. They appeared in the UEFA Cup three times against Aberdeen, Derby County and Everton…

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