THE DERRY PELE will grace the League of Ireland for a seventh season in 2018, as Paddy McCourt on Friday signed a new one year deal with Finn Harps along with midfielder Gareth Harkin.
The pair will join boss Ollie Horgan in trying to return the Ballbofey club back to the Premier Division after the side suffered relegation earlier this year.
McCourt suffered a series of injuries throughout 2017, but succeeded in scoring four goals in 22 appearances, with Harkin ever-present in midfield throughout the campaign for the Donegal club.
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“I’m pleased that both Gareth and Paddy have agreed terms to be part of the Finn Harps squad for next season,” boss Horgan said on Friday.
“Gareth has been with me for the past four years and I expect him to be a key player in midfield against very strong teams in the First Division next season. Paddy McCourt gave great commitment to Finn Harps after joining for me last February.
McCourt spent five seasons at Celtic between 2008 and 2013. PA Archive / PA Images
PA Archive / PA Images / PA Images
“It’s great to have him in again and his presence is a very encouraging sign but there’s still a long road to go in terms getting a decent squad together.”
Harkin re-joined Harps in 2014 where the club reached the semi-finals of the FAI Cup and were promoted to the Premier Division.
McCourt, who turns 34 next week, began his career at Rochdale before taking in stints at Shamrock Rovers and Derry City and later spending five seasons at Celtic where he enjoyed more success playing for Northern Ireland.
He returned to Ireland at the beginning of 2017 and following a trial at Dundalk signed for Harps in February.
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The Derry Pele: Major boost for Finn Harps as Paddy McCourt agrees new deal for 2018
THE DERRY PELE will grace the League of Ireland for a seventh season in 2018, as Paddy McCourt on Friday signed a new one year deal with Finn Harps along with midfielder Gareth Harkin.
The pair will join boss Ollie Horgan in trying to return the Ballbofey club back to the Premier Division after the side suffered relegation earlier this year.
McCourt suffered a series of injuries throughout 2017, but succeeded in scoring four goals in 22 appearances, with Harkin ever-present in midfield throughout the campaign for the Donegal club.
“I’m pleased that both Gareth and Paddy have agreed terms to be part of the Finn Harps squad for next season,” boss Horgan said on Friday.
“Gareth has been with me for the past four years and I expect him to be a key player in midfield against very strong teams in the First Division next season. Paddy McCourt gave great commitment to Finn Harps after joining for me last February.
“It’s great to have him in again and his presence is a very encouraging sign but there’s still a long road to go in terms getting a decent squad together.”
Harkin re-joined Harps in 2014 where the club reached the semi-finals of the FAI Cup and were promoted to the Premier Division.
McCourt, who turns 34 next week, began his career at Rochdale before taking in stints at Shamrock Rovers and Derry City and later spending five seasons at Celtic where he enjoyed more success playing for Northern Ireland.
He returned to Ireland at the beginning of 2017 and following a trial at Dundalk signed for Harps in February.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
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Ballybofey SSE Airtricity League Premier Division derry pele Finn Harps Gareth Harkin LOI Magic Feet Ollie Horgan Paddy McCourt