Goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher signs new deal with Finn Harps

Finn Harps continue to build towards a tilt for the First Division title in 2018 with the news that goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher has become the latest local boy to sign a new deal.

Gallagher is only 25 but is already second in the club's all-time list of appearance makers for a goalkeeper, behind Gerry Murray, with more than 200 caps to his name.

The Rahoe native has played all but one of his nine seasons in the League of Ireland at Finn Park, having spent one year as understudy to Ger Doherty at Derry City.

He kept 17 clean sheets as Harps won promotion via the play-offs in 2015 and he saw off the challenge of Ireland under-19 international Harry Doherty to retain the starting berth last year.

And his signature ensures Ollie Horgan will have a strong leadership group of local players in Ballybofey next season with captain Ciaran Coll, Gareth Harkin and Paddy McCourt also on board.

“To have a player of Ciaran’s calibre re-signing just demonstrates the desire he has to continue to play his part with Finn Harps even though we are going to be in the First Division this season,” said Horgan.

“He has been a key player for me over the past three seasons and will be hugely influential with his experience for us for the season ahead.”

Gallagher made his debut for Harps as a 17-year-old in April 2009 and soon established himself as the club's number one.

He signed for Derry ahead of the 2014 season but made just three appearances before returning to Harps ahead of the successful 2015 campaign.