Burke, Logue and Place sign new Finn Harps deals

Recently promoted Finn Harps have confirmed that the trio of Peter Burke, Niall Logue and Mikey Place have all committed for 2019 at Finn Park on the Harps return to the Premier Division.

The news of the trio of re-signings come just after Harps have learned who they will open their 2019 campaign up against. Ollie Horgan’s side will make the trip to face Bohemians at Dalymount Park on the opening day of the season.

Burke re-signs with the Co. Donegal side having competed well with No. 1 shot-stopper Ciaran Gallagher throughout the season at Finn Park.

Formerly of Northern Irish side Cliftonville, the 22-year-old is an able replacement and manager Ollie Horgan is looking forward to working with the talented ‘keeper once more for 2019.  

“We have agreed terms with Peter for next season and that is important to have that done in terms of goalkeepers with Ciaran Gallagher having signed last week.” Horgan said. 

“Peter came in and did a very good job in those two final play-off games against Limerick which got us promoted.

“He will be competing again with Ciaran for the keeper position so we’re looking forward to working with the two of them in pre-season.”

Also re-signing for the club is defender Niall Logue, once of local rivals Derry City.

Logue, provided an added sense of defensive cover at the back for the Harps following his arrival in July from the Candystripes and Ollie Horgan is hoping that the 23 year old can push on and stake a regular place in the first-team squad next term.

“Niall came in during the transfer window in July. He gave us more scope at the back and it worked well in the second half of the season.

“We want to have adequate cover if possible, in all positions. Niall has the opportunity now to push for a regular place in the team so it’s good to have him on board again.”

Completing the trio of re-signings is the talented attacking starlet of Mikey Place. Place, 20, impressed at the club last season with nine goals in 15 league games as the Harps secured promotion to the Premier Division at the first time of asking.

After joining the club in May, Place has endeared himself to the Finn Harps support and manager Horgan is looking for his young star to make a major impression in next year’s top-tier.

 “Mikey did well for us when he came to us in May. He got a couple of goals and settled in quickly and played a big role for us in the second half of the season. But, that’s in the past now.

“All our focus has to be on the Premier Division and we just hope now that Mikey can kick-on and make a big impression against quality defences.

“Mikey has experience of the set-ups at Premier clubs like Sligo Rovers and Derry City so that should be a help to him. So, he has another decent opportunity now to show what he can do at a higher level.”