Finn Harps announce fundraising campaign in the hope of hosting League of Ireland games when season resumes

Finn Harps have confirmed their intention to apply to host a number of games when the League of Ireland season finally resumes.

The club have therefore today launched a major fundraising initiative titled “Bring Football Home” which they hope will allow them to make the necessary improvements to Finn Park that will allow the club to host games when competitive football is given the green light by the FAI and the Government.

A proposal was received last week from the FAI stating that games would need, in the short term at least, to be played at a select few HSE compliant stadiums without fans but that clubs will receive some financial compensation for loss of gate receipts.

With only four Premier Division clubs based outside of Leinster, at least one of these venues is likely to be in Dublin. Therefore, the board of Finn Harps is hoping to rally up support to use Finn Park as one of the other venues.

The club also confirmed in a statement their desire “to see a return to football provided the health and wellbeing of our players and staff, and the financial stability of the club are maintained, and welcome the proactive approach from the FAI to date.”

The Ballybofey side expressed their concern that “the loss of income we are dealing with goes far beyond simply a loss of gate receipts, with sponsors impacted and major fundraising plans postponed.”

The club have set themselves a target of €30,000 in order to be able to carry out the substantial work that would be required to host games in Finn Park in line with guidelines after an investigation was carried out by the club’s infrastructure coordinator.

“As an added incentive all donors of any amount will be entered into a draw for a 2020 club jersey signed by the current squad, and a pair of tickets for the next Republic of Ireland home match at which spectators are allowed.  In addition, any donations of €50 or more will have the donor entered into the club’s 500 club draw for the corresponding period and have a chance to win a weekly prize fund of €500,” concluded the club’s appeal.

Supporters who wish to donate can do so at the following link https://www.gofundme.com/f/hometofinnpark

Last night the board of the FAI were forced to issue a statement after a letter criticising Interim CEO Gary Owens and Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn’s handling of the crisis became public knowledge.



“The Board is fully supportive of the efforts being made by the Executive team in this regard and we will continue to support these endeavours,” read the statement.