Shaunie Bradley keen to 'kick on' after bagging first Finn Harps goal

Shaunie Bradley was delighted to get his name on the scoresheet for his first Finn Harps goal on Monday.

Bradley came off the bench and struck in the second half to earn Harps a 1-1 draw with Kerry FC at Finn Park.

The 18-year-old has had to bide his time, but he marked a big career moment with the equaliser on Monday.

“I’ve been waiting for it for a while now,” Bradley said. “I’m raging we couldn't get another one but happy to get the first goal definitely.”

The goal was one for the family album, his cousin Joel Bradley Walsh having delivered the free kick which Bradley finished into the River End goal.

He said: “Every time Joel puts the ball in you think you're going to get on the end of it. It's always in the right spot and happy just to get on the end of it this time. It just felt right to me.

“I know I’m young. I’m happy to come off the bench. I feel like it's good for what I'm at at this stage, but that's all I can do, come on to pitch and try to make an impact. I'm happy I did it.” 

Just last month, Harps were still harbouring realistic play-off hopes, but a recent downturn in results knocked those aims for six.

However, the young Harps side want to finish the First Division season on a high when they host UCD on Friday night.

Bradley said: “It’s about pride now. In the last two games here in Finn Park, we want to get results for the fans and for the club. We wanted to be winning the last two games. No matter if you're playing for nothing or not, you're always playing for the badge.

“We were in contention for the play-offs and then within a week or two we were out of it.”

Bradley is well versed in Harps history. His father Shane played for Harps 291 times and scored 39 goals. 

After growing up in the Harps Academy, Bradley stepped away for a spell and had successful time at Buncrana Hearts - he was their player of the year in 2024, while also winning the Ulster Junior Cup.

Now, he wants to “kick on” at Harps.

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He said: “Once this season's over, I'll probably take a couple of weeks’ rest and then get straight back on to it before we even get in. I’ll do the home workouts at the house and get fit and ready for pre-season. 

“We have good competition here and that's the way you want it: You want to be fighting for your spot and you don't want to be just sitting, never getting in or never being taken out.”