Finn Harps remember former manager Ollie Horgan in moving half-time tribute

There were emotional scenes on Monday night as the iconic Ollie Horgan was remembered by Finn Harps in a touching tribute at half-time.

The family of the late Mr Horgan’s family and some of the 2015 Harps squad, who won promotion 10 years ago, were guests at the First Division game against Kerry FC at Finn Park.

A painting, completed by Ballybofey artist Declan Anderson, was presented to the Horgan family.

Anita Horgan, wife of the former Harps manager who passed away in late August following an illness, accepted the artwork from former Harps Director Seamus Gallagher.

Daughter and sons Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor and David Horgan were also present on the night.

Horgan, who was a teacher at St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny, moved to Donegal in the late 1980s.

He played for and later managed Fanad United before being appointed as Harps manager in November 2013.

In his first year at the helm, Harps reached an FAI Cup semi-final, losing to St Patrick’s Athletic.

In the 2015 season, Harps dramatically won promotion when BJ Banda netted a famous goal late in extra time to beat Limerick and send a packed Finn Park wild.

Ten years on, assistant manager James Gallagher, kitman Tommy Harkin and players Ciaran Gallagher, Michael Funston, Packie Mailey, Gareth Harkin, Thomas McMonagle, Damien McNulty and Raymond Foy were all in attendance. Current Harps boss Kevin McHugh was also a part of the 2015 squad.

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Harps played in the Premier Division for six seasons under Horgan’s watch and he managed the team for 317 games before leaving at the end of 2022, later joining Galway United as assistant manager to John Caulfield.