Former Finn Harps striker Owolabi 'relishing' the challenge with St. Pat's

Tunde Owolabi turned out to be a massive hit with Finn Harps fans last season - and more than played his part in keeping the Donegal side in the top flight.

His memorable hat-trick against St. Patrick’s Athletic in a 3-1 win, his late winner in a 2-1 success over Shamrock Rovers and two goals in a 2-2 draw with Dundalk were among the highlights.

Now, though, rather than setting his sights on trying to keep a team in the top flight, he is hoping to collect some honours in Ireland.

The affable Belgian-born striker signed for FAI Cup winners St. Patrick’s Athletic on Christmas Eve last year, having been out of contract with Harps.

And he’s already making his mark.  Owolabi made his debut for the club in the President’s Cup against Shamrock Rovers, scoring in the penalty shootout as his side lost 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

His first goal for the Tim Clancy managed side came last month when he came off the bench and banged in a real cracker a 2–1 defeat against Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park.

“I’m settling in well. There is some very good quality in the team and the competition for places is high,” he told Donegal Live.

With Eoin Doyle and Mark Doyle leading the Saints attack and the likes of Ronan Coughlan and Darragh Burns also in the squad, Owolabi’s game time has largely been as a second half substitute.

But he knows that it is up to him to force his way into the team, and to help his new club in its quest for more silverware this season.

“It’s a challenge for me and a challenge that I am relishing. I hope to make an impact when called upon and hopefully I can start more games in the future,” he explained.

“St. Pat’s is a big club and there is high expectation here and hopefully that will make me better playing with these lads, and the expectations as well for myself.”

Last Friday, Owolabi came on as the Inchicore outfit beat Harps 2-0 in Ballybofey.

Commenting on the game, he said: “I have friends here (with Harps) who I truly respect and with whom I have a good relationship, but obviously I’m a St. Pat’s player now, and have to do everything and fight for everything to help the team win games.

“We knew coming here was going to be tough for us. We know how Finn Harps play, they are physically very strong and they work hard and we had to match them. We’re happy to have got the three points.”

Owolabi featured again in the second half of St Pat’s 2-0 win on Monday over UCD, a result that left his new club topping the table with 12 points from six games.

He enjoyed his time with Harps - and will be keeping a close eye on their results - but he is now very much part of the Richmond Park set-up and one suspects he can become a real fans’ favourite there as well. 

This evening, St Pat’s are at the Brandywell where they take on Derry City in a 7.45 pm start.