Finn Harps MU17 win Tier Two Plate final over Klub Kildare

Finn Harps MU17 were crowned winners of the LOI Academy MU17 Plate with a 1-0 win over Klub Kildare at the Letterkenny Community Centre on Saturday.

Odhran Boyle scored the only goal of the game for the Harps just ten minutes into the game, as they held out for a good win, with Kildare’s captain Rhys Jones being sent off late on.

The Harps finished sixth in the LOI Tier Two (North), with Kildare finishing ahead of them in the standings, and they defeated Kerry 3-2 in their quarter-final as they went three up in the first half with goals from Harry Blaney, Thomas Maxwell and Ronan McGranaghan.

They then travelled to Limerick to face Treaty United, and again it was another early goal that made the difference, as Enda Duddy scored after five minutes and they held on for the win.

Former Finn Harps player Oisin McMenamin is Head Coach of the team, with Oisin Hassett assistant manager.

It wasn’t to be for the Finn Harps WU17 in their Shield final, as they lost 3-0 to Waterford.

Having come third in the Tier Two North section, the Harps women won away to Treaty United 2-0 with goals from Ava Greer and Aishling Duffy.

And they caused an upset when defeating Dundalk in the semi-final, who had won 11 of their 12 games in the league, with Kyra Gavigan and Lily Rodgers scoring in that 2-1 win.

But Waterford flew out the blocks in the Athlone Town Stadium on Saturday, with Amy Walsh scoring from outside the box after just 12 minutes.

Jodie Roche and Kate Dalton added further first half goals, as Paddy McDaid’s side fought bravely but were beaten.