Gallagher returns to Finn Harps

CIARAN Gallagher has returned to Finn Harps after spending a season at Derry City, while Harps manager Ollie Horgan has recruited Ramelton man Tony McNamee from Irish League side Glenavon.

Harps captain Kevin McHugh, as well as Keith Cowan, Thomas McMonagle and Michael Funston have confirmed that they will remain at Finn Park for the 2015 season with the sextet unveiled in Ballybofey tonight. All six have been signed until the end of next season.

Gallagher is back at Harps a year after joining north-west rivals Derry City.

Gallagher found game time limited at the Brandywell, the bulk of his appearances coming in the Ulster Senior League, and he is back at the club for whom he made 127 appearances since 2009.

Gallagher was understudy to Gerard Doherty at Derry and, while he didn’t play too often the Raphoe man returns with the experience of a Europa League campaign and a run to the FAI Cup final behind him.

“He wanted to go to try it out at Derry, but he wants to come home – and the conversations I’ve had with him have been very positive,” Horgan said.

Horgan has confirmed that he wants to have three goalkeepers on his books by the time his squad reconvene for pre-season training on January 13th.

The Harps boss has added a new face in McNamee, a 21-year-old attacker who left Derry City in August to join Glenavon but, after not becoming a regular at Mourneview, he has opted to sign for Harps.

Horgan said: “He should do well. His ability on the ball is there to be seen. He’s a good lad with a great attitude.

“He is someone who wants to be here – and what I want are men who want to be here.”

Club icon McHugh is on board again to add to his 385 appearances and 176 goals and will be rejoined in the squad by defenders Cowan and McMonagle as well as midfielder Funston, all of whom were also members of the 2014 squad.

Horgan, who confirmed his intention to retain most of those from the season just ended, said: “This is the start of it. Some of the boys will need a little time to recharge the batteries before we get back into pre-season.”