Ryan Connolly happy as Harps avoid play-off horror show

Ryan Connolly celebrating his crucial goal for Harps in Finn Park

Ryan Connolly celebrates his goal against Longford in Finn Park Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)

Stuart Connolly reports from Finn Park

Finn Harps defeated Longford Town at Finn Park on Friday night to maintain their Premier Division status. First half goals from Will Seymore and Ryan Connolly got things started before Karl O'Sullivan, Tunde Owolabi and Luke Rudden rounded things off in the second half. 

Finn Harps scored the opening goal of the game just before the half hour mark and Connolly felt that his teammates were fighting for every ball from the word go.

"They (Longford) were making comments all week and I guess it kind of made us angry in a sense and Ollie (Horgan) got us all riled up before the game and it felt like we were on it throughout the match," he said.

Connolly netted the second goal of the game - a very sweetly struck half volley from 25 yards - and the midfielder noted that on a personal level, it was great to get on the scoresheet. 

"It was a nice goal. I've scored a few bangers throughout my life.

"It fell lovely and I just concentrated on striking the ball well and luckily enough it went into the top corner.

"A bit of luck involved but it was a nice technique and at least I got a goal this year, especially with the injuries, " he added.

Ollie Horgan’s side knew they just needed to match Waterford’s result at home to St. Patrick’s Athletic but that a win would be enough to avoid the play-off.

Harps netted quickly after the restart and Connolly noted that once they got that goal, they felt as if the game was all wrapped up.



"We said at half time that if we got the next goal then the game was over and I think that showed on the pitch."

In what was a somewhat hectic season for Finn Harps in which they achieved quite a bit, their place in the league’s top flight was under threat until last night’s result and Ryan Connolly noted it was disappointing that their survival was only secured in the last game.

"I think we maybe should have pushed on from last year and moved up the table,” said Connolly.

"When we are beating them teams [Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk], you know, they're the best teams in the country and we put it up to them but in the end we stayed up and we don't have to go through the horror of the play off. " 

With the season over and no need for a play-off to decide their fate, contract talks inevitably begin to surface for next season but Connolly noted that he is unsure what next year has in store for him.

"I've no idea, I'll just play it as it goes," he concluded.



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