Finn Harps have appealed to supporters to take an “active role” in ensuring the club can plan for an exciting future in the new stadium currently under construction in Stranorlar.
The club believes that the stadium project will offer huge short and long term benefits for both its supporters and the wider Donegal public once completed.
But it needs the public to get behind the planned fundraising drive.
Following a Government announcement in May, which confirmed that the first drawdown of grant money had been processed, the board of directors updated shareholders and supporters at Wednesday’s EGM on groundwork which has been completed at the new stadium site, and further works about to commence.
Harps Chairman Joey O’Leary said that, due to difficult trading conditions, a huge collective effort is required to secure its future in the new Finn Park.
“For the last two years the board of directors and I have been consistent in implementing our strategy for the club. Both the operational and playing costs have been significantly reduced, and the emphasis has been on offering younger players an opportunity in the senior game.
“Everyone knows there is a desperate shortage of cash in circulation which is making trading conditions very tough for everyone. We have had no home games against Derry or Sligo this season, so our fantastic volunteers have had to work hard and be creative to make sure we cover costs. It is now vital that we adopt a more collective effort and an ‘all hands on deck approach’ over the coming weeks and months.” he said.
O’Leary says there are huge incentives for the Northwest public to back the club’s fundraising drive.
“We believe the new stadium project offers not just Finn Harps but the region as a whole an exceptional range of sporting and community benefits. The new arena will not only give Finn Harps a platform to develop into one of the leading clubs in the country, but it will also be an FAI Centre of Excellence which will offer that the best local young talent an environment where they can fulfil their potential” he added
The Harps chairman also emphasised the wider benefits of the project including employment and the potential for the stadium to host large concerts and events.
Harps are asking the public to support its two current fundraising ventures, the club’s annual Members/Monster Draw plus the Harps of Donegal CD joint venture with Rehab Donegal services.
O’Leary said the Club are also asking Supporters to come forward and help the Club maximise return in both of these vital fundraisers.
“There has been extraordinary work behind the scenes to keep senior football in the County and the Stadium offers everyone something special to work towards. Rather than People thinking “you build it and we will come” we are clearly hoping that more people will join us and say “we will help you get there,” he concluded.
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