Finn Harps’ opening 10 league games for 2019 leaves a lot to be desired: Four trips to Dublin. Dundalk and Cork City on Navenny Street. Two North-West rival encounters and last season’s First Division champions.
I think it’s fair to say that the SSE Airtricity League fixture list released this afternoon has hit Finn Harps with an almighty awakening.
What happened to the Christmas season of goodwill, et al? There was certainly none of it shattered over Ballbofey today.
In fact, in the first ten league games, Harps’ will travel to the capital four times against Bohemians, St Patrick’s Atheltic, Shamrock Rovers, and UCD.
Let’s not forget atrip to an ever-improving Waterford side is also on the cards.
It’ll be a grueling opening few weeks for Horgan’s side, who also welcome Dundalk, Cork City, Sligo Rovers, Shamrock Rovers (again), and rivals Derry City to Ballybofey.
Finn Park will be imperative as ever next season, welcoming bumper gates, but with the champions of 2018 and 2017, either side of Shamrock Rover and Waterford, coming to town over February and March, it’s hard to see where Harps’ could generate early points.