FINN HARPS are to install a plastic pitch at their Finn Park home for next season – with the Ballybofey venue to remain as home of the women’s team when their new stadium is built.
Harps are currently working towards completing much-delayed works on their new home in Stranolar.
Building stopped in 2014 though the club has most of the funding in place and has applied for planning permission for what will be a 5,580 capacity, though the first phase will see a stand with 1,500 seats.
But while the club works towards its new home, the decision has been made to keep Finn Park for football and install a plastic pitch.
The club has been given a €390,000 grant to install a plastic pitch to aid girls football and had considered selling Finn Park and building it elsewhere in the locality.
But the decision has now been made to keep the Ballybofey venue and make it the long-term home of the club’s women’s section, even after the men move to Stranolar.
Harps currently have Under-17 and Under-19 teams Women’s LOI Academy system with long-term plans to enter a senior team in the Women’s Premier Division.
The Donegal outfit’s decision to go on plastic will mean seven of the 20 men’s League of clubs will play on artificial surfaces next season.
Presently, Athlone Town, Bray Wanderers, Cobh Ramblers, Dundalk, Derry City and Kerry all use plastic pitches.
