FINN HARPS UNDER-14s finished third in the Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup on Saturday, led by American centre-back Brian McDaid.
After a transatlantic link with the Continental FC Academy in Philadelphia was forged by the Finn Harps Academy, McDaid was able to line out for Harps during last week’s Foyle Cup – and even got to play against Celtic.
McDaid, son of John and Una, already had strong connections to Harps. His uncle, Paddy McDaid, lined out for Harps in the League of Ireland and his cousin, Conor Porter, actually captained a Harps side that included Shay Given in goal, to victory in the Foyle Cup.
McDaid was home in Ireland with Delco Gaels competing in the Feile and stayed on to take part in the Foyle Cup.
“It was a pleasure to have Brian over with us,” Harps Under-14 manager Chantelle Grant told Donegal Sport Hub.
“In what could have being a hard transition to make, he made it look seamless in the way he fitted straight into the team.
“He also netted a lovely diving header on his debut. He added an extra dimension to our game with his ability to play in numerous positions. He showed great leadership throughout his time with us both on and off the field.”
McDaid headed home against Institute in a 4-0 win over Institute on Tuesday at the Riverside Stadium with Kelan Collier, Sean Doherty and Eoin Logue also on the mark.
Harps showed real character to come from a goal down against Cliftonville with Collier’s brace sealing a battling 2-1 win.
A 4-0 win over Culmore in their final group game confirmed a place in the semi-finals – and a meeting with Celtic FC.
Celtic were 4-0 winners against Harps in the semi-final at Brooke Park and the Hoops went on to defeat Derry Colts 1-0 in Saturday’s final at the Brandywell.
Harps, for their part, defeated Crusaders 1-0 in the 3rd/4th place play-off in St Johnston with Joe Leape scoring the goal and completing a successful week for Harps and their new American player.
On the Foyle Cup campaign, manager Grant said: “It was a pleasure to get to work with such a talented group of players only starting out in their footballing journey. after such a great and promising week we are now looking forward to the rest of the season.
“All the players should be proud with the way they carried themselves throughout the week.”
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