Finn Harps to hold fan update, Q&A session ahead of takeover decision

Finn Harps are holding a shareholder update and Q&A session tomorrow afternoon, ahead of any decision to allow a potential multi-million euro takeover of the club. All club members and supporters are invited to attend the session, which will take place at 4pm at Jackson's Hotel in Ballybofey, and also online at this link. The club has announced that the Special General Meeting which had been tabled for Sunday will be moved to a new date to be announced soon - with tomorrow's update and Q&A to provide an informal update on progress being made. Harps say that no business will be transacted and no votes will be taken at the session, but crucial updates will be provided regarding the proposed takeover of the club by Phillipines businessman and ex-footballer Freddy Gonzalez. He has pledged several million euros worth of investment into the Ballybofey side, including the funds to conclude construction of their new stadium, investment in a new Centre of Excellence, and funding to take the club full-time. In a circular distributed to club members this afternoon, the Board of the Finn Harps Co-Operative Society confirmed that a simpler route to the proposed investment being approved had been found. "On Friday, following intensive work and legal consultation involving the club, the FAI, government sports bodies and all parties, agreement was reached in principle on a simpler, more direct route to the investment - the most significant step forward since the deal was first announced," they said. "The previous route required individually signed Share Transfer Forms from the large majority of our 2,000-plus shareholders to reduce the register below 149. That was the single biggest obstacle between this club and completion. The preferred route removes it: no individual transfer forms, and the Co-operative Society continues in existence." "Transaction remains subject to the votes of members, and that decision rests, as it always has, entirely with you." The club also said that they understood the "frustrating" nature of developments, with the original SGM being rescheduled, and now the nature of the proposed takeover also changing. "This is the second time the date has moved, and the plan has changed shape since first announced," Finn Harps said. "Members are entitled to find that frustrating. But at every point the club has told you the position as it actually stood: Thursday's notice - saying plainly that the vote would not be held on Sunday - was accurate when it issued. The breakthrough came on Friday, the day after, and we are telling you today." "The destination has never changed. The route has improved, and each time it has, we have said so straight away." "Further Q&A sessions will be held before the votes. Following tomorrow's session, we will publish an updated Q&A on the club website covering the questions raised and the answers given, and keep it up to date as the process moves forward. Updates will be shared with members. Questions can be submitted to secretary@finnharps.ie." The club is continuing its work to update its members' register with up-to-date information, particularly from legacy shareholders. "The register work continues and matters as much as ever. If you, or anyone you know, may be a legacy shareholder, contact secretary@finnharps.ie so your details can be checked. No one votes tomorrow. Only members paid up for 2026 will be able to vote at the time. To have your say when the vote arrives, renew now at finnharps.ie/membership-renewal. "Thank you for your patience and your support. See you tomorrow at 4pm."