Patrick McEleney tipped to be new Finn Harps manager

Patrick McEleney is favourite to become the new manager of Finn Harps. The 33-year-old Derry native is firmly in the frame to be appointed as the successor to Kevin McHugh, whose departure was confirmed earlier this evening. McEleney, rom the Shantallow area of Derry city, announced his retirement from professional football today. He had been with Ballymena United, playing 31 times since signing from Derry City in January 2025. Now, he has emerged as the shock candidate to take over at Finn Park. McEleney was in the crowd for Harps’ recent FAI Cup defeat by Bray Wanderers in Ballybofey. McEleney had a short stint at Oldham Athletic in 2018 in between two spells at Dundalk, while he made over 300 appearances for his native Derry City, scoring 41 goals. As a player, McEleney won three League of Ireland Premier Division titles with Dundalk, four FAI Cups - two apiece with Derry and Dundalk - and three League of Ireland Cups, with one at Derry and two at Dundalk. His brother Shane played two seasons at Harps in 2020 and 2021 under the late Ollie Horgan. Harps are at the bottom of the First Division and have won just once in their last 10 games in all competitions. With Harps expected to be taken over by Filipino entrepreneur Freddy Gonzalez in the coming months, the manager’s role at Finn Park will become a full-time job. Harps said in announcing McHugh’s departure: “The club has spoken with Kevin about this change, and with the demands of the full time position not suiting his personal circumstances, it has been mutually agreed that Kevin will move into a role that secures his involvement at the club for the long term.”