Finn Harps got a fresh insight into the hardships faced by League of Ireland footballers last weekend.
One Harps player, who was set to be in the traveling squad for Saturday’s trip to Cobh, was called in to work by his employer and had to miss the game.
“We had a situation for Cobh, where a player was unable to travel, who was rostered to be off for the day,” Harps manager Ollie Horgan said this week.
“We thought that the company, which is local in Donegal, could support us in any way they could, not just financially. Blocking the lad from traveling to Cobh was very disappointing.
“I know that we aren’t the only club struggling like that, but that’s the nature of it. This is a part-time League with part-time teams. You just need everyone backing you.”
Horgan said he would speak to the company in question ‘and ask can they back us’.
On Monday, Athlone Town had to play teenage outfield player Luke Kelly as a goalkeeper against Cabinteely. Two of Athlone’s goalkeepers are injured while another was unavailable due to work commitments with the army.
It is not a new scenario for Harps. Two seasons ago, goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher had to miss an away trip to Dundalk due to work commitments.
Last weekend, Horgan had to call on one of the club’s youngsters to step in to make the long journey south.
