‘Proper football man’: Former Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan dies aged 57

Former Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan has died aged 57 after a short illness.

Horgan had stepped away from his role as assistant manager of Galway United last month for health reasons.

The Galway native was the manager of Finn Harps from November 2013 to November 2022, where he managed them for 354 games. His highlights included a run to the FAI Cup semi-final and promotions to the Premier Division.

He also managed the Republic of Ireland national schoolboy football team and Fanad United in the Ulster Senior League.

Away from football, Horgan was a teacher at St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny, a role he maintained despite his various coaching roles across the country.

Former Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan arrives before a game. Photograph: Evan Logan/Inpho

President Michael D Higgins led the tributes to Horgan, who was a popular figure in the League of Ireland community.

“It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Ollie Horgan.

“Ollie was one of the most respected and popular people in the League of Ireland. He will be warmly remembered for his wonderful management and intense passion for the game, in particular during his near decade-long spell as manager of Finn Harps.

“More recently Ollie has played a key role, working as assistant to John Caulfield, in the successful recent seasons of Galway United, only leaving his role in recent weeks due to the health challenges he was facing.

“He will be deeply missed by the whole League of Ireland community.

“May I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to Ollie’s wife Anita, his children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor and David, to all of his family who have made such an extraordinary contribution to the game, and to all of his players, colleagues, friends and fans throughout the country.”

Finn Harps said they were deeply saddened by the death of their former manager.

“A man of great integrity and resolve, Ollie’s contribution to Finn Harps and Irish football will never be forgotten. A proper football man.”

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