Fergal Harkin

Football player infobox
playername = Fergal Harkin


fullname = Fergal Harkin
nickname = "The Ballyliffin Thunderer"
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1976|11|26
cityofbirth = Ballyliffin
countryofbirth = Republic of Ireland
height = 5 ft 9 in
position = Winger / Attacking Midfielder
youthyears = 1994-96
youthclubs = Leicester City
years = 1994-1996 1996-1997 1998-1999 1999-2001 2001-2007 2008-
clubs = Leicester City
→ Rotherham United (loan) Bohemians Finn Harps Bohemians Dunston Federation F.C.
caps(goals) = 0 (0)
0 (0)
11 (0)
80 (11)
167 (16)
3 (3)|

Fergal Harkin is a former Irish footballer who played for Bohemians in the FAI League of Ireland over 8 seasons.

Career

A native of Ballyliffin, Fergal Harkin began his footballing career at youth level when he signed for Leicester City F.C., however this stint proved unsuccessful, and when Bohemians expressed an interest, he jumped at the chance.

First stint at Bohemians

Signed by then Bohs boss Joe McGrath, Harkin proved very impressive in the few games he played during the 1998-1999, mainly operating on the right wing. However, when new Bohs manager Roddy Collins took over at the club, Harkin was finding himself edged out more from the first team. It was alleged that the pair didn't get on, and soon Harkin was looking for a new club. He found it in his home county of Donegal.

Finn Harps

Harkin moved to Finn Harps and proved to be as popular as he had been at his former club, taking over the captain's armband during his 3 season stint at the club. Finn Harps even reached the FAI Cup final, only to be edged out by Bray Wanderers after a replay. It was during his time at the Ballybofey club that his former club were having their best season in decades, lifting the FAI League of Ireland & FAI Cup trophy in the remarkable 2000-01 double-winning season. This season was to be Roddy Collins' last at the club however.

Harkin returns

After the departure of Roddy Collins, Pete Mahon made Harkin one of his first signings when he swooped for the midfielder in the summer of 2001. Harkin was the first to admit his love of the club, & even admitted to having attended the famous 6-4 victory by Bohemians over Shamrock Rovers during the double winning season. Harkin has been ever-present since rejoining the club, and is still respected by the fans of the Phibsborough club.

Fergal Harkin was voted Bohemians Player of the Year in 2006, despite missing a lot of the season through injury, which showed the respect both players & fans of the club have for him. However, during the 2006/07 season, rumours circulated that manager Sean Connor offered Harkin to Dundalk FC, a move which the player turned down. Many Bohs fans expressed dismay at this rumour, wanting Harkin to stay at Dalymount Park.

A flag was designed by fans for Fergal Harkin, under the moniker Ballyliffin Bohs, the town he's originally from.

Retirement

In August 2007 Fergal Harkin announced he would be retiring at the end of the season, citing his recurring knee injury which left him in agony up to 24 hours after each game. Given his love of the club however, he stated that he would still regularly attend games, citing his "real affiliation with the club". He played his final home game for the club on 2 November 2007 in Dalymount Park v Longford Town. To commemorate the event, Harkin was captain for the night, and after the game a fans tribute was held, with specially designed flags and a plaque in honour of his loyal service.

In January 2008 Harkin made a goalscoring debut for Northern League Division One club Dunston Federation F.C., playing for the amateurs whilst based in Newcastle.

Outside football

Harkin was one of the only players at Bohemians who played part-time. Harkin worked as a sales representative for Nike, Inc. in Ireland, but following his retirement from football, became a senior marketing manager in the UK for the company.

Honours

*FAI League of Ireland: 1
** Bohemians 2002-03
*FAI Cup Runners up: 2
** Finn Harps 1999
** Bohemians 2002