Strathroy Harps veteran recalls glory years with neighbours

IF the success of a football club were measured by the amount of silverware contained in the trophy cabinet, Strathroy Harps could comfortably be classed as a team of esteemed distinction.

However, change the criteria from sporting accomplishments to social contribution, and all of a sudden this hyper-local soccer side becomes an institution of incalculable worth.

“A football club is the heartbeat of a community – the thing that gives people an identity and a sense of purpose,” said Seamus Fanthorpe, who was player/manager through Strathroy Harps’ golden years in the early 2010s.

With a side mostly made up of lads from the park, Seamus, better known to the boys as Linney, went on a winning streak of almost absurd proportions, bagging three Mercer League Cups, three Mulhern Cups, four Kennedy Cups and, the apex, back-to-back Irish Junior Cups.

“I was playing for Omagh Town when the Harps were founded. But, having grown up with most of that first group of players, I always kept a close eye on the club.

“When it arrived time for me to come back down the league ladder, so to speak, I joined Strathroy as player/manager.”

When Linney was appointed club general, his green and white army were battle fatigued and faltering.

“They had just been relegated. They were in a bad way of going. But I landed in with energy and a bit of ambition. I could see where the club could go. Along with the players, many of who were good friends, we started working towards building a club that could do something special. We wanted to make the park proud,” said Linney.

Words were said, players were signed, and a shared vision was created – one which over the next few years would become a reality.

“Before us, in 120 years, only one Tyrone team had ever won the Irish Junior Cup. No Omagh team had ever won it. Then we did it twice in a row in 2012 and 2013. That tells you the difficulty of what we accomplished.”

It was an incredible time for everyone involved – one which Linney reckons had positive impacts far beyond the football field.

“Those years were a testament to all the lads and the park itself. The boys were the embodiment of everything that Strathroy stands for – and the ones who turned out every week to watch us could feel that.

“In fact – and I know people don’t like to acknowledge this nowadays – but there was a certain stigma that surrounded Strathroy for many years. It was an external thing; the outside looking in.

“People in the park always had respect for each other. We knew who we were. But it wasn’t uncommon for people from other parts of the town to look down on us.

“I think the Harps helped – and continues to help – change that. It brings people from outside Strathroy into the heart of the community, both as players and fans. It changes their perception.

“It’s a way of showing the world what the park and its people are all about.

“Fair play to Benny Boyle and all the lads that continue to make Strathroy Harps a great club, both at youth and senior level. You continue to make us all proud.”