Former-Finn Harps manager ordered to pay victim €15,800 for assault

A former League of Ireland manager has been ordered to pay a man €15,800 damages after he assaulted him in the club’s boardroom.

Patsy McGowan, a former FAI cup-winning manager with Finn Harps, assaulted fellow board member Shane McConnell after a row over internet rumours.

Mr McConnell, Navenney Street, Ballybofey, Co Donegal, appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Civil Court yesterday after taking an action for damages against McGowan (77).

The victim (34) told the court he grew up beside Finn Park and was a fan of the club all his life. He became a board member in 2008.

He attended a board meeting on July 29th, 2008, where the issue of online debate was raised and Mr McConnell accused McGowan of making certain allegations.

In response, McGowan turned and punched Mr McConnell in the face while he had his arms folded, causing him to fall to the floor.

Mr McConnell said McGowan jumped on top of him, dragged him along the floor and pulled hair out of his head. McGowan, of Knock, Ballybofey, was eventually dragged away.

Mr McConnell said he could not return to Finn Park out of embarrassment and anxiety.

McGowan was found guilty of attacking Mr McConnell at the District Court and ordered to pay him €1,750.

James O’Donnell, for McGowan, said his client was under a lot of pressure at the time and bore no ill will towards Mr McConnell.