Sean Hargan (born 1974 in Derry, Northern Ireland) is a former professional footballer and veteran defender, known for his long association with Derry City. Hargan had a brief spell at Crusaders before retiring at the end of the 2009 season.
A key member of the Derry City's 1996–97 league-winning side,[1] Hargan played a pivotal role in the club's success over the years. His commitment and leadership on the pitch earned him a testimonial year in 2005, recognising his outstanding service to the club.
Hargan is particularly renowned for scoring an unforgettable away goal against IFK Göteborg in the 2006 UEFA Cup, ensuring a famous 1-0 win for the Candystripes.[2] This goal helped spark a memorable European campaign for Derry City, and was instrumental in securing an eventual tie against French giants Paris Saint-Germain. To this day, it is considered one of the club's most famous goals, and iconic moments in European competition.
Derry City
As a youngster Sean played for Top of the Hill Celtic in the Derry and District League. As he got older, he broke into the Derry City team in the position of striker and scored a hat trick on his debut against Galway United. Hargan later converted to left back, where he offered unwavering commitment to the side. This has endeared him to the supporters. Hargan has scored more than 50 competitive goals for the Candystripes, including a decisive header away to IFK Gothenburg in the 2006 UEFA Cup qualifying round.[3] Also during the 2006 league season, Derry City escaped punishment for fielding a banned Hargan due to the league failing informing Derry City in the correct timeframe.[4] By the end of that season, Hargan had made a total of 393 appearances for the club - that makes him the club's third highest appearer ever.
Hargan was described as a loyal servant for the club and is renowned for the goal he scored in the UEFA Cup tie (now Europa League) against Swedish giants IFK Gothenburg, which saw Derry City to a 1–0 victory on the night. To this day, it remains the clubs most famous goal.
After Derry's City's European experience which included memorable ties with Gretna and PSG, Shelbourne were reported to have shown interest in the left back, but Hargan pledged his loyalty and stayed with the Candystripes until the end of the 2008 season.
With the signing of Dave Rogers at the beginning of the 2007 season, Hargan's first-team place came under stiff competition. Nevertheless, due to his senior status in the team he was handed the role of vice-captain to Peter Hutton by Pat Fenlon for the season and Hargan seen off the completion of Rogers until he sustained an injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season.
Hargan signed for a Crusaders at the end of that season after departing the Brandywell club after 14 years at the club.
Crusaders
At the end of December 2008, Irish League side Crusaders signed Hargan on an 18-month deal. Dungannon Swifts and Coleraine were also believed to be interested in the veteran full-back, but Hargan signed for the Crues and spent just under a year as his career was cut short due to injury. Hargan retired from professional football at the end of the 2009 season at the age of 37. [5]
Post-Retirement
Hargan joined former Derry City teammate Peter Hutton in Harry Gregg's testimonial match on 15 May 2012, at Windsor Park in Belfast.[6] The match, which saw an Irish League XI take on a full-strength Manchester United side, celebrated the illustrious career of legendary goalkeeper Harry Gregg. Hargan played alongside a number of notable players,[7] with Manchester United emerging victorious, winning 4-1 with goals from Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, and others.
Hargan was appointed Assistant Coach at Derry City following the appointment of Peter Hutton as manager in 2014.[8]
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