Sport

Back in the day - Declan Bonner set to step down as Donegal manager - June 13 1999

Declan Bonner during his first stint as Donegal Senior manager
Declan Bonner during his first stint as Donegal Senior manager Declan Bonner during his first stint as Donegal Senior manager

DECLAN BONNER could be set to step down as Donegal manager after his side was shown the championship exit by Armagh.

His two-year contract is up and he indicated it was unlikely he would take up the one-year extension option available, citing the increasing demands of the post.

“I don’t think now is the time but I’ll definitely sit down and have serious discussions with a few people and make a decision then.”

“But the way it’s gone, it’s nearly a full time position. It’s very very hard to do this job with a young family and that will probably take priority at this stage.”

Bonner discussed the implications of defeat with his former boss Brian McEniff but it’s thought another Old Boy of the 1992 All-Ireland success is the man Donegal will seek to appoint.

Martin McHugh, who led Cavan from the wilderness to Anglo-Celt glory two years ago may be asked to repeat the trick for his native county.

Commenting openly on his future Bonner stated: “I could go out, to be quite honest. The commitment is huge especially at management level. It’s gone very very professional.”

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Brolly saves Derry's bacon

IF Derry win the Ulster Football Championship again this year it would not be surprising if someone suggests that a statue be erected to Joe Brolly.

He saved their bacon at Casement Park yesterday and didn’t even have time to throw kisses to the crowd.

His point rescued the Oak Leaf men from what seemed the point of no return but then he expects to do Houdini acts like that.

“That’s what I do, I score,” he told me in a rather discontented dressing room.

Anthony Tohill, the Derry captain, had no doubts about the penalty decision. “It was an absolute disgrace,” he blasted. “It would have been the greatest injustice ever if we had been knocked out because of it. I’m certain that television pictures will prove that.

“But what can I say about the game? Sure we had it won and then we were out before Joe’s point. I’m disappointed that we had the game won but relieved that we got the draw at the end. We will have to try and get back to normal and get ready for the replay next Sunday.”

Naturally, the penalty incident was looked upon in a different light in the Cavan quarters. Nobody was too keen to stick their neck out one way or another but the general feeling was that the penalty was given and why shouldn’t it be taken.

“It was a tremendous decision,” stated manager Val Andrews, who wouldn’t comment when asked if it had been given to Derry would he still think the same.

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St Pat's girls are champs

ST Patrick’s Primary School (North Queen Street, Belfast) are the new Northern Ireland netball champions following their outstanding performance at the Irish News finals at the Antrim Forum on Saturday.

In the semi-finals the winners knocked out the holders St Brendan’s while Downey House accounted for last year’s silver medalists Tanaghmore setting up the final between St Patrick’s and Downey.

Storming to an early lead St Patrick’s were 3- 0 up at half-time. Downey came back in the second half but were unable to match the determination and skill of their league rivals and St Pat’s took the title for the first time with a 9-5 victory.

St Patrick’s: Ciara Boyle (Captain), Shauna Lavery, Emma McNally, Katrina McNerney, Alicia Murdock, Sarah Faulkner, Bernadette Saunders, Desiree Lindsay, Jamie English, Lisa Morrow.