Bonar, Seamus
December 27, 2012Seamus or "Bonar as he was affectionately referred to is. football debates, gave outstanding service to Donegal as a player through minor,U-21 and senior ranks, playing his last competitive game against
Monaghan in the Ulster Championship in Castleblasey is 1985.
During his playing career he became the first Donegal player to win three Ulster Championships, 1972 -74, '83, played Railway Cup with Ulster and was an All-Star replacement. Indeed it was baffling that he never achieved a full All-Star as his performances during the 1974 campaign in particular, both at full-forward and midfield, merited greater than a replacement award.
Seamus, at the age of six years in 1954, youngest son of John and Sarah, along with brothers Liam and Sean, moved from Killygordan to reside in Finadoose outside Donegal Town. He received his Primary
Educason at Copany N.S. and proceeded to Donegal Technical School (now better known as Abbey Vocational School) where the Intermediate Certificate in third year was the highest grade of academic achievement available in this institution at that time
His Father, John, was the local blacksmith and had his forge in Curristan's yard in Waterloo Place. Donegal Town. Seamus went to work as an apprentice motor mechanic in the Diamond Garage in Donegal Town, then located at the rear of Martin Fox's, later known as McGroarty's and now known as O'DonneIls.
When local postman, the late Patsy Bennett R.I.P brought the contents of an advertisement in a National newspaper to Seamus's attention seeking qualified motor mechanics for Garda Headquarters in the
Phoenix Park, Seamus duly applied and the rest is history.
After completing practical, theory and medical exams Seamus was successful and commenced work with a six months training programme in Templemore. On completion of this programme he took up duty in Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park. Later he progressed to the ES.V. section in Harcourt Terrace and finished his service in the road traffic accident department, retiring just some years ago. He was indeed a highly skilled motor mechanic and a very competent judge to engage with when purchasing a new or second hand vehicle.
Seamus's footballing career commenced when as a young boy he along with friends and neighbours from the Leghowney, Copany, Drumbar, and Laghey areas would assemble in Ned Brogan's field in Drumbar and play football from 2pm to 6pm every Sunday afternoon.
As the numbers grew a Juvenile Club was formed and in 1963 the club went all the way to the U-16 County final, recording facile home and away victories over local rivals Four Masters en route only to lose the final to Ardara.
A brief report carried in the Donegal Democrat on the first leg game played in the "Showgrounds", now better known as the "Hospital Field", paid glowing tribute to the midfield exploits of one Seamus Bonar and his partner Eamon Cassidy and the scoring genius that was Wallace Kee.
The teams that participated that day was:
Drumbar: EJ.Mundy, Aodh Cassidy, Paddy Brogan, Eamon Brogan, Michael Mulhern, Brian Travers, Neily Meehan, Eamon Cassidy and Seamus Bonar, Gerry Travers, Patsy Kelly, Eunan Travers, RJ. McGamgle, Hugh Cassidy, Wallace Kee. Trainer, Patsy Brogan.
Four Masters: Columba Reid, Seamus Lynch, Gerry Williamson, Martin Lynch, Peadar Thomas, Sean Kelly, Liam Kelly, Matt Briton and Eugene McGarrigle, Brian McEnhill, Sean McEnhill, Louis Brogan,
Martin Keeney, Erankie 0 Donnell, Aodh 0 Donnell. Referee: Sean McMullin (Drumbar).
Seamus Bonner proved to be one of the most prominent players on this successful journey, as a developing young player he was described as an excellent dead ball kicker, whether from frees, penalties, sideline kicks, '50s' or kick outs. His technique, power and accuracy were exceptional and these qualities stood him in good stead when during the 70s and early 80s at inter county level his penalty taking ability proved to be an outstanding asset.
In Drumbar, guided by men like Hugh McGlinchey (R.I.P) and Jackie McMullin and coached by the legendary Patsy Brogan (R.I.P) county minor semi-flnal and finals were lost to Dungloe and Gaoth Dobhair and now a junior team was representing the club for which the 16-year-old Bonar also played.
He represented the club as a county minor in 1966 and the county U-21s in 1968 and '69.
The following is a county U-21 selection ' that played Derry in Magherafelt in the Ulster U-21 Championship on Sunday 2nd June 1968: Dinny Forker (Dungloe), Danny Gallagher (Falcarragh), Donal Monaghan (Four Masters), Jimmy McSwiggan (Glenties), Thomas Quinn (Ballyshannon), Michael McMenamin (Sean McCools), Terry McMorrow (St. Eunans), Paudgeen Kavanagh (Convoy) and Teddy Kane (Ballyshannon), Anthony Gallagher (St. Eunans), Seamus Bonar (Drumbar), Packie Gildea (Ardara, Eugene McDermott (Inch), Pauric McShea (Ballyshannon), Eugene Gallagher (Sean McCools). Subs.: Daniel McGeehan (Glenties), John McGinley (Killybegs), Rory Barry (St. Nauls), Tommy Patton (Ramelton), Hughie McClafferty (Mulroy Gaels), Paddy Brogan (Drumbar), Packie 0 Donnell (St. Eunans).
Soon afterwards he was selected to play for Clanna Gael in the senior club championship. In 1971 he played midfleld in the senior county final losing to Sean McCools. Soon after Clanna Gael ceased to function and Seamus played his club football with the local Four Masters club. He gave an exhibition of midfield play in a county semi-final of 1973 against St. Josephs (Bundoran/ Ballyshannon) in McCool Park and only an "unfortunate" injury in the closing stages denied Four Masters a possible shock victory over their illustrious opponents.
This was to be Seamus's last club game in Donegal as soon after he transferred to the Garda G.A.A. Club in Dublin where he continued to don the blue and white. In 1974 he married the beautiful Cathy (Gallagher) from Achill, Co. Mayo, whom he met in the National Ballroom on Parnell Square. Their marriage was blessed with one daughter
Annette and three sons, Enda, Seamus and Kevin.
Around 1978 he transferred to the Civil Service club in Dublin with whom he won a senior championship medal in 1980 as captain, defeating Erin's Hope in the final in Croke Park having lost the 1979 final to
Na Fianna with Seamus also as captain of the side.
The successful Service championship team in that 1980 final was as follows:
Jim Carroll (Dublin), Denis Stephenson (Armagh), Gareth 0 Reilly (Cavan), Ger Crowe (Clare), Jim Marshall (Wexford), Eugene Sheelin (Louth R.I.E), Paddy McGill (Cavan), Pat O'Neill (Dublin) and John Long (Kerry), Benny Gaughran (Louth), Seamus Bonar (Donegal), Paddy Crosier (Derry), Jimmy Hannify (Longford), Finnian McDonnell (Donegal), Mick 0 Connor (Kerry). Subs.; Kevin KUmurray (Offaly), Joe 0 Neill (Dublin).
Incidentally it was on the way home from this match that a certain Brian Mulhns suffered a horrific car accident that threatened his playing career. However to everyone's astonishment he made a miraculous
recovery to come back and win another All-Ireland in 1983.
Seamus and Brian had many close encounters in club matches in Dublin during those years. I recall being in Parnell Park in the late 1970s at a very fractious club championship game between St. Vincents
and Civil Service. Vincents had many of Dublin's all conquering team of the 70s and indeed won the All-Ireland club championship around that time. Bonar was partnered at midfleld that day by Ireland rugby
legend Moss Keane (R.I.P) and the Service team was littered with intercounty players of a very high calibre. To say some of the exchanges were not for the faint hearted would be an understatement. Luckily it was pre the video recording of club games.
Seamus continued playing club football until 1992 but no further championships ensued. A Division 1 League was won in the '86/'87 season. Other Donegal players who played with Seamus during his Civil Service career were Noel McCole (Dungloe), John McGowan (St. Nauls), Michael Gallagher (Glenties), Jim Gallagher, Eunan Gallagher, Brian and Alan Murray (Ballyshannon).
Then in late 1989 Brian McEniff, back for another sojourn as county manager, brought Seamus into his backroom team and two further Ulster championships were secured in 1990 and 92, the '92 success eventually leading us to the elusive capture of a first ever Sam Maguire. Bonar and McEniffwere the only two asso dated with our first five Anglo Celt successes, either as players, selector or manager.
After our championship exit in 1994 the All-Ireland management team stepped down but Bonar continued in active management at club level, initially at his local club St. Brigids in Blanchardstown where
two of his sons, Seamus junior and Kevin were progressing through the underage ranks. Indeed he along with fellow Donegal men Phil Kelly (Clonmany) and Noel Cassidy (Donegal Town) secured the club's first county minor championship in 1995.
Also in 1995 he managed Bailieborough Shamrocks to the Cavan County Championship after 31 years and league double and indeed to the Ulster club final where Armagh's Mullaghbaun secured a narrow victory in Clones with Bailieborough havin, a last minute goal disallowed in controversial circumstances.
During his tenure with Bailieborough he had some close encounters with Cavan Gaels and after one epic battle where Cavan Gaels were hot favourites to succeed, Bailieborough secured a narrow victory which prompted one Cavan Gaels officer to approach Bonar and sportingly acknowledge: "How can you achieve so much and say so little".
This indeed was a tribute to how Bonar in his own quiet way could get total respect and optimum performance from those under his stewardship. Indeed this quiet, relaxed, unassuming persona typified his everyday mannerism.
In September 1996 he succeeded John O'Mahony as Leitrim manager where he had former Leitrim greats Dan Meehan and Noel Crossan as selectors and former Dublin manager and club colleague Dr. Pa 0'Neill as an adviser.
In his first league game as manager of Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon they defeated Dublin 1-10 to 0-10. Dublin, remember, were All-Ireland champions in 1995. Seamus continued to manage adult teams in St. Brigid's where he witnessed his son Kevin win two Dublin Senior Championships and (also a Leinster club championship and son Seamus win Intermediate championship
medals.
Seamus was also a renowned soccer player and when his G.A.A. commitments facilitated he would regularly turn out for the Garda soccer team in the Leinster Senior League. These games would usually
be played on Saturdays. A potent centre forward with a keen eye for goal, had he dedicated himself to this sport he could have been a competent League Of Ireland player.
A keen golfer, some of the stories been relayed by his coleagues about days, weekends and weeks away on group golf trips would require serious proof reading and detailed editing before going to print. Indeed it was his love of all sporting disciplines that helped Seamus endure his illness during the past year.
On a visit to his family home in late August he marvelled at the quality and variety of sport on television during the summer months, The European Championship, The Ryder Cup, The Olympics, The Paralympics, The Hurling and Football Championships to mention some of the major events.
Synonymous with Seamus's county playing career was Ballyshannon native, the late Kieran McCready, who was Dublin Liaison Officer for the Donegal County Board from 1968 to 1986. Kieran acted as a coach/trainer/mentor/adviser with due diligence and both had a respect for each other that was unbreakable.
McCready, whose patience would be stretched to the extreme on occasions when it would be time (or perhaps well past) to depart some remote location to navigate a return journey to Dublin, would always defend Bonar's case to the extreme. Also synonymous with Seamus's sporting career was local man Danny McMenamin who like Kieran McCready held him in the utmost respect.
Former legendary Kerry manager Mick 0' Dwyer, after retiring in 1987 was once asked in an interview if there was any player or players outside of Kerry whom he felt would have made Kerry more powerful and he replied "that a fully fit Seamus Bonar at centre half forward would have completed his dream team" and made Kerry virtually unbeatable during that period. Although Seamus played most of his football at midfleld or full forward possibly centre half forward would have been his natural position. His ability to win possession, his direct running at pace when in possession and ability to take scores with boot or fist were assets which made a potent threat.
Of a quiet and gentle disposition, witty and good company to behold Seamus had very few enemies and the large turnout at his removal on the Saturday evening, his funeral on the Monday and the many who visited the family home over the weekend bore testimony to the esteem in which he was held by friend and foe alike. How fitting it was to have the genial little west Cork cleric Fr. Dan Joe 0 Mahoney the main celebrant at his funeral Mass. A priest whose passion for gaelic games agus ar teanga naisiunta is boundless. Occasionally at Sunday morning Masses in St. Thomas The Apostle Church in Laurel Lodge Er. Dan Joe, in simplifying a reading of scripture would refer to 2 virtues to practice in our daily lives to please our creator namely "Caring and Sharing". These were indeed 2 virtues that Seamus Bonar possessed in abundance.
In his homily he touched on the humble and obliging nature that was Seamus Bonar, he suggested that if he asked for a show of hands from the congregation on the number of people who had "their cars serviced by Seamus", I am sure a big majority !. He quoted a very apt reflection from St. Paul "Well done good and faithful servant, you have run the race, you have kept the faith, you have been a creditable witness to the Gospel of Christ, The Lord will say enter into the joy of heaven". He concluded his homily as gaeilge. "Ta Seamus imeatha go Dia, ach nil Dhia ar fhad again".
How fitting that the offertory procession during the funeral Mass included the Sam Maguire Cup, a Donegal jersey, a Garda Cap, a Golf club and a spanner, all symbols of Seamus's sporting and professional life also the bread and wine symbolising his faith and belief.
In a loving and moving tribute his daughter Annette reflected on a special father, husband and friend who had lived life to the full. She proclaimed in a light hearted moment that the only time Seamus might get annoyed "would be if a bar person refused to serve him after closing time", which brought much laughter from the congregation. Fellow St. Brigid' s colleague and R.T.E. presenter Damien 0 Reilly paid tribute to his sporting achievements and how he could devise complicated G.A.A. questions in the Roselawn Inn, of which many of the answers he has taken to the grave with him.
All who knew Seamus and whose lives were touched by his person are mourning his passing at such a relatively young age. Our deepest sympathy to his wife Cathy, daughter Annette, sons Edna, Seamus and Kevin, brother Liam, daughter in law Ann Marie, grandson Cillian, Aunts, cousins, relatives and friends. Seamus was predeceased by his mother Sarah in 2001, brother Sean in 2005 (aged 59) and father John in 2007.
It is indeed difficult to comprehend that Sean and now Seamus at. relatively young ages have passed to their eternal reward. Both epitomised pillars of health and strength in our community .
Reflecting through the various teams that Seamus played on since those infancy days in Drumbar, through various club & county teams concluding with Civil Service it is indeed poignant the number of former team mates who have passed to their eternal reward, all still in the prime of their respective lives. We fondly remember all or some of the following, Michael McGlynn and Sean Bonar (Drumbar), James Gallagher ( St. Eunans - Donegal junior championship team 1972), Sandy Harper (Robert Emmetts), Michael McMenamin (Sean McCools), Seamus Reilly (Bundoran), Michael Oliver Mclntyre (Naomh Columba), Pauric Gallagher (Naomh Brid), Denis Doherty (St. Eunans), Clement & Austin Coughlin, Donal Britton, Francie Monaghan, Kevin Eaulkiner (Clan na Gael), H-ankie McMullin (fbur Masters), Sean Leddy (Civil Service & Cavan), Moss Keane (Civil Service), Eugene Sheelin (Garda / Civil Service & Louth). Assembled together in the "Stadium Of Eternal Light" they would provide formidable opposition for any alternative selection. With Bonar as player manager assisted by his original mentors Patsy Brogan and Hugh McGlinchey and Mac (Kieran McCready) patrolling the sidelines in tracksuit with a water bottle in one hand and first aid bag in the other multi tasking as mentor / trainer /adviser / medic "The Bonar Brigade" would be keen to compete in any tournaments or competitions available. Golf outings and intricate G.A.A. quizes would be arranged as bonding sessions. Should issues on the field get heated or confrontational no doubt old neighbour Liam Brown would be in close proximity with kit, cards and whistle ready and willing to step into the breach. May the souls of these sporting gaels rest in peace.
Courtesy of The Donegal Democrat Tweet
