"Working with them has been a privilege" - Bonner departs Donegal after five-year stint
July 21, 2022
Donegal manager Declan Bonner. ©INPHO/James Crombie.
Donegal are on the look-out for a new senior football manager following Declan Bonner’s departure last night after five years at the helm.
Having met with county board officials on Wednesday evening, Bonner gave his annual report and then ended what was his second stint with the team.
The Na Rossa clubman guided the Tir Chonaill men to four Ulster SFC finals, winning two, with this year’s decider ending in an extra time defeat to Derry.
Bonner had one year remaining in his term but has ultimately decided to step aside ahead of the 2023 season when Donegal will be starting in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League.
In a statement posted on the Donegal GAA website, he said: "I am stepping down with immediate effect from my role as Donegal senior football manager. It has been a great honour to manage this team over the past five years, as it was to manage the teams from U16 level up in the five years before that.
"Highlights from my time in the role include competing in 4 Ulster finals and winning two of these, back to back, in 2018 and 2019. I am proud to leave the team playing league football in Allianz League Division 1 next year.
"I would like to thank each and every player involved with the team over the past 5 years as well as every member of the management team during this period. Their commitment and work ethic was inspiring and working with them has been a privilege.
"Thank you to the County Board for their support throughout and in particular, our chairperson Mick McGrath for his support. We didn't always agree on everything but both of us always had the best interest of Donegal at heart.
"Club is the heart of the GAA and I would like to thank all 40 clubs in Donegal, in particular my own club Na Rossa who have been a brilliant support to me always. I would also like to thank the genuine Donegal supporters, most of whom I know personally. Many have travelled the length and breadth of the country with the team and I know they will be back in the stands and terraces supporting the team next year."
TweetDeclan Bonner steps down as Donegal Senior managerhttps://t.co/12TaMV5cr3 pic.twitter.com/z608Ykgsjx
— Official Donegal GAA (@officialdonegal) July 20, 2022
