Bonner’s Gaels snatch replay in Fermanagh SFC final against Ward’s Derrygonnelly

Declan Bonner’s Erne Gaels took a late draw to force a replay in the Fermanagh SFC final with Shane Ward’s Derrygonnelly Harps in Brewster Park on Saturday evening.

The Na Rossa man and his Belleek side almost looked beaten when five points down with as many minutes to go, but a Paul Ward goal, along with a last minute free from Seamus Ryder ensured the reigning champions would hold on to their crown for at least another week as the game ended 2-14 to 0-20.

Aodh Ruadh clubman Shane Ward is part of Sean Flanagan and Paul Greene’s backroom team at the Harps, who were looking good for their eighth Fermanagh title in eleven years, before the late comeback from the Gaels.

Bonner took over as manager of the Belleek side last year after they had lost the previous two finals, guiding them to victory in his first season in charge as they ended a 43 year wait to win the crown.

And they will be hopeful of a repeat of last year, as they won the championship via a replay, beating Enniskillen Gaels by 1-13 to 1-9 in the second meeting.

Former Realt Na Mara player and Donegal county footballer Paul Brennan is part of Bonner’s backroom team.

READ NEXT: Adrian Brennan lauds his players after Ardara’s MFC win over Dungloe

The replay will take place next weekend.

Derrygonnelly led by 0-10 to 1-3 at the break, despite losing Rian McGovern to a red card after just ten minutes, shortly after Aogan Kelm hit the first goal of the game.