Declan Bonner departs Na Rossa to take over as boss at Erne Gaels

Former Donegal manager Declan Bonner is the new Erne Gaels, Belleek boss. 

In a surprise move, the Na Rossa clubman confirmed that he would be at the helm of the top Fermanagh club for the next 12 months. 

Bonner held talks with the Donegal border club over the holiday period and has agreed to take charge of a team that has contested and lost the last two county finals on the trot. 

“Yes I have agreed to come on board, after I was approached by some of the club representatives. 

“I got a call to see if I was interested and I felt it was good to get outside the county for a while and it is a different project. 

“Erne Gaels have been in the last two Fermanagh county finals and won the SFL title in 2022. 

“There is some very good potential in the club, and they have top players like Ultan Kelm and Ryan Lyons who are key figures for Fermanagh as well. It is a real challenge and I have never shied away from a challenge. 

“These guys are very keen to get to the next level and I will be doing my very best to ensure that happens. 

“Erne Gaels have been a very consistent side, and it will be something new for and a new challenge. But it is one that I am very much looking forward to. 

“Gaels are a bit like ourselves in that we lost a few finals before winning at last this year”. 

Bonner said he was very impressed with the commitment and desire among the Belleek club to win their first county title since 1981. 

He took his county to two Ulster titles on the trot in 2018 and 2019 and brought the minors to an All-Ireland final slot in 2014 - the same year Donegal seniors lost out to Kerry in the decider on a score of 2-9 to 0-12. 

He also guided Gaoth Dobhair to a Donegal senior county title and more recently took his native Na Rossa to a long awaited Donegal Junior county title. 

Bonner has also been club chairman for the past ten years. Reacting to Bonner’s appointment, Erne Gaels club secretary Seamus Kelm said the club were delighted that Bonner was on board. 

“His record speaks for itself in Donegal especially. Declan was a very successful Donegal county manager, and he has managed his county at all levels and he has a high profile. 

“His commitment to his club as well as his county is also very impressive, and he has also been club chairman and has put enormous work into his own club. 

“You won’t get a more committed and passionate person than Declan and we are looking forward to working with him next year.”