Bonner: Kerry were the better side, no doubt about it

Declan Bonner wasn’t one for pulling the excuses in the wake of Donegal’s defeat in Killarney, admitting his side got all their performance on the day merited. 

Donegal went down 1-13 to 0-7 with Shaun Patton spilling a David Clifford miscued shot into the net in the second half to complete a miserable afternoon in miserable conditions in Killarney.

Kerry dispose of Donegal with minimal fuss in Killarney

In horrible conditions at Fitzgerald Stadium, Donegal trailed by seven points against the wind at half-time but failed to make sufficient inroads in the second period

Donegal faced a tough but not impossible task seven behind at half-time but never really looked like getting back into the contest with Kerry creating plenty against the wind. The hosts, as they do, showed little mercy and also hit the woodwork twice when going for goals - Sean O’Shea hit the base of the post right at the start of the second half and Clifford also hit the Donegal crossbar. 

“Kerry were the better side, no doubt about it,” Bonner said. “Conditions were poor. They were the same for both teams. We were quite happy with the start of 0-2 to 0-2 after 12 or 13 minutes.  Even with Kerry at 0-9 to 0-2 we felt at that stage that at seven points, with the breeze, you might’ve had a chance to get back into it.

“The goal was poor from our point of view and it was always going to be difficult after that. It kinda spilled or bounced in front and he lost it. It was one of those things that can happen. We didn’t create enough chances in the second half. 

“Disappointed with most of that second half performance. We didn’t [take the initiative] and got ball turned over and missed a number of opportunities.”

Bonner, on more than one occasion, mentioned Donegal’s next encounter, with Tyrone coming to MacCumhaill Park on Saturday night, as well as reiterating his ambition for the rest of the league. 

Michael Langan didn’t travel, while Michael Murphy and Jamie Brennan both hobbled off in respective matches against Kildare and Derry in the McKenna Cup, while Caolan McGonagle picked up a hand injury which might curtail his involvement for some time.

“Look, we have six days now to prepare for Tyrone so that’s the next challenge.We have to get ourselves up the road now. Let’s hope the weather picks up and it should be a good tie.

“There’s a number of fellas out but we got Oisin Gallen, Niall O’Donnell and Daire Ó Baoill back on the pitch and they have played little or no football over the last couple of months. They have a bit of work to get done. The likes of Michael Murphy, Caolan McGonagle and Michael Langan, they’re going to be probably another bit. Jamie Brennan as well. 

“We’re hoping two Michaels might get a chance to play in the League and Jamie to get back too. Caolan probably not. 

“Our number one priority is maintain Division 1 status and get ready for Championship. We are down a lot of bodies so it’s about getting those lads back, which is going to be a very difficult tie against Amagh. We have four more difficult games now in the National League.

“There were a number of decent performances and there were lads getting back on the pitch that haven’t played at all. From that point of view, yeah. We have a bit of work. It’s always a difficult place to get a result but the performance wasn’t good enough to get something out of.”