‘I’m loving every minute of it’ - Lee McMonagle back doing what he does best

Ten years on from scoring the goal that helped St Eunan’s to a memorable victory over Naomh Conaill in the Donegal SFC of 2012, Lee McMonagle still knows the way to goal.

There are those who would argue that the forward could still do a job for his club’s senior team, but for now at least, McMonagle is happy with his game and enjoying lining out for St. Eunan’s in the Junior A Championship.

He helped himself to 1-10 in a brilliant individual performance against Robert Emmets in their opening game in Group B two weeks ago.

Last Saturday, against Naomh Ultan, McMonagle had to be content with just three points. However, his overall performance and his contribution to the win were really impressive.

Last year, McMonagle committed to Bonagee United and played a big part in the Donegal League team’s successful campaign, where they won the Brian McCormick Sports Cup and came second in the Premier Division.

And after St Eunan’s 1-12 to 1-8 win over Naomh Ultan at O’Donnell Park, McMonagle said he’s enjoying being part of the St. Eunan’s team who are now odds-on to qualify from their group for a place in either a quarter or semi-final.

“I’m loving every minute of it,” he declared. “We’re taking it game by game, but it's really enjoyable. You’re playing full-flowing football and when you’re playing inside, you know that your team-mates are wanting to kick it in which is great.

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“The way senior football has gone now, it’s very defensive - at times there’s 15 men behind the ball. But this is different. Even when it is defensive, players aren’t afraid to take a chance and kick it in.”

He added: “When you look at the league, nobody really gave us a chance but the young lads put their heads together and are playing well. The stabilisers were off two weeks ago when we played Robert Emmets. We’re not here to make up the numbers.”

McMonagle is one of a number of experienced players on an otherwise young St. Eunan’s team who look good enough to compete with the best sides in the Junior A Championship.

Conor Morrison made a welcome return after a long lay-off through injury on Saturday night while Sean Halvey, Dualtach Molloy and Cormac Finn also featured.

Finn, playing at midfield, provided countless deliveries into McMonagle at full-forward and from one such pass in the second half, McMonagle got out ahead of his man, collected possession and guided the ball over the bar for the score of the game.

“As an inside-forward, you always love to have a player on your team who likes to kick the ball in,” McMonagle said. “It’s hard to come-by these days but when Cormac gets it, right foot or left foot, you just know it’s coming in to you.”

Next up for St. Eunan’s is a trip to Crampsey Park to play Urris this Saturday evening. The Inishowen side top Group B along with St. Eunan’s, both teams having won their opening two games.