Bonagee goal-getter Bronagh Gallagher aiming to shoot down Sligo Rovers 

Bonagee United ladies go away to Sligo Rovers in the first round of the FAI Women’s Cup this Sunday (kick-off, 2pm).

Chris McNulty’s side again picked up the Donegal Woman’s League title last week but the step up in class against Rovers is something ace goal-getter Bronagh Gallagher says her team must be ready for. 

Rovers are currently second from bottom in the Woman’s Premier Division but the Donegal girls will still travel to the Showgrounds as big underdogs.  

Bonagee enjoyed an amazing FAI Amateur Cup run, making it all the way to the decider back in June. However, they simply had no answer for a strong Terenure Rangers side who easily cruised to a 6-1 victory. 

Being domestic kingpins here in Donegal, Gallagher admits her side is used to setting the pace. And when step-ups in class like this arrive, it’s crucial that her team are in the right gear from the very off. 

“It’s another great opportunity to go out and test yourself against that type of opposition,” said Gallagher who has netted a staggering 26 times in as many outings this term. 

“The Tereneure experience, the hope is we’ve learned a lot from that. It was a shock to the system, we were quite down for a while after. 

“But we’ve picked ourselves up at this stage. We just want to go out now on Sunday and give the kind of account of ourselves we know is there.

“There definitely are some brilliant memories and experiences we can take from all of that. I think we’ll come out the other end stronger. The crowd that was there at Dry Arch for the semi-final, that’s a huge boost for woman’s football at the club.

“When wee Caitlin Fletcher scored the winner - the roar was just unbelievable”.

Buncrana trio Emma Doherty, Jodie Loughrey Keri Loughrey are all first-teamers with Rovers so there’s added Donegal flavour and indeed spice to the weekend’s clash. 

“We have to set the tempo,” said Gallagher. “This is a step up so you really have to be on guard that initial ten to 15 minutes. We won’t overthink it, we just really have to make sure we’re tuned in and we understand the gameplan.

“They’ll have done their homework done on us. But we’re looking forward to going up there. It’s a great ground and the commute isn’t too far. So family, friends and supporters will find it easy enough to make the Showgrounds”.

On her amazing hot streak in front of goal, Gallagher simply shrugs her shoulders and says that’s her job. 

“Yeah - my job is to score goals. Goal wins games so I do my best to try to get myself in those positions as much as possible. If you go to your job you have to deliver. My job is to hit the back of the net!”