Top goal-getter Ryan Cunningham content to see St Catherine’s improvement 

Ryan Cunningham picked up the Donegal League Premier Division top goalscorer award at Friday night’s awards event in Letterkenny. 

But the St Catherine’s ace is hoping to see the Emerald Park men maintain a title challenge push next term. 

The Killybegs outfit hung on Fanad United’s coattails for long periods last season but, in the end, had to settle for fourth spot in the standings. 

“I’m really happy to pick up the award and we’ve a good, young side there,” Cunningham explained. “The boys stuck at it all season but the quality beside us in the end, it kinda showed. 

“Fanad were amazing and the likes of Kildrum and Keadue also showed real improvement. I think getting back to the Premier Division in recent times and holding our own there now again, that’s a real plus for the club. 

“Look at the likes of Letterkenny Rovers and Bonagee, they’ll be up next season so it’s a serious level now. 

“Ever since the Ulster Senior League folded the level has gone up year after year. We just have to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we’re gaining small yards. And we are. 

“It’s important, I think, that a club like St Catherine’s are challenging in the top tier. 

“Even talking to a few Donegal Town lads tonight, it’s important for this side of the county to have sides competing in the Premier Division. It’s good for the league too, in general, I feel”.

Cunningham credits the managerial team of Shaun Kelly and Christopher Murrin for picking up the reins back in 2020 and really setting about getting the club back to a level they’d probably taken for granted at certain times.  

“Shaun Kelly and Christopher Murrin, since they came in, have really turned it around. We could easily have slipped off the radar there a few years ago without those men. They’re young with families but they are giving big time. 

“The club had probably been used to holding their own, competing and winning leagues but it can easily slip as well. 

“I’m only 24 and I’m probably one of the oldest on the team right now. So the young lads have to drive it on and they are. I think we’re only going to get better in the next few seasons”.