Happy to get first point of season for St Catherine’s - Ryan Cunningham

St Catherine’s got their first point of the season with a 2-2 draw at home to Bonagee United on Sunday in what were very tough conditions for both teams due to Storm Ashley.

The Emerald Park residents played with the wind in the opening half and it looked like an uphill task when they turned over level at 1-1.

But in the second half, they went in front before Bonagee hit back with an equaliser and thereafter they had to withstand a Bonagee onslaught to get a deserved draw.

One of their key men on the day was Ryan Cunningham, who was involved in both of their goals, assisting the first and scoring the second.

Both teams were happy to get to the dressing room at the end of a tough battle and Cunningham was happy to get the share of the spoils.

“It was a tough day for teams. There wasn’t a lot of football played there. Well, there was a wee bit of football played, probably a bit more than I thought there would.

“Bonagee are a top side. They have a lot of boys back from the Ulster Senior League team there. You have boys like Gareth Harkin who has played with Finn Harps for a few years. It’s hard to put it up to them but we’ll stick at it. We have a young team there so hopefully we can have a good year.”

Asked if it was easier to play against the gale and rain or with it, Cunningham replied: “It’s a funny one. Sometimes it’s easier to play against it because sometimes it holds it up for you. But  then it can be favourable taking free kicks and corners with the wind. Today, it was just difficult.

“It was one of those days. Both teams battled hard. They got a goal when they cut us open and then we got a good goal cutting them open. Goals are hard to come by so we are happy to come away with a point and we’ll push on now next week.

Ryan Cunningham (left) in action on Sunday Picture Ronan Cunningham

“It’s a very tough division. There are a few teams there like Letterkenny Rovers who have recruited well. Bonagee there and you still have the Keadues, the Fanads, Kildrum. It’s a tough division but it’s where you want to play. You want to be playing against the best and you probably have the best in the county now playing in this league as you don’t have any Ulster Senior League anymore.”

The St Catherine’s side are a very young side and Cunningham says he is one of the veterans.

“Yeah, we are a very young team. I’m one of the oldest now and I’m only 24. It’s a young team but they keep driving you on as they have the energy and the attitude.”

Cunningham agreed that centre-half Odhrán McGuinness and lone striker Josh Maxwell were important in getting the result.

“Odhrán has been unbelievable this year. He has probably been our best player in every game we have played. Hopefully, he will push on and keep pushing us on. 

“It was a tough job for Josh alone up there (in the wind). I have played there myself in the past and especially on a day like that when the wind is blowing the ball every way.”

Cunningham was top scorer last year but was used more as a creative midfielder on Sunday.

“It depends on the day and the tactics we are playing and also it depends who we are playing and who is available. I’m happy playing wherever Shaun (Kelly) puts me,” said Cunningham.