Damien McClafferty hails Bonagee defence after historic win

Damien McClafferty hailed the foundation stones - his defence - after Bonagee United saw off Kildrum Tigers in Sunday’s Brian McCormick Cup final.

An Aaron Wasson goal in the 23rd minute proved the crucial strike of a game that was in the balance right until Dessie McLaughlin shrilled the whistle for the final time.

Bonagee dug deep to keep Kildrum at bay with the St Johnston men pouring bodies forward in the closing stages.

Bonagee, who conceded only 13 goals during the Premier Division season, stood tall to get over the line.

Wasson strike gives Bonagee a first Brian McCormick Cup

Aaron Wasson netted the only goal of the game as Bonagee United defeated Kildrum Tigers in the final

“We’ve defended well all year,” McClafferty told Donegal Live.

“We’re built on a strong defence. We had the best defensive record in the League. We knew in the second half that we’d be under pressure. It was a matter of managing it and hoping we got the rub of the green. We were unlucky last week, but lucky this week.

“We knew Kildrum would throw a lot of men forward. We held on, but we had a couple of breakaways and might have gone for the corner instead of the net.

“It’s great for the club. It’s the first time for Bonagee to be in the final so it’s great to finally get over that line for the club and get the trophy.”

Last week, a 1-1 draw with Kildrum prevented Bonagee from celebrating a first Premier Division crown. They’ll go again on Saturday to face Kilmacrennan Celtic in a play-off to see who takes the honours.

“It honestly wasn’t hard to lift them,” McClafferty insisted.

“After Monday, the heads were right again. The boys knew themselves that it was a bad performances. It would have been worse if they had played well and not not over the line. We knew that we could be better and we had to get right with the quick turnaround.”

Wasson proved the match winner with a well-taken goal after being set away by Evan McCroary.

McClafferty said: “Aaron will give 100 per cent all the time. He gives his whole heart and will chase every ball. You get the rewards for doing that and it’s great for Aaron to get the goal.”