Bonner confirmed as Donegal manager

Declan Bonner has been confirmed as the new manager of Donegal on a three-year term.

Bonner succeeds Rory Gallagher, who resigned at the end of July following the Tir Chonaill's  4-17 to 0-14 defeat to Galway in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

1992 All-Ireland winner, who was previously in charge of Donegal between 1997 and 2000, will work alongside Buncrana's Paul McGonigle, who has been appointed assistant team manager.

In recent years, Bonner led Donegal to the Ulster minor title and the Under-21 title in 2014, but the team missed out on the All-Ireland minor title, losing to Kerry in the final.

The Donegal County Board interviewed three candidates for the position, and a selection meeting on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of the Lettermacaward native ahead of Cathal Corey and Sean Paul Barrett.

The appointment was then formally ratified at a Donegal County Committee meeting at Villa Rose Hotel in Ballybofey on Friday night.

"Declan brings a wealth of playing experience at the highest level and previous managerial experience to the position," chairman Sean Dunnion said.

"The Management Committee of CLG Dhún na nGall look forward to working with Declan and his management/backroom team for the next 3 years and want to wish him every success during his term."

Missing the Championship already? eir Sport will broadcast up to 30 games from the AIB GAA Football and Hurling Club Championships in 2017. Coverage continues on Saturday, 23 September on eir Sport 2 with the Limerick club hurling championship semi-final between Doon and Na Piarsaigh [throw-in 3pm] and the quarter-final replay between Patrickswell and Ballybrown [throw in 4.45pm]. Later on in the evening, Kilcar take on St Michael's in the Donegal club football championship semi-final [throw in 7.30pm]. 

Image: Inpho/Declan Macgowan

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