Declan Bonner says his door remains open for potential Donegal senior players – and the Donegal boss intends to speak to some of those who were absent for the 2018 campaign in the coming weeks and months.
Bonner has wasted little time in getting down to work for 2019 in the wake of Sunday’s 2-17 to 1-13 defeat to Tyrone in Ballybofey that brought an end to their All-Ireland bid for this year.
While he did not name specific players, it is clear that Bonner intends to speak with the likes of Eoin McHugh, Michael Carroll and Jason McGee about returns to the county squad. And he’ll keep a close eye on the club championships, which throw-in next month.
“There’s always a chance,” the Donegal manager said.
“Anyone showing the hand or playing well, the door is open.
“We need to sit down with these guys and talk about commitment. Are they prepared to give the 120 per cent commitment? There is no half-measures here.
“A few lads didn’t commit this year for one reason or the other, we’ll sit down with them.”
Donegal won an Ulster title this year – their ninth overall and a fourth in eight years.
But Sunday’s defeat stung hard.
Bonner said: “It’s still pretty raw.
“We made a lot of mistakes. we got ball turned over. We went into a four-point lead and we had chances to fo five or six up that we didn’t take.
“I can’t fault the lads for effort. They gave 10 months of real, serious commitment and it’s been a very positive season. Hopefully we can build on that.”
Bonner was speaking at the sod turning for the development of a new clubhouse at the Donegal GAA Training Centre in Convoy.
Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub’sCharlie Collins also got the views of Donegal captain Michael Murphy and 1992 captain Anthony Molloy.
Tags: