Declan Bonner says that ‘support networks’ are in place for any members of the Donegal squad affected by Sunday’s horrific crash in the west of the county.
Four young men lost their lives when the car in which they were traveling left the road near Magheraroarty.
Mícheál Roarty (24), John Harley (24), Shaun Harkin (22) and Daniel Scott (23) all died in the horror smash shortly before 9pm on Sunday.
Donegal midfielder Jason McGee was a team-mate of Harley, who was the club captain at Clougheneely. McGee and Michael Langan went to school with Harley, Harkin and Scott.
Bonner was a selector to Stephen Friel with the 2013 Donegal minor squad that included Roarty, a member of the Gaoth Dobhair GAA club.
“Mícheál was in the Donegal minors when I was in assisting Stephen. He was a really lovely fella,” Bonner said.
“It’s been a difficult week.
Donegal manager Declan Bonner. Photo Evan Logan
“Some of the players would be very close to some of the victims. It’s not been an easy week.
“Jason was a team-mate of John Harley and it’s a small close-knit area, everyone knows everyone. Michael Langan went to school with some of the victims, too.”
Donegal started their Allianz League Division 2 campaign on Sunday with a win over Clare in Ennis.
They weren’t long back at home when word began filtering through of the horror that had unfolded in the rural townland of Gleannhulaigh.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday night’s game against Meath in Ballybofey, Bonner said: “Mick (McGrath), the County Chairman, has been great. He has been helping us with the support that is there for the players if we need it. There are support networks in place.
“It’s something we have to monitor.
“It was terrible. Everything was put into perspective. It’s a huge, huge loss. It was horrendous.
“There was a huge, dark cloud over Donegal this week. My heart goes out to the Gaoth Dobhair and Cloughaneely clubs and to the families of those involved.”
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