Proud moments were shared among Bonagee United club members on Thursday as the senior ladies squad was accorded a civic reception by the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.
The team scooped their sixth piece of silverware in five seasons following a second successive Donegal Women’s League and Cup double. They made history by becoming all-Ireland finalists in the Women’s FAI Amateur Cup this summer. The Cup final against Terenure ended in disappointment, but manager Chris McNulty says the challenge for the squad now lies in the bounceback.
In accepting the Mayor’s Reception from Cllr Kevin Bradley, Chris said it was an honour not to be taken lightly.
“For the members here in the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District to have deemed us worthy of honour is in itself a testament to the continued hard work and success,” he said.
Civic reception for Bonagee ladies at Letterkenny PSC
Words of gratitude were issued to former club chairperson, Cllr Donal Coyle, to Cllr Ciaran Brogan his management and staff at the Dry Arch Complex for their sponsorship and to all sponsors and supporters who have been with the club through thick and thin.
“Bonagee United is going from strength to strength. I’m on record previously – and I’ll say it again – as saying that Bonagee United is the best football club in this county bar none,” Chris said.
“In recent years, club chair Niall Callaghan amalgamated the ladies and girls football set-up into the club – a move that has allowed the girls and ladies teams to thrive like never before. It’s just over ten years ago that a group of people – including Natalie and Julie who are still with us – formed the first Bonagee United ladies team.
“Now, from our underage academy right up through the ages, Bonagee United is fielding teams at all age groups. This season, our under-14s won a League and Cup double, a sign that the conveyor belt is rolling nicely. This year’s senior squad included five players who featured for the under-16s in 2022.
“It’s also important to note that the male section of the club is also thriving having won the Under-14 Champions League, the Donegal Youth League title this year and a Cup double in the Ulster Senior League last season.”
Chris commended the players and the management team as the finest group of people to wear the crest, on and off the pitch.
“We go now into 2024 with a target on our back, but we must carry that as motivation for continued success and further improvement,” he said.
Photo: North West Newspix
Photo: North West Newspix
Photo: North West Newspix
Photo: North West Newspix
Photo: North West Newspix
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