We’ll give it everything says Fermanagh boss Bonner

By Mark McGoldrick

FERMANAGH manager Declan Bonner says there is a growing sense of excitement within the squad as they prepare for their Ulster Championship quarter-final clash with Armagh GAA this weekend.

Bonner, who has vast experience of Ulster Championship football, believes occasions like these are exactly what players and supporters alike look forward to all year.

“That’s what it is about. Nothing beats championship football and especially the Ulster Championship. It’s a privileged place for everyone to be and we’re looking forward to it,” Bonner said.

Fermanagh enter the contest on the back of a disappointing league campaign, but Bonner is hopeful his side can channel those experiences into a positive performance when it matters most.

“Hopefully we can take the learnings from a disappointing league,” added the Fermanagh manager.

Standing in their way, however, is an Armagh side widely regarded as one of the leading teams in the country. Bonner is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge awaiting his players.

“We know the challenge from Armagh, it’s a mammoth task ahead. It’s one the lads have prepared well for,” he said.

“It’s where you want to be, playing against the top teams. Armagh are in the top three with Donegal GAA and Kerry GAA. It’s a huge opportunity for us to go out and get a performance.”

Despite Armagh’s status, Bonner insists there is no sense of fear within the Fermanagh camp. Instead, there is belief in the quality and work ethic of the squad.

“We know there’s quality players within the group. They’ve worked extremely hard and every man is looking forward to it. There’s no fear,” added the Donegal man.

“I’m about championship football a long, long time and every year it’s something you look forward to and especially with the week that’s in with the weather, there’s a real sense of championship.”

Since the end of the Division Three league campaign, Fermanagh have put in a few weeks of solid work and training.

Bonner recognises the commitment shown by his panel in the lead-up to the game, stressing that every player in the Erne camp understands the honour of representing their county.

“There is a good squad of players there who are very committed and put a huge amount of time into every aspect of their preparation,” Bonner said.

“They know the honour it is to represent their county and these guys will be giving everything on Saturday evening.”

Fermanagh have been hit hard with injuries this season, with Ultán Kelm absent for all of the league, while Seán Cassidy just made a return to the pitch a few weeks’ ago.

There’s also some concerns over the fitness of Joe McDade and Fionan McBrien, who picked up big injuries during the league campaign.

Bonner hopes that other players who are given the opportunity to play in Brewster Park this weekend will embrace the opportunity.

“We’ve prepared well and the guys have put in big shifts. There’s always going to be a number of injuries and that then is opportunities for others,” he said.

The Fermanagh manager is also calling on the county’s supporters to play their part, with Armagh expected to travel in large numbers for the tie.

“I think it’s important that a big Fermanagh support is out on Saturday evening. Armagh will travel in big numbers and it’s important that we get behind the group and act as a 16th man from the stand,” he said.

“Once the draw was made way back and it was either Armagh or Tyrone, it was one that had to get you excited and it turned out to be Armagh.”