Bonner calm on controversy as Gaels appeal scoring errors

By Pauric McGurn

ERNE Gaels manager Declan Bonner said “we’re all human beings and mistakes can be made” after some major and controversial decisions were called during the Senior Football League Division One Final.

Two two-pointers from Stephen McGullion and Jarlath Flanagan helped Derrygonnelly Harps to victory, although video footage later showed they should have been single scores.

Despite protests from Belleek, the points stood, with referee Noel McDonagh and his officials not having the luxury of video footage and action replays when in the thick of the action on Sunday.

The Erne Gaels manager said that “yesterday is gone” and he’s urging his side to focus now on the upcoming championship campaign.

“It’s unfortunate and disappointing that mistakes can be made, but we’re all human beings and mistakes can be made,” the Belleek manager said.

“We have to get ready now for championship and get into training now on Wednesday night. It was a decent game of football against a quality Derrygonnelly side.

It’s understood that Erne Gaels have lodged an official complaint to the Fermanagh CCC following the decisions.

While the Belleek side will feel bitterly aggrieved, it doesn’t take away from the Derrygonnelly comeback that came from six points down to claim the Division One honours.

Harps captain Shane McGullion hailed Sunday’s win as a “great day for the club”.

“It’s a great day for the club. We have come out the right side of a very, very tight encounter against an excellent Erne Gaels team,” McGullion said.

“They led for the majority of the game, but we showed real grit and it’s a satisfying victory.”

Derrygonnelly claimed the Fermanagh Minor A Championship title against Newtownbutler a few days before Sunday’s final and the reserves compete in the championship decider on Saturday.

“That winning just drives other teams on then to claim more honours,” McGullion said.

“The reserves this Saturday have a chance of claiming a championship trophy, and for sure, it adds a real competitiveness. Competing in finals is always something you want to be involved in.”