BY MATTHEW WILSON
BONAGEE United manager Declan Lynch is eagerly anticipating the start of the new FAI National League season, with the campaign set to get underway in just a few weeks’ time.
Derry native Declan Lynch became the new manager at the Dry Arch Park outfit back in May, taking over from the outgoing Mickey Funston.
It’s an exciting time for the club, with the start of the inaugural FAI National League campaign just around the corner.
Lynch will have been getting to know his players in the months since his arrival and he’s pleased with how things have played out so far.
“It’s going very well, we had a friendly match last night (Tuesday). With the support from the club behind the scenes as well as the support staff I’ve around me and the group of players that I have, we’re looking good.”
“It’s looking positive and it’s a really good thing to build from. We’re just going to keep building and the challenge of a new league has got everyone excited across the whole club which is brilliant.”
Despite only being new to the role as manager, Lynch knows the club well having enjoyed two spells as a player at the Letterkenny side.
He lined out for the Dry Arch Park residents during a period where Peter Moran was in the managerial hotseat and has fond memories of his time at Bonagee United.
Speaking to the Donegal News, he reflected on how highly he valued the club during his playing career.
“I was in there for two spells and it’s one of those clubs where you only realise how good it is and how much you value it as a player when you leave it.
“When I was at Bonagee, I loved my time there and it’s mad how it’s come around full circle. I was playing and now I’m managing but I couldn’t be at a better club, I’m really happy.”
Since the club’s return to the Donegal Junior League a number of years ago, they have performed well in the top tier.
Good foundations have been laid down by previous managers Packie Mailey and Mickey Funston which will have aided Lynch upon his arrival. The Derry man praised the work of the two men during their time at the helm and said he intends to build on the foundations they have laid.
“One hundred percent. I knew that Packie (Mailey) was in a few seasons ago and he started putting the work in and then Funsty (Mickey Funston) took over from him.
“I’m not coming in to change much, I’m just coming in to reinforce the work that they’ve done. It gives you a bit of help that way and you can see the club is run really well so it’s just about coming in and helping them to push on in this National League.”
Despite competing in the upcoming FAI National League alongside fellow Donegal clubs Cockhill Celtic and Letterkenny Rovers, Bonagee United will still field two sides in next season’s Donegal Junior League.
This displays the strength and depth within the Dry Arch Park outfit, with a whole host of last year’s Sunday team making the step up to National League level according to the manager.
“When I come into any club, I always like to give the players a fair chance at it because they’ve been playing away.
“I always like to give them a chance to see if they can step up to that level. With the strength that Bonagee has, they’re all local lads so you know you’re getting the commitment from them.
“At the minute, from last year’s squad I think all of them are in (the National League panel).”
We’re now just a few weeks away from the start of the inaugural FAI National League campaign, with the first set of matches taking place on Saturday August 29.
The fixtures for the competition were released on Tuesday and it sees Declan Lynch’s charges commence proceedings against Home Farm DCU in their own backyard.
There’s sure to be real excitement around the club ahead of the start of the season and this encounter should draw a big crowd to Dry Arch Park.
The Derry native is pleased to begin the campaign in familiar surroundings but recognises the significant challenge that awaits against a strong Dublin outfit on the opening day.
“That’s the main thing, getting that home tie in the first fixture of a new league is always a bonus. But don’t get me wrong, Home Farm DCU won’t be coming up just to take part.
“That’s what we have to get the boys ready for now. Yes, we have home advantage but as I said to the lads too, there won’t be any games that are easy in this league. We’re going to be up against it but that’s the challenge and we’re ready for it..
“It’s brilliant and the home fixture helps that. It gives the fans something to look forward to straight away, they don’t have to wait for it. Once Saturday the 29th of August comes, they get a taste of it straight away.”