Advertisement
Donegal manager Declan Bonner. Evan Logan/INPHO
Fixtures clash

Donegal will not play McKenna Cup semi-final against Monaghan, says Bonner

Declan Bonner says to 13 players are involved in Sigerson Cup action this weekend

LAST UPDATE | Jan 9th 2020, 6:00 PM

DONEGAL WILL NOT play their Dr McKenna Cup semi-final against Monaghan on Sunday as they are unable to field a team, according to team manager Declan Bonner.

Bonner told Highland Radio that Donegal “regrettably we will not be fulfilling this fixture,” after previously telling the local radio station that “something needs to be done because we just don’t have the numbers.”

Donegal defeated Derry by five points last night to seal their place in the last four, but they’re light on bodies this weekend with up to 13 players due to be involved in Sigerson Cup first round action.

Donegal had just 23 players in their squad for last night’s victory.

Highland Radio also report that Donegal informed the Ulster council about their situation and had requested a deferral of 48 hours. Down, who are in the other McKenna Cup semi-final against Tyrone, also asked for their game to be pushed back to next Tuesday.

The Ulster GAA Council held a meeting today and ruled that both games will be played this weekend due to scheduling and player welfare concerns.

They also released a statement which said that the option to play the pre-season competition in early December “was previously rejected by Ulster CCC following consultation with our counties.”

“Given the tight schedule under which the Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup must be completed, the view of the committee was that it was necessary to use this weekend,” the statement adds.

Speaking about Donegal’s dilemma to Highland Radio on Wednesday, Bonner said:

“This is crazy stuff that some of these guys could be playing four matches in the space of 10 days. It’s very, very difficult. We’ve got to manage that and in terms of player welfare we’ve got to be very careful. At this stage, where we stand at the minute we won’t have the numbers to field in that match on Sunday.

“Whoever fixed the Sigerson in the middle of this campaign, it’s absolutely ridiculous. I don’t know do colleges, or authorities in GAA or the Ulster Council, do they communicate or what?”

The station also says that Donegal GAA could face sanctions or fines as a result.

Dr McKenna Cup Semi Finals: Sunday 12 January (Throw-in, 2pm. Penalties if required – no extra-time will be played)

Tyrone v Down — Athletic Grounds, Armagh
Donegal v Monaghan — Brewster Park, Enniskillen

Additional reporting by Sinéad Farrell

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Your Voice
Readers Comments
13
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel