Evergreen Declan Bonner is looking forward to his latest managerial assignment as he tries to bring Fermanagh to the next level.
Bonner (60), who has been ratified as Kieran Donnelly's successor, started his managerial career started in 1989 with his home club in Donegal, Na Rossa, when he was dropped from Tir Chonaill duty and in the 36 years since he has collected a number of titles, including two Anglo-Celt Cups in his second stint with his native county.
While he is now in charge of a county that has never lifted the Ulster senior football trophy, he sees no reason why progress can’t be made in the coming seasons.
"We’re in Division 3 and I think it’s important to get into Division 2, that has to be the plan going forward," Bonner told RTE Radio 1’s Saturday Sport.
"Ultimately, we want to build a squad of players, 25, 30 lads that really want to be there representing Fermanagh and taking them to the next level.
"The league is going to be the first competition we’ll be in, then we’re in the Ulster championship and then ultimately into the Tailteann Cup.
"It’ll be about getting the guys together first, looking at where we can take them and the league will have to be up there as a high priority."
Bonner’s immediate focus remains with Fermanagh champions Erne Gaels, who ended a 43-year wait for the county title under Bonner’s watch on 2024.
They face Teemore on Sunday hoping to advance to the knock-out stages and, after nearly three seasons completed with the Gaels, he believes he has seen enough talent in the county to facilitate a successful team.
"There are a lot less clubs, that’s for sure," said the former Republic of Ireland Under-17 captain.
"The senior championship has been running for the last three or four years with two groups of four. So eight seniors teams. In Donegal we have 16 senior clubs.
"I’ve been there now for two years. A lot of very good footballers, a lot of very good clubs there and a lot of very good people involved in Fermanagh football."
Meanwhile, Bonner’s claim that the league will be their first competition may ultimately prove incorrect with the return of the Dr McKenna Cup edging closer.
It had been reported last month that Ulster GAA officials were extremely confident that the suspension to pre-season competitions would not be extended to 2026 and confirmation of that is expected next week.
Follow the RTÉ Sport WhatsApp channel for the best news, interviews, analysis and features, as well as details of our sports coverage across all RTÉ platforms.
