Six in the running for Donegal job

Applications for the vacant position of Donegal senior football manager closed last night and there are a total of six men in the running to succeed Brian McIver.

The applicants are Declan Bonner, John Joe Doherty, Michael Houston, Francie Martin, Jim McGuinness and Charlie Mulgrew.

Doherty, who previously managed the Donegal U21s, is an early front runner for the role. He has had successful stints with both his own club Naomh Columba and Naomh Mhuire, whom he guided to a county junior title.

Like Doherty, Bonner was a member of Donegal's 1992 All-Ireland SFC winning side. The Rosses man managed the county team from 1997 until 2000 and will draw considerable support.

So too will McGuinness, the former inter-county star who guided Glenties to an historic county title in 2005.

Houston and Martin have both served as selectors under former Donegal managers. Houston, an ex-boss of St. Eunan's, was involved with the county side when Mickey Moran was in charge, while current Glenswilly manager Martin assisted during McIver's reign.

Mulgrew was a front runner to replace McIver last year before the latter reapplied for the job and was reappointed.

He is best known for his four-year term with Fermanagh, whom he led to an All-Ireland semi-final in 2004. A member of the St. Eunan's club, Mulgrew was part of the Donegal management team when Bonner was at the helm.

The selection panel to find the new Donegal manager was chosen at last night's meeting of the Donegal GAA Committee, chairman Sean Kelly, secretary Charlie O'Donnell and vice-chairman PJ McGowan will all be involved in selection process.