KINAWLEY manager Mark Cunningham has praised his squad’s hunger for titles as they made it six Fermanagh Senior Football Championship crowns on the bounce with victory over Derrygonnelly in Brewster Park on Saturday.

The Brian Borus took a grip on the contest in the second quarter as they opened up a gap between the sides and although Derrygonnelly pulled a goal back late in the half, Kinawley went on to dictate matters in the second half to run out commanding victors in the end.

“The six in a row is a great achievement,” said Cunningham. “I think it’s just reward for the players’ hunger and desire to keep winning titles. I would also give credit to Derrygonnelly who asked questions of us at different stages throughout the game as we expected, especially in that first quarter.”

The Kinawley manager agreed though that it was in that 15-minute spell before half-time that his side started to gain a stranglehold on the contest.

“The second quarter was the decisive period. We got on top during that spell, scored 1-06 and things began to flow after that,” he added.

Kinawley also produced a considerable defensive effort on the day as they limited a talented Harps attack to 1-04.

“Yes, holding them to 1-04 of which just one point was from play was very pleasing,” he said. “Kate Murphy and Katie Donnelly were at the heart of a lot of the defensive effort but I thought collectively as a team we all played a part.”

The win completed a league and championship double for Kinawley but it is not the end of their season yet with the Ulster Club now on the horizon.

“We have four weeks to the Ulster game so will take a week off and get back to it. We know from last year it’s a very difficult competition with no easy games but one we are looking forward to,” stated Cunningham.

Derrygonnelly manager Garry Smyth felt it was Kinawley’s ability to make the most of their chances that was decisive on the day.

“These games invariably turn on one or two incidents and this one was no different.

“We got off to a solid start and played some excellent football but a couple of things went against us in the second quarter which gave Kinawley impetus and they grew into the game.

“Crucially they were able to make the most of their opportunities.

“The penalty gave us some cause for optimism coming up to half-time as we had closed the gap to three points – it was nearly a case of the break coming too soon for us at that stage. Unfortunately, we struggled to build momentum in the second half as Kinawley’s game management was very good,” he said.

And Smyth was full of praise for the effort and commitment of his players over the course of the season.

“No doubt there is disappointment in losing a final but I can’t fault the commitment shown by our group throughout the season. All they want to do is represent the club to the best of their ability and I have no doubt they will continue to do that; learning and improving from the experience of being involved in these big games.”

Smyth also tipped his hat to Kinawley who he says are the benchmark for all other clubs in the county.

“Kinawley are setting the standard for the rest of the clubs in the county. To win six championships in a row is a fine achievement and it is important that we acknowledge that as it only comes about by hard work over a sustained period. I wish them luck in their Ulster Club campaign,” he said.