Like most of the county, Erne Gaels manager, Declan Bonner did not expect a decimated Ederney side shocking Kinawley in their own backyard on a score of 1-13 to 0-15. 

That upset meant an open draw for the Mannok Senior Championship semi-finals and it has paired Erne Gaels with their conquerors of almost two weeks ago, Derrygonnelly Harps this Sunday.

Had Kinawley prevailed, then Erne Gaels, after their narrow but unconvincing win over Teemore by 0-9 to 0-7 last weekend, were due to play Enniskillen Gaels .

Derrygonnelly have been the Belleek men’s nemesis going back to 2016 and once again stole a late win from them in injury-time to come out on top by 1-09 to 1-08 after Belleek had led for 65 minutes when they met in the group stages.

So, will this latest smash and grab act be ammunition for the Gaels?

Only time will tell as Bonner and Co. prepare for a second date. But unlike their last encounter, there is no safety net this time.

“We were told we were playing Enniskillen Gaels, but playing Derrygonnelly does not make it any easier," Bonner admitted.

“We met them a few weeks ago and it went down to the wire and the Harps got a late goal so there is nothing between the sides and Derrygonnelly, with their record over the past number of years, will be favourites to win this game.

“It is a tough draw, but we are looking forward to it.”

Bonner added: “Championship football takes on a life of its own.”

When asked how big a factor the absence of Ryan, Conall and Garvan Jones would be, he said: “I don’t know. That is something that is out of our control but yes they are good footballers but I am not going to make a big deal about it.

“Derrygonnelly have a bunch of very talented players and their younger lads have been very impressive and it is going to be a very tough game.

“But we are determined to give it our best shot.”

Bonner added that he has been enjoying the Fermanagh championship which he describes as competitive and tough.

When asked where Derrygonnelly’s main strengths are, he said: “They are well coached and well organised and well drilled and they have shown that in spades by winning so many county championships.

“It is going to take a very good team to beat them, and we hope we are that team.

“They seem to know how to win tight games but so can we as we showed by coming back from two points behind to beat Teemore.

“They will fancy their chances, but we are looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we will get the very best out of our lads.”

Bonner will be hoping that the pacey and powerful Aogan Kelm, who was a huge impact sub against Teemore, will be fit to start in their biggest game of the season.

“Aogan made a big difference and he has had a very good year and we are hoping that over the next seven days he will be able to play a full part.”