 Raymond Bonner believes Donegal Celtic have a bright future |
"Nineteen years ago this was just a field with cows on it. Now we are about to play Premier League football here."
The words of Donegal Celtic chairman Raymond Bonner who has guided his club's rise to the top flight in the Irish League.
The west Belfast club worked hard to gain senior status and now they have made it. However, the real work is only just beginning.
DC officials and supporters are striving to get their Suffolk Road base ready in time for their first CIS Cup home match against Loughgall on 19 August and it is an expensive business.
The ground needs a major upgrade, including getting seating installed.
 | I am confident that in five to 10 years' time we will be challenging for the title |
"The first stage of it all is going to cost us �600,000 and that is just to get us into the Irish League," revealed Bonner.
"We are doing well in our attempt to get grant aid for �850,000 to �1.2million.
"The club has to put �150,000 to that for the sort of work we are looking to do."
Bonner and his colleagues at DC believe west Belfast has been crying out for Irish league football and that their arrival on the senior stage will be good for the local game as well.
"I do not think we are going to have to go looking for support. I am sure the local people will come to support us," added Bonner.
The DC chairman is only too aware, though, of the security concerns surrounding the club's promotion to the senior game and the fact that clubs like Linfield and Glentoran will be travelling to the west Belfast venue.
 Ciaran Donaghy is one of Donegal Celtic's new signings |
"It would be ironic if we were put out of the Irish League because of trouble at our ground from people within our ground," said Bonner.
"Really I think we will bring a bit of colour to the league. We are progressing all the time and want to establish ourselves.
"This used to be a field. Look at it now, it was valued at �11.5million a few months ago.
"The social club is doing well and supports the football team.
"Paddy Kelly has made some good signings and it will take a while to learn about playing in the Irish League.
"But I think people will be shocked at what Donegal Celtic can do.
"I am confident that in five to 10 years' time we will be challenging for the league title."
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