His league and championship career with the Tipperary senior team lasted twelve seasons from 1988 to 1999.
Bonnar made his debut on the inter-county scene when he was selected for the Tipperary minor team in 1986.
He enjoyed one championship seasons with the minor team, however, he ended his tenure in this grade as an All-Ireland runner-up.
By this stage he had also joined the Tipperary senior team after being drafted onto the panel for the 1988 All-Ireland final.
Over the course of the following twelve seasons Bonnar enjoyed much success, culminating with the winning of All-Ireland medals in 1989 and 1991.