Buncrana still very much on a learning curve - Gary Duffy 

Buncrana still have a lot of learning to do if they are to compete with the top teams in Donegal.

That was the pragmatic view from their manager Gary Duffy following his side’s 3-7 to 1-6 defeat by Glenfin in Saturday’s promotion/relegation playoff decider in O’Donnell Park.  

“Glenfin's experience of playing at the higher level showed out there today and we have no complaints,” said the Buncrana boss. 

“We were not good enough on the day and we accept that. Glenfin’s grit and determination and experience of winning hard battles at the higher level really told. We have a lot of learning to do in that area if we are to progress.” 

Buncrana dominated possession in the early exchanges of Saturday’s encounter but failed to transfer that fact onto the scoreboard. 

“We owned the first ten minutes or so but had only one point to show for that and really I think we paid the price.” 

In defence of his team Duffy did point out that it was only Buncrana’s year in the division after a number of terms spent in Division 3.

 “We had four lads playing senior football for the first time this season and one of them was only playing his second game. We ended up in the top three in Division 2 this season after finishing just above relegation last year and we are delighted with that. 

“It might take another year or two until we are like Glenfin and able to compete in the top division. Division 2 is a competitive tier. 

“There are senior and intermediate championship teams in the division. The thing is to take learnings from today’s defeat.”

The Buncrana boss has managed Donegal at various underage levels from U-16 up through minor and U-20. When asked if his hat was in the ring for the vacant Donegal senior job he responded, “Not on this occasion.”