Buncrana determined to now build on IHC title success - Tommy O'Neill

Tommy O’Neill watched his Buncrana side finally land significant silverware with their 0-15 to 1-10 IHC victory over Carndonagh on Sunday. 

In a tight game, where the margins were wafer thin in the first period, Cathal Doherty’s early goal at the start of the second-half felt like it was a game changer. 

However, 1-7 to 0-6 adrift, O’Neill’s side clawed their way back from four down to two up as the content entered its last ten minutes in Letterkenny. From then on, it was just about holding on. 

“It was tight going,” admitted a breathless O’Neill.  “When they scored the goal I did think ‘where are we going to go from here?’ 

“But the lads showed serious character and composure as they started tagging on points. We hit six in that purple patch and it took us from four down to two clear. 

“It was tit-for-tat then right to the end so yeah, that was the winning of the game for us no doubt. 

“I knew in the second-half we’d have the wind but the goal, there was no legislating for that. It felt like a real blow. But this is magnificent”.

Now, Buncrana aim to enjoy this historic win but plans will soon be put in motion ahead of what is already shaping up to be an exciting 2025 sason.  

“It’s a big statement for us - our first real bit of silverware ever. We have had underage success but this is brilliant now. We’re going to enjoy this. 

“But we have to build on it now and make sure we push on”.