'Once you get your hands on the cup, it doesn't matter how you win' - Gary Duffy

Buncrana Hearts manager Gary Duffy was delighted his side managed to come out on the right side of Saturday’s battle with Letterkenny Rovers to seal a third Ulster Junior Cup in-a-row, dedicating the victory to the Fullerton family. 

The two big Donegal footballing sides weren’t able to be separated after 90 minutes and two further 10-minute periods of extra-time, with the outfits level at 2-2. Spot-kicks were required to decide the winner and it was the Buncrana men who came out victorious, winning 7-6 in the shootout.

Gary Duffy stated that he’s absolutely delighted to be on the winning side, mentioning how penalties aren’t the nicest way to win but once you have the cup in your hands it doesn’t matter. 

“It’s great, you can see the excitement, and the whole community has come up to follow us. It's a great feeling and it's our third year in-a-row so we’re delighted. Not a nice way to win it but look, a cup is a cup, once you've got it in your hands you're happy out.”

Duffy’s men were slow off the mark on Saturday and went behind after just eight minutes, with Letterkenny Rovers dispatching a penalty kick. However, the Buncrana Hearts manager was pleased with how his side responded, showing great character to come back and only for a late Letterkenny Rovers equaliser, they could have been over the line in normal time.

“We know the character we have in there and we never question or doubt it”, said Duffy.

They started better but we came into it and it looked like there was only going to be one team that was going to win it. At  2-1, you thought we were going to go on and get a third but they got a free kick, put it in the box and it’s poor defending from us and they scored and turned the game on its head.”

The triumphant manager briefly mentioned his discontent at the officiating on Saturday, accepting that we’re all human beings, however, stated it’s as bad as he has ever seen. 

“The game didn’t start well. I’m not going to get into the reasons why it didn’t start well but the stopping and starting, the cards being flashed, it was as bad as I’ve ever seen. But look, we're all human beings at the end of the day but that’s as bad as an officials decisions game that I’ve ever seen.”

With penalty kicks approaching, Buncrana Hearts opted to bring on substitute goalkeeper Eoghan O’Doherty. O’Doherty was the hero in the semi-final shootout victory over Cockhill Celtic and he proved to be once again on Saturday, making three saves to win it for his side. 

Gary Duffy praised the substitute goalkeeper, labeling him a ‘Buncrana Hearts legend’.

“I spoke after the Cockhill game and said what I thought about the fella. He’s in tears almost there for being the hero in the semi-final and the final. I’m going to say it again, he’s an absolute legend in the club at Buncrana Hearts and an absolute gentleman so I’m delighted for Eoghan.”

Diamond Park was packed with Buncrana Hearts fans on Saturday, with cars and buses galore traveling south for the massive game. The scenes after the game were ones to savour for everyone at Buncrana Hearts FC and Gary Duffy mentioned it just shows what they think of the club.

“As you can see, the buses that came up and the number of people that drove up with young kids that are all dressed in blue and white. It shows what they think of us as a club. The lads in the changing room know that too and they know they had to dig deep and that the crowd were behind them and that helps you along no matter what level it is.”

The winning boss went on to mention how bringing home the cup is fantastic for the community, who have been through a difficult spell in recent weeks and hopes this triumph can bring a bit of happiness to the local area. The Buncrana Hearts manager finished by dedicating this victory to the Fullerton family.

“It’s just brilliant for the whole community because we’ve been through a tough time in the last six or seven weeks with so many tragic deaths”, said Duffy.

He continued, “I don’t want to put a dampener on it but we spoke about it in the changing room before the match and from myself and the whole team, that ones for the Fullerton family. That one is for you Deccy, Brid and Deirde. You know what you mean to us and we know how tough of a time you are going through, the community was rocked, hopefully, this brings a wee bit of happiness back, but this one’s for you."