Damien Glackin satisfied with Ballybofey United's progress so far this season

Ballybofey United veteran Damien Glackin rolled back the years on Sunday with a goal and two assists as his side came out the better in the local derby when the boys in blue overcame Cappry Rovers 4-1 at the Finn Valley Centre. 

Glackin’s men, who are the reigning Division 2 champions, dominated this affair from start to finish as they now sit in third position on 13 points after eight games played, with Castlefin and Donegal Town marginally ahead of them in the league table. 

And while it has been a dream start for the Ballybofey side, the experienced Glackin doesn’t want the club to get too far ahead of themselves stating that there’s a long way to go in the season. 

“We worked hard for the 90 minutes, it was a tough game, derbies are always tough but it was great to get the win and just get another three points on the board,” Glackin said regarding Sunday’s win over Cappry Rovers. 

“Winning keeps the squad in a happy place, we’re delighted where we are in the league but we know that we have a lot of work to do yet. We’re only halfway through the season so hopefully we can keep this up after Christmas.” 

Ballybofey went all of last season unbeaten in Division 2 as they claimed the league title last spring, dropping only four points in the process. 

And things haven’t stopped there with a large bulk of the team, who are under the age of 20, playing this season too as they hope to push on to bigger things ahead. 

For Glackin, the positive run of form over the last two seasons has all been focused on developing the younger players in the club. 

“I think the key this season is that we’ve kept the core of the squad together, that’s been the main thing,” said the 39-year-old Glackin.  

“We have a lot of young players and then myself, who is probably at the end of a long career, but we have a lot of 18- and 19-year-olds who are carrying the squad from last year, and that’s how we’re building the team. 

“We’re on the way up, there’s no doubt about that. We have two very young teams in both Ballybofey and Cappry, so there’s a lot of talent in the area and the future is definitely looking bright for both clubs.” 

And is there a chance that the club won’t be far away from playing in the top flight of Donegal football soon? 

“We won’t get ahead of ourselves but we might make the Premier Division before I turn 40, that would be nice.”