Posted online: Apr 9th, 2008

By Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

Buncrana’s hurlers made a promising senior debut at the Scarvey on Saturday.
The side played their first ever competitive match against Monaghan outfit Carrickmacross in the Ulster Senior League division 5.
And though they lost out to the visitors by 3-18 to 3-07, the mood in the camp is “very upbeat” according to the club’s hurling administrator Donaill MacLochlainn.
MacLochlainn told Inish Times Sport: “We were naturally disappointed with the result, but delighted with the performance.
“All but three of the squad are under 20, and I think they were a bit tense in the first half because of the sense of occasion.
“Carrickmacross scored three goals and the bulk of their points in the first half, and that is really where the damage was done.
“But Buncrana’s second half performance was excellent, and all credit must go to captain Gerard Boyle, who led ny example and encouraged the players to mark their opponents more closely, with the result that Carrickmacross weren’t allowed to play their game.”
Lee Duffy, David Clare and PJ Doherty all scored goals for the home side, who now travel to South Ulster this Saturday to play their next match.
Said McLochlainn: “The manager Tom Clare and all the coaching staff are feeling very positive.
“They may have struggled a bit in the first half, but they refused to put their heads down and it is attitude that will stand them in good stead in games to come.”