Ciaron Harkin was pinching himself as he became the first Derry City player in 32 years to score a north-west derby hat-trick.
Harkin’s treble gunned Finn Harps down at The Brandywell last night, as Derry swept to a 4-0 win.
The Creggan man’s hat-trick bridged a gap stretching all the way back to Alex Krstic in 1987.
“I’m over the moon. I can’t believe it,” Harkin told Derry Daily afterwards.
“It actually did happen. I’m glad to get another few goals. They dried up a bit. The main thing was getting the three points.
“It’s mad. The first to score a hat-trick against Harps since nine years before I was born… I didn’t think I’d ever score a hat-trick in my career. I don’t think I ever will in the future.”
The midfielder admits that he wants to add goals to his game.
The 23-year-old has become a fans’ favourite since returning to the Candystripes from Coleraine in the closed season.
He said: “I just want to add goals to my tally. Every goal I score means a lot. To score one goal means a lot.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. There are ups and downs. I love the training, I’m happy getting in full-time and I just love playing for Derry City.”
Listen to the full interview below …
Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.