Four-Goal Flynn Brothers Send out Statement

CTI Business Solutions IFC Group 3 – Round 2

Mattock Rangers 4-17 : 1-16 Clan Na Gael
Venue: Dundalk Gaels | Referee: Cathal Sweeney (Stabannon Parnells)

Mattock Rangers delivered a devastating second-half display to overpower Clan Na Gael in Round 2 of the CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Championship, with Flynn’ brother Sean and Liam starring in attack, guiding their side – managed by their father Gus to a 10-point win.

With near neighbours Hunterstown Rovers having caught the eye across the county with an impressive showing the night before, Mattock were clearly intent on sending out a statement of their own — and they did so in ruthless fashion here.

First Half

Clan Na Gael made the brighter start, Billy Smith opening the scoring before Liam O’Hanlon struck a well-taken goal on 13 minutes after a clever run off Conall McKeever’s shoulder. That finish helped the Dundalk side into a 1-3 to 0-3 lead.

However, Mattock settled and gradually took control. Cathal Fleming hit a flurry of scores — including a superb 2-point free — while Ben McKenna nailed a sweetly struck two-pointer from the deck. By half-time, Mattock had reeled off seven of the last eight points to turn the game around, leading 0-10 to 1-4. A notable addition to the Mattock side, on the line – as Armagh All-Ireland winning footballer; Jemar Hall is among their coaching team.

Second Half

The second half was all about goals — and they all came from Mattock Rangers. Adrian Reid opened with a point before Sean Flynn rifled home the first of four Mattock goals on 36 minutes. Within minutes, Liam Flynn pounced on a defensive slip to bury another, and the floodgates opened.

Sean Flynn grabbed another major in a ruthless display, while Liam Flynn added a second of his own as the Collon men moved into an unassailable lead. The duo, combined with Fleming – is as lethal an attacking force in the county, not just the Intermediate grade.

To their credit, Clan Na Gael kept battling, with Jack Callan (0-6) and Liam O’Hanlon leading the resistance. Late points from Conor Noonan (2-pointer), Robbie Curran and Gavin Gaffey (2-pointer) narrowed the margin, but Mattock’s goal power proved the decisive difference.

Mattock clearly benefited from having a close look at Clan na Gael’s opening round win over Kilkerley just days earlier. Having studied their opponents, they set about cutting off the Dundalk side’s trademark running game, with Conall McKeever in particular finding that Mattock had a clear plan for curbing his influence. One of the hallmarks of Gus Flynn’s side is the clarity of their identity — they play with a refreshing style, capable of mixing it across the pitch, and once they move the ball into their forward line they are simply lethal. As said earlier – neighbours, Hunterstown Rovers, impressed the entire county – the evening before… Now so have they.

Final Score

Mattock Rangers 4-17 : 1-16 Clan Na Gael

Scorers

• Mattock Rangers: Sean Flynn 2-5, Liam Flynn 2-2, Cathal Fleming 0-6, Ben McKenna 0-2, Adrian Reid 0-1, Oisín McKenna 0-1.

• Clan Na Gael: Jack Callan 0-6, Liam O’Hanlon 1-2, Gavin Gaffey 0-2, Conor Noonan 0-2, Billy Smith 0-1, Craig Long 0-1, Paul Crewe 0-1, Robbie Curran 0-1.

Teams

Clan Na Gael:
Sean Smyth; Conor Smith, Craig Callan, Brian McDonnell; Paul Crewe, Craig Long, Conall McKeever; Gerard Curran, Conor Noonan; Gavin Gaffey, Liam O’Hanlon, Jack Callan; Billy Smith, Shay Coleman, Shane Carroll.
Subs: Robbie Curran for B. Smith (HT), Michael McDonnell for C. Smith (46), John Byrne for G. Curran (47), Mark Newell for S. Carroll (51).

Mattock Rangers:
Stephen Smith; Cillian Hickey, Shane Maguire, Ben Quaile; Tom Grimes, Terry Donegan, Daire Englishby; Ben McKenna, Jason Condon; Cathal Fleming, Adrian Reid, Jack Thompson; Oisín McKenna, Sean Flynn, Liam Flynn.
Subs: Alan Carragher for T. Grimes (38), Ben Watters for B. Quaile (46), Rob Holmes for O. McKenna (51), Caolan Nulty for D. Englishby (54), Callum Wogan for C. Fleming (59).

Player of the Match

Sean Flynn (Mattock Rangers) – A clinical display in attack, racking up 2-5 and proving the game’s defining figure. Sits very deep and plays an extremely clever inside forwards game.

Other Standouts:

• Liam Flynn (Mattock Rangers): Two goals and Two points — lethal inside forward play. Just nudged to the award by his younger brother!

• Cathal Fleming (Mattock Rangers): Intelligent movement, sharp shooting and reliable from frees.

• Ben McKenna (Mattock Rangers): Key presence in midfield, capped with a classy two-pointer.

• Jack Callan (Clan Na Gael): Kept battling, top-scorer for his side with six points. Excellent strike of the ball.

• Liam O’Hanlon (Clan Na Gael): Took his goal brilliantly and got on ball. Bright spark.