Mattock/Hunterstown convincingly claim Louth U-19 title

MATTOCK RANGERS/HUNTERSTOWN ROVERS 1-19
DUNDALK GAELS 0-08

The last piece of silverware of 2023 went to Mattock Rangers and Hunterstown Rovers who magnificently amalgamated to claim the Louth Under 19 title against Dundalk Gaels in Darver on Saturday.

This alliance has been an example to other clubs in the county.

Bar a shock semi final defeat two seasons ago to eventual winners St.Michael's and St. Kevin’s this bunch has been the best in class every season at this age grade.

That hurt no doubt fuelled the campaign charge and the manner of the final victory too.

Dundalk Gaels were no match on the night but this was a successful season for this youthful group who will look to use the past six weeks as a platform to hit 2024 running.

Especially under the new management team of former Down All-star Kevin McKernan and former boss Malachy O’Rourke.
Second best, but Packie O’Connor’s side's second point from the lively Tony McDonnell put them into an early lead.

That seemed to frighten the combination into action.

The best player on view, Liam Flynn tore into any chance of an upset with three points in a row.

That sparked a 1-7 to no score run that effectively secured the inaugural competition but Flynn’s menace proved there weren't any chances to be taken.

Flynn’s dancing feet across the wide plains of centre of excellence had the Gaels on the back foot constantly.

Aaron Levins Captain of Hunterstown Mattock Under 19 team receiving the Under 19 Padraig O'Duffy Cup from Sean McClean Chairman Louth Co Board

Flynn would set up James Rogers for the goal. Aided by his brother Seán, the Flynn brothers controlled the game in the deeper position rather than relying on others out the field, a shrewd move possibly drawn up on the kitchen table by manager and father Gus.

A ten point half time lead was somewhat eaten into upon the resumption by a determined Cian Walsh who showed his doggedness that saw him shine in his debut season in adult football.

The displays of Shane Halpenny and Aaron Levins around the middle and the Russell brothers at the back orbiting around Mícheál Reid gave the Rovers contingent something exciting to put at the top of new years list.

And so it would come to pass that Seán McClean’s first duty as new Louth chairman was to hand his own club captain Levins the trophey.

That could be a familiar feat of his reign.

DUNDALK GAELS: Tom Mahon; Paddy O’Connell, Luke Conlon, Oran Mulligan; Alan Jumbo-Gula, Jack Mullen, Shaun Duffy; Liam O’Connor, Cian Walsh 0-1; James Haughey, Sam Phelan, Liam Coleman; Preston Keating, Tony McDonnell 0-7 (5f), Chris Clarke. SUBS: Ryan Coleman for Keating (h/t), Conor Lee for Haughey (44), Daniel Brogan for Phelan (44), Daniel Gregory for Jumbo-Gula (47), Fionn Conlon for L Coleman (61).

MATTOCK RANGERS/HUNTERSTOWN ROVERS: Lewis Mant; Ciarán Russell, Adam O’Reilly, Cillian Taaffe; James Russell 0-1, Mícheál Reid 0-1, Jamie O’Callaghan; Aaron Levins 0-4, Shane Halpenny 0-1; Liam Flynn 0-7 (3f), Seán Flynn 0-4, Peter Reid; Robert Holmes 0-1; James Rogers 1-0, Ciarán McCartney. SUBS: Oran Martin for P Reid (43), Tom Grimes for McCartney (52), Joe Rogers for Holmes (56), Senan Taaffe for O’Callaghan (56), Graham Boland for S Flynn (59).

REF: Bryan Smith (O’Raghallaighs)