Rangers determined to make the most of big opportunity

‘WE were training during the week and you could actually see Christmas lights on the hills behind the pitch!’ laughs Mattock Rangers chairman Terry Donegan.

Between putting up flags and decorations on Christmas trees the village of Collon has never felt the festive period come round with such pace. With a November packed with matches en route to the provincial decider sustaining the parishes focus all eyes are on this Saturday’s Leinster final.

A lifetime has passed since Mattock played in their last Leinster final in 2002, versus Dunshaughlin at senior level and Donegan is aware of the momentous position the club is in at the moment.

‘It is something we certainly haven’t experienced for a lot of years,’ he stated.

‘I was involved at committee level then, but 17 years is such a long time ago. At the time, you wouldn’t have thought it wouldn’t be that long again but look, when you get a chance to build momentum in Leinster, and get a couple of games under your belt, you have to take every opportunity that comes. We’ll hope to do our best.’

The use of ‘we’ is apt for Donegan as it truly is a family affair for the Mattock chairman who has over a decade of stewardship under his belt. His wife Eithne is a constant support to the club behind the scenes, while both his children are making waves on and off the pitch for the club and it is something Terry can’t help but enjoy.

‘Absolutely, its a great buzz at home, as well as Terry Junior, my daughter Ciara is PRO so plenty of family involvement! That is the way clubs go, it keeps families going and its no different to any club in the county.

‘Terry’s probably grown up with a lot of those lads that have been involved in the team. There’s a good bond with all those boys down the years, maybe not with victory but sometimes defeat brings

teams together as well.

‘I think the Leinster run has brought them together even more, hopefully that augurs well for the future. The team has evolved over the last three years. A lot of youth has come into it, which all teams need. They’ve grown together and that has showed this year certainly.’

‘This is a new team, doing their own thing making their own history. I have every bit of confidence in them.

So looking towards this Saturday, Donegan is quick to point out that the club as a whole will be respectful of their opponents Mullinavat, especially with silverware at stake.

‘We won’t be taking them for granted in anyway,’ Donegan insists.

‘They look to be a team that scores lots of goals. They’ve won the Kilkenny senior Championship for the last three years. So plenty of experience. They’re big strong physical team. There will be nobody in Mattock Rangers taking Mullinavat for pushovers thats for sure.’