Since winning the Louth senior football championship in 2002 for the first time, Mattock Rangers have been considered one of the top sides in the county. A second title win three years later, cemented their place as one of the teams of the decade. The Wee County spoke to club chairman Peter Murphy about the club's success over the last few years, while he also spoke poignantly about a great loss the Mattock Rangers suffered earlier in the year. All involved in the Mattock club and indeed around the county and further afield suffered heartache when the great Damien Reid passed away following a short illness. Without question, Damien was one of the best footballers that the county, never mind the club has produced. He was a loyal servant to Mattock all his life and Peter admits that his passing hit everyone very hard. "He was a brother to everyone in the club. His death shocked everyone to the core. Damien was a gentleman, who had the club at heart and to be honest it was a major setback not just to his family but to everyone that knew him." Of course Damien has two sons on the Mattock team, county stars Adrian and David. Both have been on top of their game over the past few seasons and are one of the reasons why Mattock has been so successful during this decade. "I think the two lads took it upon themselves to try and win the championship in memory of their father and although his passing could be used as a great motivation, I just think that the overwhelming feeling of sadness was too much for everyone." Unfortunately, for the club, they not only lost one great servant but two as Dan McCabe also passed away. Dan was uncle to current player John McCabe and was a great supporter of the club, both financially and vocally. "It was certainly a tough year in that respect. Losing two such influential figures was a massive blow to us and to be honest, it's probably one we are still coming to terms with." In GAA terms, Mattock Rangers are a relatively young club as it is only 56 years in existence. The Collon based outfit celebrated their 50th anniversary in style by winning the County senior title for the first time in their history. However, it is as far back as 1960 when the club first tasted success when they defeated Dreadnots in the second division championship and they followed that up with a victory in the junior championship the following year. Mattock reached their first senior final in 1962, but were beaten by a strong Newtown Blues side. They then had to wait another nine years for their next appearance in the Blue Riband final, nonetheless, it was the same outcome as Cooley captured the title, while in 1976, the same opposition defeated them in the county final. Indeed defeats in the Cardinal O'Donnell Cup final in the late 60's and three Old Gaels Cup finals during the same period meant that the club had suffered six final losses over a seven year period. As the team began to break up, relegation was inevitable and that's what happened in 1979. Many felt that it could be many years before they club re-emerged, but just three years later in 1982, the side were back senior as Damien Reid captained them to glory. The club only lasted a further four years in the top flight, before once again being relegated and this time they were to languish in the second tier for 12 years. Having returned to the top flight, the progress of the club was evident when they reached the county final in 2001, but once again Newtown Blues were to inflict a defeat on them. However, the club's greatest year was just a round the corner as just 12 months later, Mattock were back in the decider and this time they weren't going to leave it behind them as they defeated St Bride's to lift the Joe Ward Cup. "Winning that first championship was such a high for everyone involved. There had been a lot of work done at underage level in the years leading up to that and it paid off then. We went on to reach the Leinster final that year when Meath side Dunshaughlin beat us. The week before that we were forced to play in the Cardinal O'Donnell Cup final and I feel we weren't allowed the proper preparations for the Leinster final," stressed Peter. Three years later and the club recorded their second success in the senior football championship when they finally got the better on Newtown Blues in a county final, although the Blues returned to winning ways in this year's race for the Joe Ward Cup. Mattock have come along way in recent years both on and off the field as in recent years they opened a new clubhouse and Peter stated that the club had some excellent people working to ensure a better future. "We are fortunate in that we have great sponsors in the likes of Donal Matthews, John McCabe Builders, Collon Business Park, Declan Madden Pharmacies to name just a few. There are also some very hard working people in the club like Ernie Roche, Ann Meade, Geraldine Mahon, Derek Hickey, Fergus Flynn and Seamus Maguire, while senior team coach Eamon Dunne did a great job with the lads. "I'd also like to give Christy Grimes and David Brennan a special mention, they have been great servants to the club on the field over the last ten or 15 years." Mattock has come from being a small club to one of the 'big four' in Louth and there is no doubt that they will remain there for some time to come. However, Peter stressed that they would always welcome new committee members, which he feels has been an area neglected. "Anyone who looks after a team at any level deserves great credit because it is time consuming and we are always looking for younger members to get involved, not only in taking care of a team, but to work on the committee also." Tweet

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