All-Ireland winner McGlynn praises Glenfin blend after win over Naomh Pádraig

Frank McGlynn was a happy man on Saturday afternoon as he reflected on Glenfin’s 3-16 to 0-21 victory over Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin in the opening round of the U21B Football Championship.

It was a game in which Luke McGlynn stole the show with a dazzling display that yielded 1-13 - including five two-pointers - to inspire the visitors to victory in Ture.

“Naomh Padraig put us under a good bit of pressure in the first half and hit a couple of good two-pointers themselves - they asked plenty of questions,” Glenfin bainisteoir McGlynn said. “But for our first day out at U21, with a mix of lads who’ve been playing at all levels from thirds to seniors, it was great to get them playing together.

“We’d be more than happy with a win away from home and two points on the board. It’s a positive start.”

Read more: Glenfin v Naomh Pádraig Uisce Chaoin match report

Despite being under pressure early on, Glenfin’s clinical edge in front of goal made the difference. Odhran O’Connor struck two goals in the first half and Luke McGlynn added another as the visitors went in narrowly behind at the break. But it was in the second half that the centre forward truly came into his own, converting from range and punishing every Naomh Padraig foul near the arc.

“We got a wee spell and hit a few two-pointers back-to-back in five or six minutes, and that opened up a gap,” the manager said. “It was just about enough for us to hold on - the gap narrowed from seven to four within a couple of kicks, but that’s the nature of the game now. The two-pointers keeps things interesting and makes sure you play for the full 60 minutes and the rest.”

The 2012 All-Ireland winner said the U21 grade plays a crucial role in the development of young players, bridging the gap between underage and senior football.

“U21 is an important grade - it’s always a new group. From the minors up, it’s nice to see them blend together,” he said. “We had four minors out there today getting some action, and they’re mixing with lads who’ve been playing senior all year, some of them with county experience. It’s a nice mix and it should benefit everybody.”

With eight of the ten teams in the U21B Championship qualifying for the knockout stages, McGlynn said the format offers managers a real opportunity to develop their teams.

“The competition gives you three good games, and it gives you the chance to see your team and work on things before the pressure of the knockouts,” he said. “We’ve a home game next weekend, and with the club celebrating its 50th anniversary, that’ll tie in nicely.”

McGlynn also took a moment to highlight the achievements of Glenfin’s ladies’ side, who face Errigal Ciaran in the Ulster Club Championship this Sunday. That's their reward for beating Termon in the county final a fortnight ago.

“It’s a massive day for the club,” he said. “We were delighted to get the ladies’ title back in Glenfin, and hopefully they’ll push on in Ulster - though they’ll not be looking any further forward than tomorrow’s game.”

For now, Frank's main focus remains on the men’s U21s - and if Luke McGlynn continues in this kind of form, they’ll be a team to watch as the championship unfolds.