Reds fan Gerry's joy
Saturday, October 13, 2007
By Conor McLaughlin
Newry boss Gerry Flynn says that his emotions were running high at the end
of Tuesday's epic CIS Cup Quarter Final against Cliftonville ? and not just
because his team had claimed victory in a pulsating penalty shoot-out.
As he and his players finished their celebrations with the visiting support,
suddenly a loud round of applause began to emanate from the home stand as
Reds supporters took to their feet to congratulate old boys Flynn and his
assistant Peter Murray.
"That was a special moment," said Flynn.
"It brought a real lump to the throat to see and hear Cliftonville's fans
applaud us off like that and it meant that wee bit more to me because, in my
heart of hearts, I'm still one of them.I know that, come the day I'm no
longer in charge of Newry or involved in football for whatever reason, I'll
be back where it all started for me, in among the Red Army.
"I went to the matches every week as a kid, had the honour of playing for ?
and winning the league with ? them when I grew up and Solitude's still a
special place for me.
"I'm giving my all for Newry right now and was delighted when we won the
other night but, at the same time, there was still a lump in the throat as
we left the pitch. It was a bit surreal, but fantastic."
The night hadn't appeared to be shaping up for quite such a nervous finale
as goals from Stephen Garrett and Richard Clarke had the Bordermen two-up
and in complete control come the interval.
The Reds hit back, however, and, after forcing extra-time, went 3-2 ahead
when David McAlinden lashed home his second penalty of the evening.
That appeared to be that, only for Cullen Feeney to bury a last-gasp header
beyond John Connolly and force a dramatic shoot-out.
"I fancied our chances after that," added Flynn, presumably confident in his
own players' ability to keep their nerve when the pressure was on.
"Yes, that and I'm fully aware of the old hoodoo that Cliftonville have when
it comes to penalties," he grinned.
"I think it was 15 or 16 defeats when I was playing here and, although we
won a couple, there's still that wee feeling among Reds fans that defeat is
inevitable when penalties come around.
"My players did well, though, and all their kicks were excellent. It's hard
not to feel sorry for Barry Holland, but that's just the way it goes
sometimes and I know he's a good enough player to move on from that.
"I'm delighted we're in the semi final and hopefully a step closer to
bringing some silverware back to Newry."
