Could make a mess of material connections (5)

I believe the answer is:

seams

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'material connections' is the definition.
'seams' can be an answer for 'connections' (seam is a kind of connection). I am not sure about the 'material' bit.

'could make a mess' is the wordplay.
'could make' is an anagram indicator.
'a'+'mess'='amess'
'amess' anagrammed gives 'SEAMS'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for seams that I've seen before include "Joints" , "Strata of ore or coal suitable for mining" , "Sewn joins" , "Strata of minerals" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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