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Where is Westmeaths ground ? What sort of a trip is it ?

Molloy marks ten years at the top in fine style


By John Campbell

30 November 2006
It's precisely ten years since Alan Molloy made his senior football debut for Down.

It was in a National League tie against Westmeath that the Loughinisland clubman took his baptism in the famous red and black jersey.

Since then he has been a fxture in the side - injury permitting, that is.

And his splendid contribution to the Mourne county cause through good and bad times will be highlighted tonight when he is honoured at a presentation function in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry.

Molloy has played in a variety of positions for Down and has latterly been helping to underpin the problem midfield area.

His versatility, dedication and integrity are qualities that have served Down well and have helped to maintain Molloy's profile as one of the most consistent players in the province.

Down PRO Diarmuid Cahill says: "Alan has been a wonderful servant and while he will obviously continue to play for club and county, the Supporters Club feel it is appropriate that he should be honouerd at this juncture."

Molloy's value to Down has, if anything, been more pronounced of late given that the team has been undergoing a transition.

The Down Supporters Club, an organisation which has raised huge sums of cash to underpin and nurture the GAA in the county, is planning to step up their efforts in this connection next year.

"We are delighted to be honouring Alan Molloy tonight but there is much work to be done on several fronts. There is renewed optimism in Down just now given recent successes at various levels, notably the winning of the All Ireland Minor title last year and the capture of the MacRory and Hogan Cups by the Abbey CBS side this year," explains a Supporters Club official.

Alan Molloy will step onto a centre stage role tonight - and all Down followers hope he will continue to do this on the field of play next year.

Also receiving honours tonight will be the management teams from the Down Under 16 camogie and ladies football sides who took their respective outfits to All Ireland glory earlier in the summer.

These successes underline the progress which is being made in Down and will prove the springboard for a strong drive for more glory at a higher level in the year that lies ahead.

No roof on stand yet .

O'rahilly's , I think . Thats where we played them Div 2 three years ago .

See the supporters club are honoring Alan Molloy , and rightly so .Great servant to Down football and probably had one of his best years last year . Keep it going Alan .

Any more news coming out of the trials ?

How did you do that GY ? you answered my question before I even asked it !! amazing .

Any word on the trials ?

Something inside so strong ....Labi Saffre

So we are looking for someone to partner Gordan in the midfield or maybe they will try Gordan up front and go for a new midfield duo ,Do the harps lads think Murphy could cut it in the middle ?

Are we looking at the whole of nexr year without big Ambrose and Dee Rafferty ? Big loss to us if we are .

Disagree about Cole , I thought he had a good year and was one of the few backs that looked comfortable in his position .

GY - Maybe the inclusion of Monk and a few of the others was to see how the new lads did against proven inter county standard players .

When are you and the likes of you who shout that shite at matches going to grow up ??

Sams -  Was it the Madness CD that tempted you to go for the "The Irish Mail" ?

Ref sending off Greg McCartan for throwing the ball at that get McGuigan after he tripped big Greg . Ultimately cost us an Ulster title and by the way there was quare diving that day as well . I'd love to know how many times wee Peter went down in that game . Then Greg was suspended for the backdoor game against Donegal just for good measure . Fast forward a few years and lads can get away with near killing each other .