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| Mallow Utd stalwart John lauded as a true club legend
THROUGHOUT its 92-year history, Mallow United has gone through periods of change and transformation, many fine people have come and gone and there have been days to celebrate and some days that may be best forgotten.
For the last 55 years, however, there has been a constant figure present, a man who’s loyalty and dedication has never wavered, ensuring the club stayed on a steady path as it encountered one hurdle after another throughout the decades.
Mallow United’s John O’Connell developed a passion for local soccer as a boy in the 1950s, in an era when trainloads of supporters would travel the rail line connecting Mallow and Fermoy for highly charged north Cork derbies. Over the years John went on to play in the club’s street leagues and lined out for the club before going on to take a position on the Mallow United committee.
Having joined the committee, John served many roles and established a reputation for being a reliable clubman, always available to offer opinion at a meeting or assist with a fundraising event. Acting without fuss and never looking for thanks, John, a true gentleman, has served the club in a discreet manner such that many of those who benefitted from his tireless efforts will not be aware of his immense contribution.
Recently, Mallow United’s longest serving club man enjoyed a much deserved moment in the limelight when he was invited to the Aviva Stadium for Ireland V Wales where he was hosted as a VIP guest of the FAI and given the best seat in the house, rubbing shoulders with the power brokers in Irish sport.
Having returned to more humble surroundings in his native Mallow, John continues as a committee member, making a valuable contribution to the club, most recently playing a pivotal role in the re-introduction of the Mallow United Soccer Cards.
The current committee would like to express their gratitude to John and hope he will continue with the club for many years to come, always on hand to tell tales from days gone by, providing an invaluable connection to the club’s rich history.
Meanwhile, Mallow United seniors and youths both travelled to Munster Senior League newcomers Kilworth Celtic last weekend with both Mallow sides coming away with three points. On Saturday, the youths came from a goal behind with an equaliser from Jake Buckley and a brace from Sean Armstrong giving them a 3-1 win and extending their 100% league record to eight games. On Sunday, United’s Senior side moved up to third place in a very tight MSL Division 2 when two goals from Dylan McAuliffe and a third from Derek O’Flynn saw them take a 3-2 win.