A six-year-old girl from Balbriggan, County Dublin, is set to have her dreams come true on September 28th, thanks to the Dublin Ladies football team.
Molly McNally was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness one year ago and in just two weeks’ time, she will lead the Dublin Senior Ladies team onto the pitch at Croke Park ahead of their All-Ireland final clash with Cork.
The young footballing fan is to be the Dublin mascot for the day, which follows her first visit to the national stadium last year. Her beloved Dublin went on to win the All-Ireland that year (2013).
Molly was then selected as the Dublin men’s team mascot for this year’s Leinster semi-final against Wexford. She also became the envy of many when Dublin stars Bernard Brogan, Paul Flynn and Ger Brennan visited her grandparents’ house in April of this year with the Sam Maguire cup in tow.
Molly pictured with the Dublin team after the Leinster Final this year.
Now, Molly is gearing up for another appearance on the hallowed grounds of Croker and can’t wait to cheer on the Dublin Ladies in their All-Ireland final.
The six-year-old was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer of the nervous system, in October 2013. The staunch Dublin fan has been receiving treatment ever since and is currently on a new trial of chemotherapy.
She begins round three of her chemotherapy this week, which will last for five days, before having a two-week break ahead of round four.
Molly can’t wait for September 28th.
“Molly is absolutely thrilled,” said Emma, Molly’s mother. “She was devastated when the lads lost to Donegal and she is delighted to be heading back to Croker and supporting the ladies’ team.
“The fans have totally taken her to their hearts, in particular, the Hill 16 Army, a Dublin fans’ group who have a massive following. People stop her in Croke Park and ask her how she’s doing.
“They are always thinking of her and hope she’s doing well. It’s very touching and means an awful lot to us knowing so many people are behind her.”
She added: “Her health is good at the moment. We hope this new trial works as she is behind in treatment, but we are hopeful and positive that she will have a good outcome. The fundraising is going really well and the support from people in Balbriggan and Lusk has been fantastic.”
Molly soaking up the atmosphere at Croke Park.
Also speaking ahead of the big day for little Molly was PRO for Dublin LGFA, Patricia Monahan.
“Dublin Ladies are honoured and privileged to have such an inspirational little girl as Molly McNally as our team mascot on September 28th in Croke Park.
“Molly’s blogs about her brave battle with Neuroblastoma have been a source of inspiration to the Dublin players. We hope that Molly’s fighting spirit rubs off on our girls as they face the might of reigning All-Ireland champions Cork in the All Ireland final,” she continued.
“Dublin Ladies would like to urge everyone to donate to the Molly McNally Miracle Trust by texting MOLLY to 57802.”
There are more fundraising events coming up in aid of Molly including a pub quiz in the Hamlet Pub in Balbriggan (September 26th), a pub quiz in Murray’s Pub in Lusk (October 6th), the release of a charity single (October 10th) and a barn dance at Round Towers GAA Club in Lusk (October 11th).
For more information on these and much more, check out Molly’s Facebook page and her website.
To make a donation go to mollymcnallymiracletrust.com/idonate or follow the instructions below:
