Brave Molly to lead out the Dubs at Croke Park

A NORTHSIDE girl, who was diagnosed with a life threatening illness almost one year ago, is to lead out the Dublin Ladies’ team in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Final at Croke Park.

The Dublin County Board has chosen Molly McNally (6), from Balbriggan, to be mascot for the big game against Cork on Sunday, September 28.

Molly has enjoyed a great rapport with the men’s senior team following her first visit to Croke Park for the Leinster quarter final against Westmeath in 2013.

Dublin, of course, went on to win the All-Ireland that year, and Molly has been photographed on numerous occasions with members of the team.

Dublin stars Bernard Brogan, Paul Flynn and Ger Brennan even brought the Sam Maguire Cup to Molly’s grandparents’ home where she was photographed with the most famous trophy in Irish sport.

Molly’s mum, Emma, who is originally from Raheny, said her daughter was thrilled to hear that she will be leading out the team on Sunday week.

“There had been so much awareness about Molly from the Dublin senior men’s team that the ladies’ team wanted her to bring them luck,

? Emma told Northside People.

“Molly was absolutely thrilled. She loves GAA and Croke Park. She was devastated when the lads lost to Donegal so she is delighted to be heading back to Croker and supporting the ladies’ team.

“She has met the men’s team a good few times and obviously has a soft spot for Bernard Brogan and Paul Flynn. She’s mad about them.

?

Emma said the reaction to Molly when she visits Croke Park has been unbelievable.

“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 would now stop her in Croke Park and ask her how she’s doing.

“We could be walking to matches and people will recognise her from the pictures taken with the team and ask how she is doing and tell us how great she is.

“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.

?

On October 22, 2013, Molly was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer of the nervous system.

She has been receiving intensive treatment since the diagnosis. She is currently on a new trial of chemotherapy and has completed two out of six cycles.

Last week she had assessments at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. These included a CT scan, bone marrow tests and an MBIG (nuclear) scan to see how the new chemotherapy is working in reducing the amount of cancer hotspots on her bones.

This week, Molly will begin round three of her chemotherapy which will last for five days, and then she will have a two-week break before starting round four.

“In general, her health is good at the moment,

? said Emma.

“Her bloods and energy levels are good and she started back in school in senior infants.

“We just hope this new trial works as she is very much behind in treatment but we are hopeful and positive that she will have a good outcome from this regime of chemo.

?

Emma added:

“The fundraising is going really well, and the support from people in Balbriggan and Lusk, in particular, has been fantastic to date.

?

Patricia Monahan, PRO for the Dublin Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), based in Donnycarney, said they were delighted to announce that Molly will be the team’s mascot for the final.

“Molly is an exceptional little girl and all the players are looking forward to meeting her and are honoured to have her as their team mascot on such a special occasion,

? said Ms Monahan.

Meanwhile, events are continuing to take place to raise funds for the Molly McNally Miracle Trust and upcoming ones include:

?¢ September 26 – a pub quiz in the Hamlet Pub in Balbriggan at 8pm

?¢ October 6 – a pub quiz in Murray’s Pub, Lusk

?¢ October 10 – the release of a charity single for Molly

?¢ October 11 – A barn dance at Round Towers GAA Club, Lusk

?¢ October 27 – SSE Airtricity Marathon, eight people are running for Molly

?¢ November 15 –

’80s night in the Cedar’s Pub, Raheny

?¢ For more information on Molly’s fundraising campaign, and to find out how you can donate, please visit www.facebook.com/mollymcnallymiracletrust