GERARD McMAHON
- the end of two miserable years
It all came together for former Northern Ireland international Gerard
McMahon last Saturday in Lurgan.
In one movement that brought back memories of class he once showed in
the professional game in England, the Glenavon star sealed a vital First
Division win and a special present for his newborn son Kane. His
match-winning goal for Glenavon was dedicated to his son and it marked
the end of two miserable years for the frustrated midfielder who
suffered a broken leg injury and three operations to mend it.
Ironically, McMahon was expecting to watch his team at the weekend and
was surprised to be involved, let alone score the only goal of the game.
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McMahon's match-winning goal for Glenavon was
dedicated to his son and it marked the end of two miserable
years for the frustrated midfielder who suffered a broken leg
injury and three operations to mend it.
Photo by Robert Curran |
“It’s great what a goal can do,” he said. “I didn’t expect
to play against Ballyclare, not at all. I was just glad to be around the
first team squad and hoping that my chance would come in the next week
or so.”
Although McMahon experienced some action in an early season cup
competition, the call for league duty was the one he was waiting to
hear.
“I was excited about playing in the league after being out for so
long. I wasn’t nervous or worried about my leg. A lot of people will
have been surprised to see me back because they thought I would never
play again.”
While Glenavon’s drop from the Premier League to the First Division
remains a shock, McMahon does not believe there will be a smooth path
back to the top for the Lurgan Blues.
“On paper we have a Premier League team and a Premier League venue
but no team in the First Division is going to make it easy for us. We
found it hard to break down Ballyclare Comrades and it will be the same
every week for us.
“It’s all about the name. When teams come to Mourneview Park to
play Glenavon they see it a big occasion and play like they are in a cup
final. We’ll have to put up with that throughout the season.”
With his talent the 30 year-old could still grace the game in England’s
Football League but he has remained loyal to Glenavon in an age when
footballer’s loyalties are mainly to themselves.
“I stick around because Glenavon has been good to me. The club
looked after me when I broke my leg and I have a contract to see out. I
have one year to serve and I want to stay and help Glenavon get back
into the Premier League.
“After that, if they’ll have me, I’d be happy to stick around.”
Alex McGreevy
(Reprinted with permission from Irish Daily Star)
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