Michael Muldoon

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Michael Muldoon (born, 12 May 1962), also known as Mick Muldoon, was the first www.irishgaels.com[1] Legend of the Month, and subsequently won the inaugural Legend of the Year award. He is from Ardboe in County Tyrone and has best known for his eventful and successful career in Gaelic football, as both a player and a manager. Mick, as he is most commonly known, is regarded as many as a cult hero within the local Ardboe area, Tyrone and further afield.

[edit] Early life

The fourth of five children, Mick was born in the home where he currently dwells. As a youngster he was highly active in various sports including gaelic games, soccer and bowls. He was educated at the local primary school, St Patrick's, Mullinahoe where he excelled in all aspects of school life. When time called Mick for a move, St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon [2] was his chosen destination.

[edit] Life at The Academy

Mick enrolled at St Patricks Academy, Dungannon in September 1973 and quickly established himself as an astute academic under the guidance of teachers, Clarke Small and Aidan Fee [3]. Mick flourished both inside and outside of the classroom and became an extremely popular student. Mick reached the pinnacle of his footballing career at the Academy when in the summer of 1979 he reached the final of the Rannafast Cup [4] in a side managed by Dan O'Neill (recently retired caretaker and colleague of Pat Hamilton, who still patrols the grounds of St. Patrick's [5]). Although defeated by a strong and talented St. Coleman's Newry side, Mick put in a towering performance in the middle of the field, outshining future All-Star and All-Ireland medallist Greg Blaney, the year he was to become a senior footballer with Down for the first time.[6]

[edit] Further Education and Employment

After life at the Academy came to an end, Mick floated in and out of several lucrative business ventures. In the spring of 1981, he failed after and attempt to move into Nursing Home management with future Ardboe business tycoon, Brendan Hurl. Undeterred by this setback, Mick gathered himself and moved into the Social Security Department of the Civil Service where he quickly rose up the ladder [7].

Mick celebrated 20 years of loyal service in 2002. However celebrations were quickly turned sour when detectives investigating an alleged spy ring at Stormont (later known as Stormontgate), arrested Mick linking him and his colleagues to a number of charges. After several weeks of questioning in Castlereagh Police Station, Mick was allowed to return to his job without charge. However, his reputation would be forever tainted by the aforementioned allegations. He was subsequently removed from his post at Stormont, and relocated to James House, on the new Gasworks site on the Ormeau Road, Belfast.

[edit] Family Life

In October 1985 Michael married long time mistress Anne O'Neill at St. Mary's Church, Bellaghy[8]. They celebrated the birth of their first child and heir, Niall Muldoon on April 13th 1987. Two more children, Claire and Karen, were born at a later stage. Mick lives a happy life with his wife, Niall and two daughters in the same house he was born.

[edit] Sporting Activity

Mick has had success with Ardboe O'Donovan Rossas as both a player and a manager. His playing career was ravaged by a number of cruel injury blows. Nevertheless, Mick managed to turn in a number of sterling performances in the orange and blue jersey. Ardboe footballing legend, Stevie Coney, once described Mick as "the greatest free-taker in Tyrone with the exception of myself". Mick lived up to his high reputation when, in the semi-final of the 1983 Tyrone Championship, he converted an injury time free against local rivals Moortown to force a replay. The score sparking wild scenes of celebration at the Coalisland venue. Local legend has it that Micks free was converted from all of 85 yards. Mick later went on to win Championship medals with the club in 1984 and 1987 [9]. He also holds an Intermediate Championship medal from 1990.

Injury cut short this great career and Mick retired from the game in the early nineties, although he turned in a number of magical performances for the reserve side over the next few years. With official retirement from the game, Mick moved himself into managerial circles.

[edit] The Pros and Cons of Euthanasia (and other pertinent topics)

An intense discussion on the Pros and Cons of Euthanasia, and other pertinent topics, in front of a blazing chiminea

Mick is probably most famous for his quote, "We are discussing the pros and cons of euthanasia and other pertinent topics." Despite his famous quote, Mick has never given any indication towards his opinion on the matter. As a result, it has sparked wide debate on a number of fronts, and lead to such discussions breaking out in front of chimineas up and down the country.

[edit] Trivia

• In reference to his arrest and questioning over his alleged role in the Spy Ring at Stormont a local quiz team called themselves 'Mick's in Castlereagh'.
• In the same quiz, Mick formed part of an All-Star team which included such legends as, Nicky Campbell, Charlie Conway and Shane Coot.
• Mick is noted for his exceptional skills in the field of golf.
• Mick is a brother of Ardboe entrepreneur Sean Muldoon who once courted controversy by encouraging his nephew and friends to bomb a farming rivals bales.
• Micks crowning hour came in a club league match against Omagh. That day he scored 2-14, 2-12 of which was from play. That same day, team-mate Benny Hurl scored 3-6, all from play.
• Micks son, Niall, was a member of the victorious Reserve Championship winning side of 2005.

[edit] Quotes on Mick Muldoon

• "He was a crazy b***ard. I remember playing indoor soccer with him one night. It was a real lesson. He left me melded against the side wall after one tackle. I've looked up to him ever since" - Nicholas (Nicky) Campbell

[edit] Book References

• Devlin, M. (1990) Ardboe O Donnovan Rossa: A History of GAA in Ardboe
• Martin, J. (1985) A GAA History in Tyrone: 1884-1984 Mount Salus Press Ltd. ISBN 0 9509977 0 6

[edit] External links

• Ardboe O'Donnovan Rossa Official Website
• Official Tyrone GAA Website