Big names coming out for Molloy Testimonial

One of Derry City’s favourite sons Barry Molloy will have his testimonial this Sunday afternoon, at the Brandywell (KO 3pm).
Derry City's Barry Molloy. Picture Margaret McLaughlinDerry City's Barry Molloy. Picture Margaret McLaughlin
Derry City's Barry Molloy. Picture Margaret McLaughlin

The Candystripes’ midfielder has selected his side to face a James McClean XI, which features Everton and Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy, Newcastle United and Northern Ireland defender Shane Ferguson and Burnley and ex-City left-back Danny Lafferty.

McClean’s XI will also be managed by his Republic of Ireland team-mate and Everton defender Seamus Coleman.

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The match, which sees half of the gate going to a local charity close to Molloy’s heart Foyle Hospice, sees former Brandywell favourites Gary Beckett, Ciaran Martyn, Eddie McCallion and Stephen O’Flynn all

dawn the Candystripes jersey again.

“First and foremost it’s nice to see that the club has given me something back by awarding me a testimonial,” stated Molloy.

“It’s also nice to give the fans something to enjoy as well. They have supported me over the last ten years and I think we have organised a decent match with some decent players on show for them to appreciate, then with half the gate going to the Foyle Hospice that is also special to me.

“The Hospice looked after my mother just before she passed, so if we can get a good gate we’ll be able to give money to a local charity who have helped a lot of local families.”

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For McClean, who has also drafted in his former manager at Wigan Athletic, Owen Coyle, concedes organising his side has been very difficult.

“It has been stressful as I have been trying to get as many big names as possible, but hopefully on the day it will work out,” he stated.

“I’m hoping to have a mixture of ex-pros, pros who are still playing and one or two celebrities and on the day all goes to plan.

“I’m also hoping that there will be a good turnout crowd-wise and it will be a good day for both the Foyle Hospice and Barry.”

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McClean, who played alongside Molloy for a number of years is hoping the people of the North West come out and not just support him but also support such a great charity.

“At the end of the day, the day is for Barry and the Foyle Hospice, which is a great charity, so the better crowd we get obviously the gate receipts will be good and the money from that will be split.

“So hopefully the people of Derry do their bit as well and come out and support.”

Admission into Sunday’s testimonial is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s and you can pay at the gate, with supporters reminded that 50 per cent of the gate goes to the Foyle Hospice.

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Barry Molloy XI (Manager Declan Devine): Patrick Jennings, Emmet Friars, Aaron Callaghan, Ryan McBride, Eddie McCallion, Stephen O’Flynn, Ciaran Martyn, Barry Molloy, Ruadhri Higgins, Gary Beckett, Kevin McHugh

James McClean XI (Manager Seamus Coleman): Eugene Ferry, Danny Lafferty, Mark McChrystal, Shane Duffy, Danny O’Reilly (The Coronas), Stephen McLaughlin, Ruairi Harkin, James McClean, Owen Morrison, Davy McDaid, Owen Coyle.

More names will be added to both squads over the coming days.