Mighty Mullan

Last week, Conor Mullan came off the bench to score his first goal of the season for Lisahally in their 4-0 demolition of local rivals, Maydown. This week, it seems that he could be in line to start against title-contenders, Culmore and, while it remains to be seen whether the young man can hold down a starting place, Lisahally fans are glad that the powerful forward is finally getting his chance.

Mullan comes from a family with a strong football tradition; a pedigree of sorts. His uncle, Gerry Mullan, was a fine footballer who made his name in the Irish League playing for Ballymena, Glentoran, Coleraine and he even had a spell (albeit a rather brief one) at English side, Everton. Gerry would go on to win 4 caps for the Northern Ireland national team and he was, at one stage, the most expensive Irish League player. Mullan's cousin, Philip Lowry, is an IFA under-21 international currently playing for IFA Premiership champions, Linfield. However, it his father, Lawrence "Libby" Mullan, who Lisahally fans will be most familiar with. "Libby" is widely considered to be one of the most gifted footballers to have graced the Lisahally shirt. Indeed it is said that the Limavady man was the original poster boy for football in Strathfoyle, combining subtle good-looks with outrageous ability. "Libby" was one of those rare players who had the capacity to slot in and do an effective job in any position and his versatility was, without doubt, a key ingredient to Lisahally's successes in the early '90s.

With this in mind, Conor Mullan has big boots to fill if he is expected to emerge from behind the colossal shadow of his father, but it is a challenge that the 23 year old is relishing. He told the Listener,

"I'm fitter than I've ever been. At the start of the season I was on the fringes and it didn't look like I was going to get into the team, but I went down to the pitch and did extra training hoping to give myself the edge and it's finally paying off. It was a great feeling coming on and scoring against Maydown."

Mullan began his football career as a central defender and he was renowned for his robust tackling and commanding heading. Indeed, it is interesting to note that it was in the centre-half position that Mullan played a vital role in helping the Strathfoyle Youth Club win a Limavady based tournament. However, as time went on, Mullan abandoned his defensive style, instead favouring a more attacking position. Mullan's first club was indeed Lisahally, who were then managed by the legendary Topher Whoriskey and Chris Tracey. Mullan stayed at Lisahally for two seasons and although he played only a minor role in the team, the young man contributed his fair share of goals.

Despite his obvious ability, Mullan found his opportunities for first team football limited and frustration drove him to transfer to Maydown F.C., which unsurprisingly elicited cries of "Judas!" from upset fans. Nevertheless, it was a move which rewarded Mullan with an abundance of first team football, as he became the engine of the Maydown midfield. He spent two fruitless seasons at Maydown before his desire for glory led him to re-sign for his former club. Mullan explained,

"I had a good experience with Maydown, even though we struggled. I learned a lot from it and I got a lot of game time, but I felt that the time was right for me to go back to Lisah'. They won the cup two seasons back and I think I matured enough in my time away to challenge for a place."

It's clear that Mullan's intentions are to consolidate his position in the Lisahally team and to win trophies, but when faced with comparisons to his father, he is nonchalant:

"My da was a good player and he still bangs them in when he joins in at training. We're different players though. My aim this season is to help Lisah' get promoted. It doesn't matter where I'm playing, I'll do my best. Those rumours about me claiming that I'd score a hattrick before the end of the season are false by the way! If I score one every game, I'll be happier. I'll be even happier if I get my shin pads off Mark Duffy!"

This Sunday's top of the table encounter with Culmore is sure to be a stern test for young Conor Mullan and Lisahally fans will be hoping that the powerful forward is on form.

Other Team News
Lisahally v Culmore (12.9.10)
Aidy O'Kane looks set to return to the team, following his ankle injury and there could possibly be a reshuffle in defence. Otherwise, there shouldn't be any drastic changes to the squad which triumped over Maydown.