P. J. Molloy facts for kids

P. J. Molloy (born 30 April 1952) is a famous Irish former hurler. He played as a left wing-forward for the Galway senior team.

Born in Athenry, County Galway, P. J. Molloy started playing hurling when he was young. He first played for the Galway under-21 team. He then made his senior debut in the 1971–72 National Hurling League. Molloy was a key player for Galway for sixteen years.

During his career, he won two All-Ireland medals. He also won one National Hurling League medal. He played in five All-Ireland finals but was runner-up.

P. J. Molloy also played for the Connacht inter-provincial team. He won five Railway Cup medals with them. For his club, Athenry, he won one Connacht medal. He also won two county championship medals.

His total score of 11 goals and 114 points was a record for a Galway player. This record stood for many years. After he stopped playing, Molloy became a coach. He coached Athenry to win the All-Ireland title in 1997.

Playing for Clubs

P. J. Molloy had a successful club career with Athenry.

Winning County and Connacht Titles

In 1987, Athenry played against Castlegar in the county championship final. Molloy was a big inspiration for his team. Athenry won the match 1–12 to 2–6. This victory gave him his first Galway Senior Hurling Championship medal.

Later, he also won a Connacht medal. Athenry easily beat Pádraig Pearse's of Roscommon.

All-Ireland Club Final

After winning the Connacht title, Athenry played in the All-Ireland club final. They faced Midleton. Midleton won the game 3–8 to 0–9. This meant Molloy's team was defeated in the final.

Second County Title

Athenry lost three county finals in the years that followed. But in 1994, they won again. They beat Sarsfields 2–6 to 0–9. Molloy came on as a substitute in this game. This win gave him his second county championship medal.

Playing for Galway

P. J. Molloy also had a long and successful career playing for his county, Galway.

Under-21 Success

In 1972, Molloy was part of the Galway under-21 hurling team. They reached the All-Ireland final against Dublin. Molloy came on as a substitute during the game. Galway won by a small margin, 2–9 to 1–10. This gave him an All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship medal.

Senior Debut and First League Title

Molloy made his senior debut for Galway in the 1971–72 National League. His first senior championship game was in 1974. Galway beat Kildare in an All-Ireland quarter-final.

In 1975, Galway achieved a big win. They beat Tipperary 4–9 to 4–6. This victory earned Molloy a National Hurling League medal.

All-Ireland Final Appearances

Galway then reached the All-Ireland final in 1975. It was their first final in seventeen years. They played against the champions, Kilkenny. Kilkenny won the match 2–22 to 2–10.

Over the next three years, Galway lost in the All-Ireland semi-finals. However, in 1977, Molloy received his first All-Star award. This award recognizes the best players of the year.

In 1979, Galway surprised many by beating Cork in the semi-final. This led them to another All-Ireland final against Kilkenny. Kilkenny won the final 2–12 to 1–8.

All-Ireland Glory in 1980

In 1980, Galway reached their second All-Ireland final in a row. They played against Limerick. It was an exciting game. Molloy scored a goal in the first half. Galway led 2–7 to 1–5 at half-time.

Limerick fought back strongly in the second half. However, Galway held on to win the game 2–15 to 3–9. This was a huge moment for Galway. It was their first All-Ireland title since 1923. Molloy earned his first All-Ireland winners' medal. The celebrations in Croke Park were amazing.

More All-Ireland Finals

In 1981, Galway reached a third All-Ireland final in a row. They played against Offaly. Galway led by six points with twenty-three minutes left. But they failed to score again. Offaly scored two late goals. Galway lost the game 2–12 to 0–15.

Galway reached the All-Ireland final again in 1985. They faced Offaly once more. Offaly's ability to score goals was key. P. J. Molloy scored a goal for Galway. But Offaly won by 2–11 to 1–12.

In 1986, Galway reached their second All-Ireland final in a row. They were favorites against an older Cork team. But Cork played very well. They scored four goals. Cork won the game 4–13 to 2–15.

Second All-Ireland Title in 1987

In 1987, Molloy was nearing the end of his career. Galway qualified for their third All-Ireland final in a row. They played against Kilkenny. Galway did not want to lose three finals in a row.

Noel Lane scored a very important goal for Galway. Molloy started the game on the bench. He was brought on as a substitute. Galway won the game 1–12 to 0–9. This victory gave P. J. Molloy his second All-Ireland medal. This was his last game for Galway.

Playing for Connacht

Molloy also played for Connacht in the inter-provincial games. These games are called the Railway Cup. He had great success in this competition.

Railway Cup Wins

In 1979, Connacht reached the final but lost to Leinster. In 1980, Connacht played against Railway Cup specialists Munster in the final. Connacht won a low-scoring game 1–5 to 0–7. This was Molloy's first Railway Cup medal. It was Connacht's first title since 1947.

Connacht reached the Railway Cup final again in 1982. They beat Leinster 3–8 to 2–9. This gave Molloy his second medal. In 1983, they beat Leinster again. This meant Connacht kept the title for the first time ever.

After losing in 1985, Connacht faced Munster again in 1986. Connacht won clearly by 3–11 to 0–11. This was Molloy's fourth Railway Cup medal.

In 1987, Connacht played Leinster in the final once more. Connacht won a close game 2–14 to 1–14. This gave P. J. Molloy his fifth and final Railway Cup medal.

Managerial Career

Coaching Athenry

In 1996, P. J. Molloy became the manager of the Athenry senior hurling team. It was a very successful first year for him. He led the team to win the county championship. They beat Carnmore 2–6 to 1–6.

Athenry then won the Connacht title. They beat Four Roads 1–15 to 1–8. This led them to the All-Ireland club final. They played against Wolfe Tones.

Eugene Cloonan scored nine points for Athenry. Athenry won the game 0–14 to 1–8. This was the club's first ever All-Ireland title. Molloy stepped down as manager in 1997.

Achievements and Awards

Team Honours

Athenry

• Connacht Senior Club Hurling Championship (1): 1987
• Galway Senior Club Hurling Championship (2): 1987, 1994

Galway

• All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship (2): 1980, 1987
• National Hurling League (1): 1974–75

Connacht

• Railway Cup (5): 1980, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987

Individual Awards

• All-Star Award (1): 1977

Managerial Honours

Athenry

• All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship (1): 1997
• Connacht Senior Club Hurling Championship (2): 1996, 1998
• Galway Senior Club Hurling Championship (2): 1996, 1998