The local football fraternity was in shock this week at the announcement that following medical advice Grangevale striker John Carroll has succumbed to a series of crippling injuries and retired from the game he has adorned for three decades. Carroll emerged as an enigmatic centre forward at Douglas Hall in the 1990’s before moving on to play a starring role on a record breaking four AOH Cup winning teams with Passage and Coachford during a glittering career.

Greater things beckoned and while a strike partnership with Thierry Henry at his beloved Arsenal was a mouth watering prospect, Carroll had one remaining ambition to fulfil. His uncle Donie Carroll was a popular Grangevale player in the 1960’s before pursuing fame and fortune as a musician in New York. When an appeal went out in summer 2007 for John Carroll to wear the famous orange and black colours and follow in his uncle’s foot steps, destiny had paid a visit and it was an offer he could not refuse.

Within ten minutes of making his debut on 8th September 2007 against Parkview he raced onto a Dave O’Sullivan through ball to open his goal scoring account. He quickly became a fans’ favourite among the notoriously discerning Grangevale public and when he converted a stunning free kick against Ballinhassig on 30th September 2007 it heralded the blossoming of a love affair made in football heaven. On the last day of the season Grangevale were crowned 2008 AUL 3 champions when Carroll scored the opening goal against title rivals Carrigaline United before retreating into a central midfield role to secure the advantage.

Season 2008 / 2009 began with Carroll scoring five goals in the opening four league games but with the side decimated by injuries he played the remainder of the campaign in defence as Grangevale won the AUL 2 title. John Carroll was the antithesis of the modern day bland one dimensional athlete, choosing instead to shun the dictates of public morality and the Grangevale faithful loved him for it. In his world he was at the interface of a symbiotic relationship between the Saturday night social scene in Douglas and Sunday morning football. Indeed, he became the Lady Ga Ga of Grangevale Football Club…..While, it was impossible to predict the condition Carroll would turn up in, he never failed to deliver a top performance. Thank you for the memories. For more news visit www.grangevaleafc.com