Former Irish League goalkeeper recalls advice of late father and brother after signing for new club aged 47

Connolly has starred in Irish Cup finals for Cliftonville and Ballinamallard United, won silverware at Armagh City and most recently helped Dromara Village seal promotion to NAFL’s Premier Division, but his love for football and desire to continue improving remains strong as ever.

Now living in Ballymoney, a move to the Ballymena & Provincial League club, who narrowly missed out on a spot in the Premier Intermediate League play-off last season, made sense and is yet another exciting new challenge in a senior career that began almost three decades ago.

Connolly’s father Sean sadly passed away in April 2018 and brother Lar in 2022, but their pearls of wisdom remain with the veteran goalkeeper to this day.

John Connolly after signing for Ballymoney United. PIC: Ballymoney United FC

"I try not to think about the age part of it!” he laughs. “It keeps getting brought up but the reason I'm continuing to play is I still feel good. I don't feel any soreness after training or games.

"Two wise men, who were very important people in my life, always told me to play as long as I could. One was my dad and the other was my brother...unfortunately both are no longer with me, but my dad played for Bohemians and retired quite early because of family reasons.

"I always remember him telling me to play as long as I could and my brother Lar was involved in football in Dublin and gave me the same advice. As long as you're not struggling after games or training I don't see why not.

"I'm putting myself through the whole training session no problem and can keep up with the younger lads no problem as well. It's the love of the game and that desire to keep pushing yourself. Regardless of the age, you have to look to improve all the time as well and try to keep learning."

Connolly trained with Lee McClelland’s Ballymoney throughout last season to avoid long midweek trips to Dromara and was able to get a feel for the club before ultimately signing earlier this week.

They’ll be part of a revamped BPFL Division One next term and Connolly wants to play his part in helping them take the next step.

"It was the right time for me to move on and I'm happy it got done,” he added. “Ballymoney is where I live now so it just felt right.

"I was training with them last season so that I didn't have to travel to Dromara during the week, so I was able to get a good feel for the place and it felt right to go for it.

"It all fitted into the plan. They had a good season last year and we're looking at it and thinking can we push it one step further and get to where they want to get to. Training with them was really good and there was always a good atmosphere. That all goes into making the decision."