Irish eyes smiling on Pars

An early start for Robbie Mahon’s family as they fly in from Dublin for ‘Trophy Day’

On loan Irishman Robbie Mahon has maybe not had as much game time at Dunfermline as he had wished but the nineteen year old claims that he has gained lots of experience in his time in Fife. His 12 appearances clocked up just over 400 minutes and he was credited with four assists in those dozen matches.

Like the rest of the Dunfermline squad he had been told by James McPake and Dave Mackay to go out and enjoy playing the final league match of a successful season in front of a large enthusiastic Pars support and he was pleased to lay the ball off for Lewis McCann to clinch the winner deep into time added on. He told the website:-

“Look, we knew before the game that we were getting the trophy but we still wanted to work hard and get a result for the fans, they deserved it with how good they have been all season. Luckily enough we got to do that. Although it was late we still got to do it and we are all delighted. To be fair to him, Lewis does it all the time. His finishing is unbelievable and he showed that there.”

A product of the Bohemians youth system, Robbie’s game time had been as an 85th sub for his home club Motherwell against St Johnstone in August. That Fir Park crowd of 4711 was trumped by the two most recent matches at the KDM but Robbie had never played in front of such noisy and excited fans until he came to Dunfermline. He made sure that he enjoyed the title and trophy celebrations.

“It doesn’t feel real yet. It is unbelievable and although the fans might not be allowed to come on the pitch, it is good. It is enjoyable and they are all coming over and saying how much we all mean to them. We are all very appreciative of that.

“It means a lot but I think they know that. We are all out on the pitch and they come over hug you and asking for photos. They have helped us all season. They are just as happy as we are, probably even more happy because they have been fans all their lives. It means a lot to them and it means a lot to us.”

Robbie’s family made a big effort in being in Scotland to see Robbie play for Dunfermline and share the moment. He explained pitchside:-

“My mum, my dad and my brother made the trip. My other brother missed out, he had to mind the dogs back home but I got him on FaceTime there a minute ago. It was a good moment although I spent a lot of it with the fans.

“They made the trip from Dublin this morning. They woke up at three o’clock this morning to travel, hopefully they think it was worth it. I thought it was worth it.”

Robbie will be expected back at Motherwell at the conclusion of Dunfermline’s season but he agreed that it was a fantastic way to conclude his time at East End Park:-

“Yes, I have loved it. When you come into an environment like this where it is competitive in training but it is a healthy competition, we are all friends and all really close. I think everyone knows that by how well we play together. Someone comes on and they do just as well a job. We have squad depth and that’s why we are where we are.”

Patience has been required and Robbie understands that reason why his game time has been limited, he continued:-

“Patience, that is what it is and I feel that is part of the reason that we have won the league because of games where players might not have been playing well but we have lads on the bench who are just as good as them to come on. Maybe they can do what they couldn’t do on the particular day. That is what we have done all season, I have come back in games where we probably shouldn’t have. We held out to draw at Airdrie last week when we were down to nine men. There is a good spirit in the team.”

While wishing his colleagues well in the Championship next season Robbie is thankful of the benefits he can take away from being in a title winning squad:-

“Oh, one hundred percent. I have played more first team football than ever before and loved it. I have one more year at Motherwell, that’s the plan for now.”

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