On Sunday morning, at home and surrounded by his beloved family, Dean Mooney sadly lost the battle against Motor Neurone Disease that he had fought courageously since being diagnosed in 2021. Penzance AFC sends its heartfelt condolences to Dean’s wife Judith, their four children and all their friends and family.
A dentist by trade, Dean moved to Cornwall in 2001 and was involved in sport all his life, also enjoying running and sailing. He completed the Dublin Marathon in 2017, and was still running at Christmas 2021. Of his time with the Magpies, John Mead remembers: “He proved his class as a central defender, as well as his ability as a leader on and off the pitch. He somewhat reluctantly took on the role of manager during a difficult period for the Club and did a great job in stabilising the team. He was a good man-manager and always got the best out of the players, leading by example. A truly lovely person! MND is certainly a horrible illness which nobody deserves to endure - especially one of the good guys.”
Dean also played for Hayle. The past two years have seen the club’s Trevassack Park ground host “Footy with Friends for a Friend” raising awareness of the disease and vital funds for the MND Association. The event, organised by Adam Palmer and Graham Stirr, showcases a main match (this year Allen Spencer-Smith’s Oranges took on Perry Bullock’s Purples) featuring many of Dean's ex-team mates and opponents from all over Cornwall. There was also live entertainment and a youth tournament as well as plenty of food and beer – a real social occasion and celebration of football in our area.
Penlee Park will be given its chance to pay its respects before the next home game. But in the meantime, the man’s life is beautifully summed up on the Footy with Friends for a Friend Facebook page: “There are many words that come to mind whenever we think of Dean and there are so many people who will cherish the time spent and memories made with him. To his friends, Dean was a true inspiration. A warrior that has selflessly shown us all how to be brave and care. Dean is a gentleman that will be missed by so many. All of our thoughts and love are with Dean’s family at this time. Rest in Peace Dean, we love you!”
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