The first ever Jim Malone Memorial Perpetual Trophy match took place on Sunday 5th October 1997 in Oriel Park. Jim association with Dundalk Football Club began as a supporter back in the 1930s. The uncredited 1997 match programme featured the following tribute:
Who was Jim Malone? Jim Malone was a supporter of Dundalk FC – a real avid lifelong, died-in-the-wool, the referee-is-always-wrong kind of supporter. Yes of course, he was also President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, team selector, ticket seller, fundraiser, FAI Representative, fixer of broken goalposts, signer of one armed centre forwards and just about every other position you can think of, all of which for 40 years he filled with distinction. But primarily he was at heart a supporter – man and boy, first and last, in the good days but especially the bad days. The kind of supporter who believes, no, who knows that success is just around the corner and that when are two down and 15 minutes remaining you are still going to win – or at the very worst equalise. Who, as a director, when the kitty was empty (wasn’t it always?) would say “something would turn up”. And it usually did, but you can be sure that Jim was there – making sure that something turned up. Within the FAI Council, where he spent 21 years as Dundalk’s representative, his wisdom was legendary and the more intractable was the problem, the more likely it was that Jim’s opinion would be sought. He joined a small and honoured group when the FAI made him an honorary life member in recognition of his contribution. Many of the people who became actively involved in the club owed their introduction to Jim’s enthusiasm, eternal optimism and cajoling. His legacy and the legacy of those like him who ploughed against the odds, in the face of sometime apathy and most times without the necessary finances, can be seen in Oriel Park . He left another legacy of a great bank of memories – of trophies won and of the many marvellous days (and nights) when we played in European matches. Quite simply, the history, the glory and the survival of Dundalk FC over the 40 years is testament to Jim Malone’s endeavours.
In an interview with Emmet Malone of “Soccer Magazine” in October 1995, Jim Malone reflected on his time involved with Dundalk FC. Enda McGuill’s takeover of the club in late 1994 had resulted in Jim’s time as a director at the club (and the longest serving league of Ireland director in the country) coming to a close. However, soon after McGuill appointed Jim as the club’s honorary life president. Jim’s first match as a supporter was in 1931 when he was brought along to the Athletic Grounds to see a 5-0 win over Jacobs. “I still remember a fellow called Collins who was in goal for Jacobs. Even though we won 5-0 he played a blinder”. In 1938, Jim joined the Supporters Club and worked hard to improve the facilities at the new Oriel Park ground. Jim’s reward came in 1942 when he witnessed Dundalk beat Cork 3-1 in the FAI Cup Final with two goals from Arthur Kelly and one from Johnny Lavery. “It was difficult to travel because of the war but Dundalk brought seven trainloads to Dalymount. It was a great day for us all”. In 1955, Jim joined the board of the club. “At that point most clubs were run by committees without any managers. We were picking the team and buying and selling players. So it was an enjoyable position to hold because you were doing all the boring work but you were getting to do the more enjoyable side of things than directors do these days.” On one occasion, Jim signed four players at the North Star Hotel in one afternoon…before the rest of the board even had a vote on whether they should be approached!: “It was a bit of a nervous wait because they had to vote on whether to enquire after them while I’d already signed them”. In the 1960-61 season, Jim completed his best signing for the club when he signed Jimmy Hasty. “He was one of the best players who ever played for the club but I had to finance the deal myself because most of the committee were against signing a striker with only one arm. Malone’s highlights of his time at the club were the 1952 FAI Cup Semi Final when Dundalk came from 3-0 down in ordinary time and 4-3 down in extra-time to win 6-4. Jim also had fond memories of the European Cup win over Linfield in 1979. “That was the biggest thrill of all for me. It was tight. At 1-0 Linfield got a penalty and I remember turning to Enda and saying “if there’s a God in heaven he won’t get this” and sure enough Warren Feeney missed.
