Galligan, Thomas
January 30, 2009I was shocked and very sad when the news broke that my good friend and long time midfield partner Thomas Galligan had passed away. I knew he was very ill but knowing his great strength I thought he would pull through.
We go back a long way. I joined the Seán O'Heslin's Club in 1964. Soon I was moved to midfield to play alongside this great stalwart who was later to become the greatest midfielder this County had ever seen. We played together throughout the sixties and early seventies winning six Senior Championships, five Senior Leagues and many great tournaments.
Thomas played a key role in all of them. Ouru midfield partnership ended in 1974 when I went back to Aughawillan. Thomas continued to play for Seán O'Heslin's and won his seventh Senior medal in 1975, a great achievement. He was a tower of strength, never used it unfairly but when he went for that high ball anyone who got in his way, it was their hard luck, he brought all with him. I don't think we ever clashed.
Thomas Galligan will be remembered for the many fine displays he gave for Sean O'Heslin's - it would be hard to single anyone out. I would say his display against Gortletteragh in the Championships semi-final of 1968 and against Allen Gaels in the drawn County Final of 1973 were two of his best. He gave an exhibition of high fielding in those two games, which we haven't witnessed since and may never see again. I have fond memories of those great years.
On the historic trip to America in 1968, Thomas stayed to work in New York. He came back in 1969 to help us win the three in a row. He was proud of that and I don't think we would have won without him. I remember going to train in Ballinamore, I would often collect him, he wasn't always ready. I had many chats with his mother and father they were great people. They thought the world of him.
Thomas was never got into football gear, just the boots and togs and socks, no bag, no gloves. I don't think there would be gloves big enough for his great hands. It didn't stop him from playing. He was a great character with a great sense of humour always good for a laugh especially in the dressing room with the hearty laugh. He was very witty.
After training we often talked to Mrs Reilly. She lived at the Park. She loved the gossip. I don't know if she heard all the truth. She called him stone-wall Galligan. She used to say he was a horse of a man. How right she was.
After our playing days ended Thomas and I remained good friends. The last time I spoke with Thomas was a few months ago when we celebrated our American Trip of 1968. They were many games replayed that night.
Thomas reminded the lads of the time I broke my leg when himself and Michael Martin took over my creamery run. I th ink Michael did the driving and Thomas did the lifting - he was always there to help out and off the field little - did we think it would be our last time together.
Thomas Galligan must go down as a legend in Seán O'Heslin's and Leitrim football. We are all proud to have known him and I'm honoured to have played alongside such a great player.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
- Courtesy of the Leitrim Observer, January 30th 2009 Tweet
