The late Brendan Gallagher Mohill and much further afield was greatly saddened by the death on of that great club stalwart Brendan Gallagher, who could truly be described as one of nature's gentlemen. Brendan was a great GAA man who gave wonderful service to the Mohill GAA club in various capacities, both on and off the field for many years. In a marathon playing career, he first lined out at adult level for the club while still a minor in the early 1960's. Throughout the remainder of this decade, as well as the 1970's and 1980's he continued to be a regular on our senior and junior teams, featuring both as a back and a forward. But perhaps his most regular position was that of corner-back where he proved to be a tough, wholehearted competitor. Having won a junior championship in 1968, the club were promoted to senior ranks and when we famously captured our last senior title in 1971, Brendan manned the corner-back berth and was part and parcel of an impregnable full-back line alongside Sean "Bula" McCrann and Sean Kilraine. The following year, with Brendan now as captain, we again played Ballinamore in the final, on this occasion we came out second best. Brendan was also corner-back in 1978 when the club won a Junior Championship and returned to senior ranks once more, following a spell in the doldrums. Off the playing pitch Brendan, along with his brother Michael who also sadly passed away, was a great driving force to the Club, serving as Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer. he also trained teams at both adult and underage level, as well as begin a Selector. The genial Brendan also played hurling for the now defunct St Finbar's Club and also won Senior medals in this code captaining the team to success in 1979. A travelling Salesman, Brendan made friends were ever he met, as his friendly banter and quick wit endeared him to many. After his playing days ended, he continued to keep himself very fit doing laps of the park every evening, as well as doing his few miles walk. It will indeed now seem strange not meeting him in the park in the evenings. Even though he was in bad health in recent months, Brendan continued to support Mohill and Leitrim right to the very end and was very proud to see his nephew Ronan Gallagher starring in the Mohill and Leitrim colours. Former team-mates from all over Ireland attended Brendan's removal and Funeral, as did former opponents including his "toughest opponent" the great Paddy Dolan. To Marian, brothers Seamus, John, sisters Mae and Annie and all other family members we extend our deepest sympathy. Courtesy of The Leitrim Observer 18/08/2006 Tweet

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