Mike Galligan has the pedigree to be a thoroughbred hurler By SEAN MURPHY Born in historic Fairhill in Cork City by the Lee, the son of a Cork father who had worn the "Blood and Bandage" jersey of the Rebel County and won a Cork senior hurling championship medal with the Rockies and a Tipperary mother from storied Cashel, served his hurling apprenticeship at Sexton Street CBS in Limerick and later honed his talent and skills with famed Limerick City hurling nursery Claughaun, must surely suggest that Mick Galligan has the right pedigree to be a THOROUGHBRED HURLER! And this is exactly how it seems to be turning out for the elusive and sweet striking Limerick forward who notched up six points against Clare, including a superb side-line cut, and a real gem after a timely interception. Mike was born in Cork on January 17th 1968 to Billy Galligan and his wife Josephine (nee Joy) and the family moved to Limerick City one year later. Billy a native of Charleville won a Cork Senior hurling championship with Blackrock in 1961 and figured with distinction with the Cork team on many occasions. He crowned a great career by winning a Limerick senior hurling championship medal with Claughaun in 1970 after a memorable encounter with an inspired South Liberties sides led by Eamonn Grimes. Mikes' uncle - Tommy Joy was a prominent player with London Irish rugby team in the 1970's. Mikes' two brothers - Liam and Pat are also prominent hurlers and footballers having figured in the colours of Caherdavin and Limerick. Mike who is also an accomplished footballer first sampled hurling at Christ the King N.S. in Caherdavin in the suburbs of Limerick City and was the main-stay of their first team to win a hurling trophy for the school when they beat Sexton Street C.B.S. in the final. He played Dr. Harty Cup with Sixth St C.B.S . in 1985/'86 without success. and with Claughaun won County hurling medals at under 12, Under 14, Minor, Under21 and senior and is lavish in his praise for the commitment and dedication of Paddy O'Connell in promoting under-age hurling in the Claughaun club. Mike played minor hurling for Limerick in 1985/'86 and Under 21 in the 1988/ 89 season losing Munster Finals in the latter grade. He made his senior debut against Kilkenny in 1989 and slowly but surely has established himself as a hurler with a bright future, displaying great speed, ball control and scoring ability. Mike prefers to play at mid-field or in the half-forwards as he likes to have room to operate. While he models his style of play on no particular individual Mike was an admirer of Corks John Fenton whose swift striking was a revelation, the opportunism of Jimmy Barry Murphy while he reckons Eamonn Cregan was the complete hurler capable of playing in defence or attack. On the meeting with Tipperary Mike opines: "that after 3 years Limerick are now blending into a good team, showing far greater maturity and have the potential to oust Tipperary". Small in stature, Mike sees no disadvantage in being classed as a "small man". "Speed and anticipation will always get you out of trouble" quipped the DE BEERS employee proving once again that the best of goods come in small parcels. Taken from Hogan Stand 7th June 1991 Tweet

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