The Late Jackie Gallagher, Church Street, Ballinamore, Melvin Gaels GAA Club and Former Leitrim Footballer

Jackie Gallagher – Melvin Gaels and Leitrim Footballer – RIP

The death has taken place of one of Melvin Gaels’ greatest footballers, Jackie Gallagher. Jackie was fullback and captain when the Gaels won their first ever Senior Championship in 1959 and he was in the same position as they completed a four-in-a-row of titles from 1959 to 1962. He won a fifth title in 1965. That wasn’t Jackie’s only senior title because he was the cornerback on the Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s team that won the 1956 Senior Championship. Ironically, Melvin Gaels beat O’Heslin’s in the 1959 final to take their first title and, in a most unusual scoreline, it finished 1-6 to 0-0. Jackie spent his working life teaching in Ballinamore Vocational School.

Jackie Gallagher was also a prominent county player and, while he started as a cornerback, he starred in goals for Leitrim throughout the golden period when they reached four Connacht finals in a row. He was the goalkeeper in three of them including the memorable 1958 final against Galway. In 1962, he won a Connacht Junior Championship with Leitrim and also played in the 1959 National League Semi-final against Derry in Croke Park. In times when few goalkeepers took the kick outs, Jackie’s long deliveries were famous and would be eminently suited for today’s “mark”. Jackie was also brother-in-law to Aidan McGowan, who was Uachtarán Comhairle Connacht.

Our sympathy to his wife Tess, daughters Finola, Maureen and Aileen, son Niall, family and friends.

Sonas síoraí d’fhear uasal macánta thar na bearta, mar mhúinteoir agus mar pheileadóir.

Funeral Arrangements

John Joseph (Jackie) Gallagher, Church St., Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim and formerly Glenade, Co. Leitrim. Peacefully at Oakview Nursing Home, Belturbet. Reposing at his home on Wednesday from 3pm to 10pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s church, Ballinamore followed by burial in Oughteragh Cemetery. Family Flowers only please, donations, in lieu, if desired to The Parkinsons Association of Ireland, c/o Smiths Funeral Directors.