Gallagher is forced to quit rugby
SLIGO RUGBY star Cillian Gallagher has retired from professional rugby. The flanker, who turns 24 next month, has succumbed to a troublesome shoulder injury that required three surgeries.
The former Summerhill College student – who helped the Sligo town secondary school reach its first ever Connacht Schools Senior Cup final in March of 2015 – started with the Connacht Rugby Academy before signing professional terms ahead of the 2018-19 season.
He made his pro debut against Worcester in the 2017-18 Challenge
Cup. In total he made 15 appearances, with the last of those coming against Montpellier in November 2019.
In a statement on www.connachtrugby.ie, the former Sligo RFC player (who played from U-14 level up to Senior grade at Hamilton Park), expressed his regret at having to quit the sport.
“From a young age I dreamed of playing rugby at the highest level and to be able to do this with Connacht, my home province, fills me with pride. He continued: “Whilst my time there has been cut short I’ll never forget the amazing memories made whenever I put on that green jersey.”
“I’d like to thank all those who helped me to get where I am today
– my underage coaches at Sligo RFC and Summerhill College, those at Corinthians RFC and, most recently, the medical and performance staff at Connacht Rugby who left no stone unturned in the battle to help me return from this injury.”
Gallagher, who played Gaelic football and soccer as a youngster, extended thanks to family members and his girlfriend.
“I cannot thank you enough for your support over the last few years.”
“They have been with me on every step of this journey and have shared all the joys of professional rugby with me, along with the seemingly inevitable lows. I hope I have made you all proud,” he added.