Loman held Rovers dear
SLIGO Rovers have paid tribute to the club’s former Treasurer and stalwart, Loman Gallagher, who died last week.
Mr Gallagher, from Kevinsfort Heath, was an important volunteer at the club and will be sorely missed around The Showgrounds, where he was also a turnstile operator.
The club said: “It is with great sadness that Sligo Rovers today (Tuesday) learned of the passing of Loman Gallagher, former club treasurer and highly-respected volunteer at the club.
“Loman served on a number of committees, including the year 2007 when as treasurer of the club he was part of the board that appointed Paul Cook as manager – and in 2011 featured in the same role when the Bit O’ Red won the FAI Cup under Cook.
“That was something he always took great pride in as among the best decisions that he was part of during a long association with Sligo Rovers.
“His unassuming and calm demeanor complemented the many skills possessed to make Loman such an important volunteer at the club.
“He was a vital part of our lotto sales and Annual Draw raffle sales team, with the knowledge of how important it is to the club to make ends meet each week, and the demeanour to inform supporters that every purchase was so appreciated.
“In recent years many fans would know Loman as one of our turnstile operators.
“He organised the float for the start of the night and welcomed hundreds of Rovers fans to The Showgrounds in that gentle way we are all recalling today, and often with a witty exchange if you were lucky enough to know him.”
Sligo Rovers chairman Martin Heraghty said everyone was saddened to hear of Loman’s death.
He said: “The news came as a real shock to us all as we learned of Loman’s passing after a short illness.
“Loman commanded a huge level of respect at Sligo Rovers. He helped the club through difficult times – before our golden period – and saw it all the way through to some of our greatest ever days. Even when he had stepped down from the committee after such outstanding service, he sacrificed a large part of his match nights for the betterment of the club. We mourn the loss of a great person and a treasured servant of the club who was not just part of match nights but Sligo Rovers itself.
“Today is such a sad day for his family and the people that worked closely with Loman over many, many years.
“Our thoughts are with all of them today.,” Martin added. “We will remember Loman at the first home game of the new season – on the pitch just before kick-off – but more so when walking through the turnstile and thinking of the wonderful person who contributed so much to Sligo Rovers and who will be so sorely missed.”
Loman is sadly missed by his loving wife Geraldine, daughter Claire, son Paul, brother Karl, sister Elaine (Fitzgerald), nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives and friends. His Funeral Mass took place on Friday in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo and he was laid to rest in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Scarden.