Long serving Sligo Rovers volunteer and Club Vice President Ray Gallagher was honoured by Sligo County Council on Wednesday evening at its annual Cathaorleach’s Awards ceremony. Ray won the ‘Community Individual’ Award category for his lifetime of exemplary service.

Presenting the award on behalf of the Awards Committee, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady said has spent most of his 86 years serving the people of County Sligo, and highlighted in particular his work in developing the Showgrounds.

‘Ray served as Chairman of the Management Committee and subsequently the Ground Development Committee, under his stewardship the Treacy Avenue stand was built, a new all weather pitch was laid and a car park and boundary wall were provided in a partnership with Sligo Borough Council.

During his lifetime of service to Sligo Rovers, has made an enormous input in many areas, arguably his most valuable contribution was in relation to the Showgrounds. In 1968, Ray played a key role along with Albert Higgins and then Mayor and Club Chairman the late John Fallon in acquiring the two estates that made up the Showgrounds, the Fowler and Campbell estates, thus providing Sligo Rovers with a permanent home. In 2016, under Ray’s leadership, the ground was legally registered as a Charitable Trust, thereby ensuring it is preserved in perpetuity as a community and recreational facility for the people of Sligo.’

Councillor O’Grady concluded her tribute by noting ‘Ray’s modest and unassuming nature, which ensured he never sought the limelight or any acknowledgement for his lifetime of voluntary service, but his vision and drive in securing the Showgrounds bestows a priceless legacy for future generations of Sligo people.’