Neily Gallagher

Neily Gallagher is a Gaelic footballer who played with Donegal, making his debut in 1961. His son James also played for Donegal. Neily Gallagher won an Ulster Championship medal in 1974, also won the Railway Cup, the Lagan Cup and the Dr McKenna Cup during his career, and has been described as ‘one of the most prolific freetakers’ in the game, as well as having an ‘ability to stroke over points from all angles and distances’. In June 1973 he was concussed, received several stitches and was admitted to hospital after being hit in the face 15 minutes into an Ulster Championship match with Tyrone at MacCumhaill Park – the Tyrone player was banned. In another incident, while about to take a penalty against Galway in the semi-final of the 1966–67 National League, the ball blew off the penalty spot - the referee awarded a free out.