Hugh Gallagher dies at 92; Irish thrower called ‘true sporting legend’

Hugh came from a famed sporting family.

Two years ago, Hugh Gallagher said that as a young man, he was hit across the back by an iron girder. “It almost killed me,” he told an Irish paper. “I was taken to St. George’s Hospital in London where I was told that I would never walk again. They said my back was broke and they put me in plaster. I felt mighty low for a long, long time.” He made a comeback, especially in his later years, winning soma no prescription medals at worlds including Lyon. His last major meet was at the Irish Masters Athletic Championships (four golds). On Saturday, the Donegal News reported his death at 92. “A multi-talented veteran athlete, he held numerous titles and in recent years was a keen advocate of the Bealtaine festival and the innovative Age Friendly Strategy which seeks to improve the quality of life for older people in Donegal,” said his obituary. “A true sporting legend and a great family man, he will be sorely missed.” Our condolences as well.

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February 4, 2017

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