Oliver Galligan: Tributes paid to Ulster GAA stalwart and former Cavan star after untimely passing 

The Cavan Gaels clubman served as Ulster GAA President from 2019 to 2022 and sat on the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee

Tributes have been paid to former Ulster GAA president Oliver Galligan, who passed away on Monday following a short illness.

The Cavan Gaels clubman represented the Breffnimen at minor, U21 and senior level and won county titles with his club in 1975, 1977 and 1978.

He served as Ulster GAA PRO, treasurer, vice-President, and finally President from 2019-2022.

Most recently, he was appointed by Jarlath Burns to sit on the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) and was also a member of the Casement Park Stadium Board.

In a statement, Cavan GAA said: “There is shock and sadness at the passing of Oliver Galligan, Kilnavara, Cavan which has occurred after a short illness.

“Oliver had been at his usual best during the summer months attending football matches and meetings and his untimely passing is mourned by all who knew him.

“Oliver made an outstanding contribution to his beloved GAA at club, county, provincial, and national level over many decades.

“Oliver discharged his duties at all times with integrity and courtesy and with a great sense of humour and he made many friends and no enemies.

“His company was often sought after because no matter what the occasion Oliver’s hearty laugh and quick wit enlivened many meeting and social gatherings. He was passionate about his club, county and province and he defended them in the boardroom and in social discourse whenever the need arose.

“Above all else Oliver was a great family man and Cavan Co Board extends its deepest sympathy to his wife Frances, his sons John and Oliver, daughter Elaine, grandchildren, brother Seán, sister Kathleen, and their extended families on their great loss.”

Ulster GAA also paid tribute to its 37th president, adding: “It is with deep sorrow and profound shock that Ulster GAA mourns the loss of our esteemed colleague and friend, former Uachtarán Comhairle Uladh, Oliver Galligan.

“Oliver served as 37th President of the Ulster Council GAA from 2019-2022, and was currently a valued member of the Casement Park Stadium Board. He was also a member of the Croke Park Stadium Board and the Central Competitions Control Committee.

“A life-long member of the Cavan Gaels club in county Cavan, Oliver enjoyed a long and successful career at club level playing at senior level for 17 years and winning three county titles. He represented Cavan at all levels, captaining the county to the Ulster minor title in 1967 and playing senior inter-county with Cavan from 1969 to 1973.

“A former chairman of his club and a member of Cavan County Board for 15 years, Oliver was the county’s Development Officer and then Ulster Council representative before being first elected as an Officer to the Ulster Council in 2010.

“He went on to serve with great distinction and dedication as PRO, Treasurer, Vice-President and finally President. He also held numerous roles over the years on national committees and workgroups, as well as being a member of the Project Steering Group for the Casement Park Project.

“Ulster GAA expresses profound sorrow at Oliver’s passing and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Frances, his sons John and Oliver (Jnr), his daughter Elaine (Peter), and the wider Galligan family circle during this time of great loss. We remember also his colleagues at Cavan Gaels and in Cavan GAA. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”