Lally, Richard
January 14, 2011In 1970's Ireland as today was an economic wasteland. However a built in spirit drove people through the decline. One man who typified this remarkable spirit was Dickie Lally, a man who loved sport and featured in all codes hurling, football. Soccer and handball. He played in a East Board Minor Football final against Kingpins of that era Ballinasloe with Pearses and gave a great display.
Later in 1975 he featured in an East Board U-21 hurling final against the team of that decade Kiltormer marking on that day the legendary Jackie Dervan but it was soccer he achieved most.
A founder member of St. Pauls United in 1975, he was to star for the club for 13 years, both in the Galway District League and Roscommon League where he won numerous trophies.
He was named Player of the Month in the entire Roscommon League in January 1985 and also represented the Roscommon and district League at Inter County level. He was a great defender and a wonderful header of a ball, the number 3 shirt practically grew on him.
His long flowing hair earned him the nickname 'Kempes' after Mario Kempes and Legendary Argentinean forward and World Cup winner in 1978.
He loved life and he loved sport and all the people that played with him, raped the benefits of his great wit, character, and never say die attitude on the pitch. A great family man off the pitch and a great team player on it. It was a pleasure to have known and stood beside him in the heat of battle. May he rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Connacht tribune 14/1/11 Tweet
