Cootehill lost one of its most outstanding residents with the passing of Dr Brian Gallagher. Born in Rockcorry, Brian moved with his family to Cootehill as a young child. He was an amazing athlete, who excelled with his beloved Cootehill Celtic and the Cavan county team. Having served his apprenticeship at the St Patrick's College nursery (winning McRory Cup and All-Ireland inter-provincial colleges medals in 1951, the year he sat his Leaving Certificate), Brian broke onto the Cavan senior panel the following year and thus collected an All-Ireland medal in 1952 as a 19-year-old. Equally at home at wing forward or midfield, Brian - alongside his brother Charlie - played a leading role for Cootehill in their Golden Era of the 1950s. Throughout that decade, he continued to excel for the Cavan seniors as well, despite the strong demands of his studies, which would lead to a great career as a GP in town, where he ran his practice with consummate passion and professionalism.