Galway United FC mourn the passing of John Herrick

Galway United mourns the passing of one it’s most inspirational leaders and finest ever footballers, the late John Herrick (RIP).

John won League and Cup honours with Cork Hibernians ,was capped three times for Ireland and later played for Galway Rovers on 97 occasions and twice managed the club.

John’s play was fiery, aggressive, determined and an inspiration to all. That a man of his stature showed such power and resolve set the benchmark for colleagues and charmed local supporters.

Arguably it was John’s stewardship of Galway Rovers when he led them to a League Cup final in 1980 that set the imagination for the club and paved the way for our halcyon era of the mid eighties.

John settled in Galway with his wife Pat to raise their family. It could truthfully be said about John that he epitomised the Gaeilge phrase, b’fhear é nach ndearna dhá leath dhá dhícheall ariamh.

He was a man who never spared himself. He supported and counselled many in a quiet discreet fashion. His pride and love for his family was central to his very being.

In his cratmanship as a sign-writer, in his beautiful and accomplished paintings and in his study and love of Gaeilge John showed that he was much more than an ex-international footballer. He lived life to the full and connected to the core of Galway life .

We send our deepest condolences to his wife Pat and sons Mark and Paul and to all the Herrick family.

Tá do scíth rí-thuillte agat a John. Leaba i measc na naomh agat a chomrádaí.