Galwey Down But Not Out

31/05/02. Over four hundred people turned up last night to the South Court Hotel in Limerick to pay tribute to Munster captain Mick Galwey.

It was a glittering affair compered by Len Dineen who led the tribute to Galwey with an opening address charting the Keryman’s career.

Among the guest speakers were IRFU President Roy Loughead, Munster Branch President Maurice Keller and Lord Mayor of Limerick Dick Sadlier.
Former Irish international Moss Keane entertained the crowd in his own inimitable style while there was a special guest appearance by D’Unbelievable team of John Kenny and Pat Shortt.

Galwey’s wife Joan, speaking to Dineen in an interview from the floor spoke of her husband’s great disappointment at losing the final to Leicester and remembered him saying in the aftermath of the defeat that the sadness he felt “was never about lifting the cup”, it was a regret for the team and legion of supporters. Galwey himself ended the formalities with a superb speech in which he looked back on his rugby career with gratitude for the “wonderful times, great memories and above the friends he made along the way.” Admitting that he was a bit down right now, he vowed that Munster would be back, “After Twickenham they said we were finished, and the same after Lille. We came back this year and we’ll be back again.”

And then, to raucous applause and a standing ovation, he wound up with, “I may be down right now, but definitely not out.”