James Gallagher

James Gallagher, the Celtic Youth and Reserve Goalkeeper and current Republic of Ireland Under-18 International hails from lower Meenlarragh just outside the village of Gortahork in North West Donegal. He signed apprentice forms for Celtic in July 1996 in the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town.

Willie McStay, the head Youth Coach, was alerted to James' exceptional talents by a letter from Michael McGinley, his coach at Falcarragh Community School in October 1994 and a subsequent invitation to a coaching session in Sligo under the watchful eyes of Willie McStay, David Hay and Peter Latchford confirmed that James had unquestionable ability.

Travelling to Glasgow on his holidays for coaching by Packie Bonner was James life for the next 18 months and having benefited greatly from the Master showing a determination to succeed, James was offered a contract.

An outstanding performance for Falcarragh Community School in the 1995 AIB Ulster Senior Cup victory over St. Eunans's College at Finn Park and two successive Donegal Youth League Championship medals in 1994 and 1995 with Gleanea United Youths were James's; soccer honours in Ireland during a short career in which he also played for Keadue Youths and the Gleanea United Senior team.

James has represented Ireland at under-15, under-16, youth and currently at under-18 and actually sat his Junior Certificate Examinations in July in 1995 with the Ireland under-15 team.

P. Sweeney (Secretary)
Parkhead House,
Dungloe,
Co.Donegal.
Ireland.