Robbie’s former colleague, friends and family gather at O’Donnell Park for the game in his honour.
The memory of tragic Garda Robbie McCallion has been honoured by his family, friends and colleagues in Donegal.
Robbie, a Garda from Swinford in Co. Mayo was tragically taken from his family and friends in 2009 while on duty in Letterkenny.
On Saturday last, his love of football was recalled in true sportsmanship as the Garda Robert McCallion Memorial match between Donegal Garda GAA and Swinford GAA Mayo was held.
At the fine surroundings of O’Donnell Park in Letterkenny two teams took part in a friendly game of Gaelic football to remember the name and legacy of a shared friend and colleague.
Garda Robert McCallion
Robbie played with distinction for both the Garda GAA team and his beloved Swinford and was a highly competitive, fast and skillful wing back.
His mother Nancy, father Bob and brother Garda John McCallion made the trip up and their attendance made a special day even more special for all involved.
The weather was heaven-sent and set the scene for a highly entertaining game of football. Both teams served up a highly competitive, close game with the much younger and faster Swinford winning by 3pts in the end.
Afterwards manager and Ret. Gda Declan McParland thanked both teams and the large attendance for their support in remembering a fallen colleague and also praised the St Eunans club for hosting the event so wonderfully.
Inspector Goretti Sheridan presented Swinford with the memorial trophy and medals courtesy of Michael Murphy Sports and in her address she hoped for a donegal win in the National League fixture between the two counties on Sunday.
Throughout his service in Donegal Robbie travelled weekly for training and matches to his home town, such was his personal levels of dedication and commitment.
The memorial match was a celebration and acknowledgement of these traits with which he served the public in An Garda Siochana and his club Swinford in Co. Mayo.
Almost 7 years on, his untimely departure is still a hurt for all who had the privilege to know him but Robbie McCallions memory is still bringing people together and going by today’s success, the future shows no change. Mìle buiochàs le gach duine inniù.
