Farewell Chick – tributes paid following death of highly-regarded coach and character

It is a great mark of respect to a person when one rival speaks in such glowing terms about another – although ‘rival’ may be too strong a word to use in this regard.

High Street barber Tom Nally has nothing but fond memories of the late Michael John ‘Chick’ Gillen, who ran his barber shop on Dominick Street for more than 50 years before closing its doors in 2008.

A lot like Nally’s place, Chick’s shop was famous for its discussions on sport and life and, as was once observed in this newspaper, it was “a kind of therapy centre” for many.

“Chick was a legend in his own right,” remembers Nally. “He made light of life in one sense, and he was serious in other areas of it. He was always jolly and a bit of fun, though. Sure, Chick was full of stories and it wasn’t always about boxing, he had a great interest in hurling and football – all sports, indeed – as well.”

Nally spins out anecdote after anecdote about a man who was the embodiment of the heart and soul of Galway City, including one where Chick got himself a chain – much like a mayoral chain – and crowned himself President of The Galway Master Barbers Association.

While there were some rivals in the city that felt left outside the loop on that one, Nally saw the funny side of it.

“That was Chick. He was a real auld character. Chick was a man who would make up his own rules. Even when it came to boxing, Chick would have no problem throwing in a bantamweight against a heavyweight,” he chuckled.

No doubt, Nally – like the people of Galway City – loved Chick Gillen. He brought joy into people’s lives with his insatiable appetite for life; he regaled many with his stories that, at times, could be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt; and, most of all, he was known for his kindness and generosity of spirit to others.

“He was also a really hardworking man,” observes Nally. “He never smoke or drank in his life and before he went into the barber shop in the morning, he delivered papers.

“He was also a part-time fireman and a doorman in Seapoint. He was a right goer. Along with looking after his own children, Chick also fostered a number of kids, which he and his wife [Maureen] took great care of.”

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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