The GAA’s lost icon: 'Charlie Gallagher couldn't come to terms with his career-ending, of being AN Other'

Cavan’s Charlie Gallagher was the George Best of Gaelic football in the 1960s, renowned for his prodigious scoring ability, handsome appearance, and larger than life persona. This extract from Charlie: The Story of the GAA’s Lost Icon by Paul Fitzpatrick covers the years after retiring from playing and his battle with alcohol.

Charlie Gallagher with the Anglo-Celt Cup in 1967. When his career ended alcohol would become the tightest marker of all and the one he couldn’t shake off. In time drink became the only thing.