By Matt Keane
The football family of Waterford was plunged into sadness on Friday last when it was announced that Willie O'Callaghan had lost his fight for life at the age of 85 years. Willie dedicated 75 of those years to the game he loved dearly.
Up until his death on Friday last, February 12th he was the President of the Waterford and District Junior League, a position he held since May of last year following the death of his predecessor Jimmy Searson.
He was a long-serving committee member of the local league and his vast experience was vital to the smooth running of the association. Willie was a top-class referee for decades and he took charge of many great games all over the country during that period. He took charge of Munster Junior Cup and FAI Junior Cup contests and he also served on the committee of the Waterford Branch of the Irish Referee's Society with dignity for a long period of time also.
He had a deep passion for the St Paul's Football and he at one stage he was the manager of their senior team. Willie was a genuine "Parish'' man as he was a long time resident of Arbour Road, Lisduggan and he took great pride in presenting the Youth League Cup to St Paul's three years ago when they won that championship. From the age of just ten years, Willie travelled the length and breadth of Ireland supporting Waterford FC and right up to last year prior to the lockdown he proudly took his reserved seat in Block D of the RSC.
He loved the Blues with a passion that was unequalled by any other supporter. An avid Manchester United, he followed the fortunes of "The Red Devils'' with great interest but at the end of the day, it was the Blues fortunes that mattered most to him. He loved going to the home and away games with his brother Martin, his nephew Martin O'Callaghan `Jnr and Martin's son Brandon. "The Cally's Have Arrived'' banner has become legendary in League of Ireland football.
During the course of games in his beloved Ozier Park, Willie would enthral his many friends with hilarious stories of his playing days. He loved nothing more than holding court outside the dressing rooms in Ozier Park telling tales of the famous goals he had scored. Tears of laughter would be rolling down the faces of us who were lucky enough to have known Willie and treasured his company.
The word "Legend' is often overused when a person is being spoken about but the word is certainly applicable in Willie's case. To his heartbroken wife Angela, his children and extended family we extend our heartfelt sorrow.
The "Godfather'' of Waterford Football has left us but his legacy will last forever and a day.
Sleep easily Willie and thanks for the wonderful memories.
