Keely Hodgkinson leads tributes to Leigh Harriers legend Joe Galvin

A revered athletics coach and much-loved man in the community, Joe Galvin was an influential member of Leigh Harriers for more than 50 years.

First as an athlete, and then as a coach, secretary, and chairman, Joe dedicated his life to the Harriers.

Along with his wife Margaret, Joe trained countless budding athletes in the borough and ensured that all the young people they mentored became the best person they could be.

Recognising his tireless work in the community, Leigh Rotary Club also awarded Joe with a prestigious 'Paul Harris Fellow' award not long before he passed away.

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Joe and Margaret Galvin were commemorated with a 'Believe' star at Leigh Town Hall last year, commemorating their fifty years of dedication to Leigh Harriers (Image: Wigan Council)

'So many good things to say about him'

Announcing the sad news on Wednesday, March 1, a statement from Leigh Harriers and Athletic Club read: "Joseph Galvin (1942-2023) sadly passed away in his sleep.

"Athlete and Secretary then Chairman and top coach at the Leigh Harriers athletic club for over 50 years.

"So many good things to say about him and his wife Margaret. The hundreds of youngsters and adults alike who knew him over the past 80 years will miss him and the generous kindness he gave to everyone.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. RIP Joe."

Keely dedicated her 800m European Championships win to Joe Galvin (Image: PA)

A 'great man' with 'belief in everyone he coached'

Following the defence of her 800m European Indoor Championship gold in Istanbul over the weekend, a tearful Keely Hodgkinson dedicated the win to her former coach and celebrated with a Great Britain flag that read "Joe Galvin - Legend".

Speaking to the BBC, the 21-year-old athlete said: "I have not had time to process it, but my coach passed away a few days ago and it was really unexpected, so this one is definitely for him.

“He had a lot of belief in a little 10-year-old me, so that medal is for him and everyone at home.

"I hope to make him really proud, and I hope he is up there watching, and his wife Margaret, who I know will be so proud of me as well.”

In a further interview with Athletics Weekly, Keely added: "He was such a great man and had so much belief in me and everyone he coached. He just gave so much to the sport so that's why I dedicated this gold medal to him.

"He did so much for me, he got me to my first GB vest, my European Youth Gold, my European Junior Bronze.

"I'll get to go to his funeral in two weeks time and say goodbye properly."

Keely celebrated with a Great Britain flag commemorating her former coach (Image: BBC Sport)

'No words to express the loss'

Following the announcement of Joe's passing last week, Leigh Harriers were inundated with tributes to the late coach, as well as messages of support and condolences to the family.

Dave Smith, Club Captain of Leigh Harriers, said: "When I was a young boy to being an adult, [Joe] was the reason and inspiration for my success as a runner in my youth.

"He has coached and inspired many athletes in his time at Leigh Harriers and not only was he a great coach but a good friend who you could talk to about anything and he would always give you his honest opinion.

"His commitment to Leigh Harriers and his athletes can never be questioned and he will be missed by everyone.

An old picture of Joe and the team at Leigh Harriers (Image: Dave Smith)

Another tribute read: "[Joe] has had such a huge impact on not just me as an athlete but me as the person I am today and I will forever be in his debt, thank you Joe and thank you for always believing in me!"

Another said: "There are no words to express the loss, and what Joe meant to me and so many other people. But it’s safe to say he will be deeply missed by so many, and it is going to take a very long time to process such a loss for many many many people!.

Another tribute read: "Leigh Harriers is what it is today because of his passion and dedication for decades. He will always be remembered with fondness and will be greatly missed."

Another said: "Such an inspiration. A coach and friend, I will never forget the kindness you showed to me, the time spent coaching me, and the confidence you instilled in me. I am so proud to have known you and able to call you my friend. We certainly have lost an absolute treasure. Leigh Harriers had lost an absolute legend."

Joe and Margaert with their 'Believe' star at Leigh Town Hall in 2022 (Image: Wigan Council)

After commemorating Joe and Margaret with a 'Believe' Star at Leigh Town Hall last year, celebrating the sporting achievements in the town, Wigan Council also joined in the long line of tributes.

Cllr David Molyneux, leader of Wigan Council, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Joe Galvin.

"We were delighted last year to honour Margaret and Joe with a Believe Star outside Leigh Town Hall, recognising the impact they had on hundreds of young athletes.

"His dedication and volunteer spirit was a true inspiration and he has left a lasting legacy in our borough.

"Our thoughts are very much with Margaret, their family and friends at this difficult time."