By Denis O’Hara

DAN GILLAN, arguably one of the most accomplished and stylish hurlers ever to represent Loughguile Shamrocks died last weekend, following a protracted illness. He was 86.

The midfield maestro often gave a master class in doubling on the ground ball and slick finishing when ever present in many high quality Shamrock sides.

He first made his distinctive mark in hurling through combat in Ulster Colleges’ competition.

Dan and younger brother Tommy (‘Toss’) arrived at St McNissi’s College when the new boarder/day-boy grammar school opened in September 1951. Right away, the Gillan boys, boarders at Garron Tower, were instantly in action for Fr Paddy McKavanagh’s hurling team.

Dan was then already a class act, the doyen of half forward or midfield play – and a supreme specialist with sideline cuts. Following team training stints in the old Cut Rock field at The Tower dapper Dan would remain to practice and practice sideline cuts and free taking from all angles.

Along with team skipper Willie Devlin of Armoy he played a major role in the Tower’s first league title of 1954, beating St Malachy’s College in the provincial final at Corrigan Park.

One year later the title was retained, and in the meantime Dan and power player Devlin were recognised in the 1955 Antrim minor hurling team that clinched Ulster honours. They were also included in the Antrim senior hurling squad.

Following his departure from St MacNissi’s College, Dan studied and qualified as a schoolteacher – and later became Principal of St Patrick’s College, Ballymena.

All the while he was a constant at the ‘coalface’ for Loughguile Shamrocks, winning county league titles, seven Antrim senior championships – and clinching the always precious Feis Cup.

Following his player days he became a sterling Committee member for the Shamrocks – and eventually he was awarded Honorary Membership of the Club.

The husband of Sheila is the father of Brian, Cathy, Loughguile’s Club Registrar Donal and the Club’s Under-12 camogie team coach Niall.