Matt Gallagher - An Appreciation
By Paul I
March 9 2026
The sad news received yesterday of the passing of Matt Gallagher was deeply and keenly felt. Matt, diagnosed with MND in October 2023, was, as typified by his on field performances, battling to the end, the creation of his Matt Gallagher Foundation surely a fitting testimony to his spirit and purpose against this debilitating disease. The support of his wife Lisa, together with his close family and an unbelievable friends network , ensured Matt was never alone, or will be forgotten. The Foundation has , and will surely, be a continued success in the fight against MND.
Matt joined Cov, previously playing for Birmingham Solihull and Nottingham in 1996, part of the Derek Eves revolution. Together with Andy Smallwood , the pair almost thought of as a double act, ala Laurel and Hardy or Morecombe and Wise, wherever Matt was, Andy was , wherever Andy was , Matt was almost invariably there also. The , sometimes feisty Smallwood, always had the backup of his best mate , Matt. Andy, as will their numerous playing friends of the era, will be devastated today.
Both epitomised the Eves era, Andy the free-scoring winger, Matt, generally the solid, dependable centre, fly-half, who went about his play as he did off the field, quietly and, I suppose, unfussy. Affability and a humourous persona never far from the surface.
Even though the end has come for Matt, I am sure the battle will go on. His vast network of friends in sports, business , all over the world are unlikely to forget Matt Gallagher and will continue that fight, as Matt did during his life, with courage, passion and a burning desire to win.
It is far too early for any details on funeral arrangements but these will be circulated when confirmed. Sympathies and condolences to Lisa and everyone who knew Matt, cruelly taken from this life.
Rest In Eternal Peace Matt.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:04:13:16:37:34 by Kimbo.
What a sad loss for everyone, especially his family.
Rest well Matt. I'll not forget your time with us as a classy stand-off, and a good man.
I confess when I saw him at the Nottingham match, I was shocked by the way and speed of the condition had hit him.
I know he had hoped to be at the recent Former Players lunch, sadly his illness denied Matt a last visit to the Butts Park Arena.
At least though Matt got to hand over the trophy to Cov as the first recipients of the Matt Gallagher Cup versus Nottingham.
Matt was a valuable member and contributor of the Derek Eves squad which produced that epic v Newcastle, he was at centre that day, the match programme is in front of me. Then later that season at full back for the play offs v London Irish.
I feel privileged to have both met and known Matt. The terrible disease, which hopefully longer term a cure can be found,has taken away another one from us.
Our thoughts and prayers at this time must be with his wife and family.
RIP now Matt we will not forget you
JB
Although he never graced the BPA he was a big player and leading light at Coundon rd and a massive addition to Dereks squad.
RIP Matt and condolences to the family.