Probably the most recounted tale of Patsy's brilliance in Celtic colours was his appearance in the 1925 Scottish Cup Final against Dundee at Hampden. Faced with a 6 yard box packed with both attackers and defenders Patsy trapped the ball between both feet and somersaulted over the goal line to help the Celts to victory!
Celtic were in a transitional period at the time, with the team that had won 6 titles in a row ageing and beginning to tire. Patsy revitalised this team and Celtic won 7 league titles, 4 Scottish Cups, 4 Glasgow Cups and 11 Glasgow charity Cups in a great side that also include Jimmy McMenemy and Jimmy Quinn.
Patsy's story epitomised the trials and tribulations of life in these most difficult of times. He famously missed an entire season with poisoned toes having squeezed his feet into boots that were a size too small for him!
Patsy's life, like so many of our forefathers was steeped in tragedy. He was a family man who lost his wife at the young age of 35. She passed away in giving birth to Patsy's 6th Child.
Patsy was to leave Celtic in the summer of 1926. Aged just 25. Willey Maley announced that Gallacher was too be retired prior to the next season. Reports at the time stated that Patsy was beside himself with rage at this 'retirement' and it was said at the time that he was unaware of his impending exit from the game prior to the announcement. Clarity was found by most in this situation by the fact that Gallacher was the highest paid footballer in Scotland. Such and ignominious exit was not the way to treat such a legendary footballing genius.
Patsy was to continue plying his footballing magic at Falkirk and he continued playing until he was nearly 40!
After retiring he opened the International Bar in the Kilbowie Road area of Clydebank. Patsy died on June 17th 1953 aged 62.
His footballing legacy continues to this day, with 2 of his sons playing professional football and his grandson Kevin famously scored against Celtic in the 1988 Scottish Cup final, a goal that summed up all of Patsy's attributes in one graceful striking of a football.
Whether you know him as the Mighty Atom, or as many do, simply Patsy, Gallacher will be forever remembered in our hearts as one of the greatest ever players to have donned the famous Jersey.
Patsy: Once a Bhoy.