Cawley shares a heart-warming letter written to him by the late Tommie Gorman

Finn Harps midfielder David Cawley has taken to social media to share a personal letter he had received from the late RTÉ journalist Tommie Gorman who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 68. 

At the time of his retirement in 2021, Gorman was RTÉ News's Northern Editor having worked for the broadcaster for 41 years. 

This afternoon on X the former Sligo Rovers player Cawley posted a letter the veteran player received from the Sligo native in 2020 at a time, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the side was struggling in the League of Ireland.  

“During the pressures of being club captain in a relegation battle, it was very much appreciated back then, that I kept it safe from that day. A gent RIP,” Cawley said. 

The letter read as follows:  

“Dear David. I know from my friend Dermot Kelly that he had a brief chat with you following a recent Rovers game in Dublin. Like him, I want to acknowledge that you are playing the finest football of your career. I’d also like to thank you for the inspirational role you are playing in Sligo Rovers revival. 

“At critical times in matches, you are making a decisive input. Many players would lose heart if a clever header came off the butt of the post and a shot is stopped on the line. But in the 91st minute against Waterford, you forced a fine defender to concede the free which produced the winning goal.  

“Last night against Dundalk, you had the instinct to go for blood when the game was in the pot at 1-0. The burst upfield requires courage, and the quality of the cross was exquisite that it rattled your opponents. 

“The quality of ball from the free kick for the third goal made it a real chance. We have been dangerous from set pieces in recent weeks and that’s an important change. 

“I’m delighted to see you enjoying your craft so much. Players around you are benefitting from the energy, the wisdom, and at times, the bravery required to shape the outcome of a contest. 

“The pitch is in good shape, and it suits Liam’s style of football. For the first time in a few years, there is a depth in the squad – we have options. 

“I’ve watched your development over the years. Before I began working with RTÉ in 1980, I got a start in a now-defunct Ballina-based newspaper – the Western Journal. So, I feel a special affinity for Rovers – Mayo standard bearer. 

“Good luck with the rest of the season, and again, thanks for the extra stretches. They make such a difference.  

Sincerely
Tommie Gorman 

A native of the Yeats County, Gorman became a Freeman of Sligo in 2003.