I am of Ireland, And the Holy Land of Ireland And time runs on cried she, Come out of Charity, Come dance with me in Ireland
W.B. Yeats 1865-1939
As a steady rain fell on Father's Day, I sadly learned that not only my friend, but a good and valued friend of many, particularly in the Bradford community, had passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2009.
Dr. John Callahan was a unique and gracious individual who took exceptional pride in both his and his loving wife Ann's Irish heritage. Their marriage would endure for more than 50 years.
Both would grow up within the "Acre" section of Haverhill. Ann and John always would relate that then as an Irish community doors were never locked and one could rely on the support of his neighbor.
John would spend his youth working digging graves in St. James Cemetery and when walking down Primrose Street at the end of a day, found cause to pass the home of Ann Guard. When good-natured neighbors spotted John the cry came forth "Ann Guard, be on your guard!"
Their marriage would be followed by the birth of four daughters; Maura, Noreen, Eileen and Kathleen, each of whose name, when spoken, created a large smile of deep pride on the John's face.
On December 12, 1995 The Haverhill Gazette would publish my story on the history of St. James football. To accompany the story a photo was taken on the original football field of St. James shortly before Thanksgiving. Twelve former players who wore the Blue and White were present that memorable morning.
John Callahan as well as two other Bradford "boys," Sid Laffey and Nordo Nissi, is in that picture. After taking the photo we reconvened at the home of Dixie Sheehan, the last football coach of St. James. To my regret, I did not have with me a tape recorder for the preservation of the rich memories of those who were present that day.
John would go on to Boston College, where his football career as an Eagle would be interrupted when he joined the US Navy. Laughter would follow as he'd relate how he "sank" a buoy during maneuvers. Longtime friend and eventual best man best man at Ann and John's wedding, Jim Mahoney, recalls how John's football playing days ended when he damaged his shoulder playing against Harvard.
On October 20, 2001, John would be invited to a luncheon at Boston College honoring his friend of Bradford, Gene Goudreault, when his jersey would be permanently attached to Alumni Stadium at Boston College (only nine have been so honored).
Sacred Hearts Parish played a prominent role in both Ann and John's lives as well as the lives of their four daughters, who were all graduates of the Sacred Hearts School. John was an original member of the "Spic & Span" Team that began in 1986 to refurbish the church grounds each spring and fall. In addition, John was a fixture at Sunday morning's 7:30 Mass as an usher.
John along with Dr. George Griffin, another 7:30 a.m. usher, would regale each other with their tales of achievement on the golf course. At Easter and Christmas, when it came time to help those in need through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, one could always count on John being there to assist.
On June 6, 2004, the Greater Lawrence Technical School honored the late Bradford native Ed Coakley by dedicating its restaurant in Coakley's name. One of the four men invited by Ed Coakley that day to witness the proceedings was John Callahan.
It is my belief that St. Peter has formed a welcome committee consisting of Ed Coakley, Sid Lafey, Nordo Nissi and Dixie Sheehan to be standing at the Gates of Heaven to greet John Callahan.
Hale and Farewell, good and valued friend to all.
