Millwall pays tribute to one of their own at 1-1 home draw with Derby
Millwall fans remembered one of their own on Saturday, in the way only Lions supporters can.
They paid tribute to late Private Lee O’Callaghan, from Rodney Road, Walworth, who died in Iraq in 2004.
His family were stunned by the warmth and depth of the feelings of the thousands at the game, where a two-minute silence was held and wreath laid at the memorial bench created in his honour at The Den in 2019.
Brother Danny, 34, was only 16 when his brother died.
He said: “It was amazing to be asked to be part of the military remembrance. It was a lovely honour to be asked to lay a wreath after all these years – I was proud just to be invited.
“I am proud of the club he supported, and that their fans still hold the military in such high regard. And I was so pleased to see so many people come along.
“Lee was always a happy and kind older brother, out for a laugh – and a big Millwall fan. I always looked up to him. He loved being in the army.
“There were so many people on Saturday who wanted to shake my hand, members of the armed forces showing how much they respected Lee.
They did not even know him, many of them, but took the time out to thank us for everything my brother did. Even after 17 years, they still have that respect.
It was an amazing day.”
His family were so stunned and impressed by the way FA Albin’s of Bermondsey conducted the funeral – as they had done for so many military personnel – they joined it staff.
Danny is now a funeral conductor and his mum Shirley also joined the company.
Pte Lee O’Callaghan was shot dead manning an armoured carrier while on a rescue mission, in August 2004 in Basra aged just 20.
He had been on duty with the 1st Battalion of The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment for five months when he was killed by Shia militiamen, with only one week left before he was due to return home on leave.
A street in the keen Millwall fan’s name was unveiled in Walworth in 2017, connecting Heygate Street with Wansey Street.
Fans raised more than £2,000 to pay for the bench, with a donation from Millwall sponsor Huski Chocolate.
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