In Memoriam: Jimmy Hickey

It is with great sadness that Wigan Warriors learned of the passing of former player Jimmy Hickey aged 75 following a short illness.

Jimmy was born locally on 30th July 1948, attending St Thomas More High School, and signed for Wigan from the local amateur club Wigan St Patricks.

Jimmy made his Wigan debut on New Year’s Day 1973 vs Leeds at Central Park in a controversial game that saw Terry Clawson sent off in the 43rd Minute for punching Bill Ashurst. Wigan went on to win the game 11-8.

Unfortunately for Jimmy playing the role of hooker which was a specialist position in the game at that time, he was competing against the Great Britain hookers Colin Clarke and John Gray which limited his first-team appearances to five.

Jimmy, like most Wigan players at the time, served his apprenticeship in the Wigan A team of which he was Captain and guided them to much success during the mid-seventies.

Jimmy’s final game for Wigan was a loss against local rivals Leigh by 12-9 again at Central Park on Bank Holiday Monday 27 August 1974, Wigan led 9-7 with just three minutes to go but a drop goal from Jimmy Fiddler and a try from Davies in the last minute saw Leigh win.

On retiring from the professional game Jimmy kept in touch with local amateur rugby when his company’s sponsorship helped to resurrect the failing Ken Gee Cup, and he became an influential ambassador at Wigan St Judes A.R.L

Although Jimmy played 5 games for Wigan’s first team he accomplished his ambition of wearing the Cherry and White shirt and attained his Heritage Number 696.

Wigan Warriors send their condolences to Jimmy’s family and friends at this sad time.