Page 4633 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 31 October 2017
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While he may have grappled with difficult decisions, he never believed himself to be an anguishing sort of judge. In fact, he had a keen sense of humour. When Mr Purnell stated during the judge’s ceremonial sitting, “Beneath that rough, tough, gruff exterior there beats a soft, tender heart,” Justice Gallop dryly decried it as “outrageous hyperbole”.
As a renowned and passionate cricketer, Justice Gallop made an enormous contribution to Canberra. He served as president of Cricket ACT for 27 years, a phenomenal commitment to his community. He became a life member of Cricket ACT in 2001-02, and the association also honoured him by naming the limited overs competition in honour of him. Ian McNamee of Cricket ACT said:
From acquiring the management rights for Manuka Oval to ensuring the health of local clubs, John did more than anyone to progress cricket in the region. John’s leadership was recognised nationally, and his speeches at PMXI matches were eagerly awaited and a feature of the match.
Of course, with the nature of the sporting field and clubs, he was not immune to nicknames, and I see it is reported that he was called “Justice John” or “the Judge” in cricketing circles.
As a talented cricketer in his younger days, having played grade cricket in Sydney for Petersham, he then moved to Canberra, where he played for the Kingston Cricket Club, winning cricketer of the year in the 1964-65 season. He was also selected in Robert Menzies’ Prime Minister’s XI. The highlight of his cricketing career was that match against the South Africans on 3 February 1964. The Prime Minister’s XI included such luminaries as Alan Davidson and Neil Harvey. In that match, as a wicket keeper-batsman, not only did he stump the South Africans’ top scorer, DC Lindsay, he went on to score 32 not out and hit the winning runs. He would captain the ACT representative team from 1962 through to 1966. John made an enormous contribution to Canberra.
Richard Faulks, the Managing Director of Snedden Hall & Gallop, described him thus:
He always spoke of the need for all lawyers to show respect for their clients and the court, and to strive for excellence in representing our clients’ interests and fighting for their rights.
He said:
We were proud of the legacy he gave us and honoured to retain his name as part of what we stand for.
Sarah Avery of the ACT Law Society said:
John Gallop has been an integral part of Canberra’s legal community.
He was dedicated to upholding the rule of law, and he excelled. Most importantly, he was dedicated to his family and friends.
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