In Memoriam: Jimmy Hickey – Wigan Warriors

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

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

Jimmy made his Wigan debut on New Year’s Day 1973 against Leeds at Central Park in a controversial game in which Terry Clawson was sent off in the 43rd minute for a tackle on Bill Ashurst. Wigan went on to win the game 11-8.

Unfortunately for Jimmy playing the hooker, which was a specialist position in the game at the time, he competed with UK hookers Colin Clarke and John Gray, who limited his first team appearances to five.

Jimmy, like most Wigan players of the time, served his apprenticeship with the Wigan A team he captained and guided them to great success in the mid-seventies.

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

On retirement from the professional game, Jimmy kept in touch with local amateur rugby when his company’s sponsorship helped revive the defunct Ken Gee Cup and became an influential ambassador for Wigan St Judes ARL.

Although Jimmy played 5 games for Wigan’s first team, he fulfilled his ambition to wear the Cherry and White shirt and achieved the heritage number 696.

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