THE sudden and unexpected death took place in Letterkenny University Hospital on Friday, September 25 of Bríd Gallagher, Meenlaragh, Gortahork.
A daughter of the late Barney and Julia Gallagher, of Meenacladdy, Gaoth Dobhair she was aged 65 years and was affectionately better known locally as Bríd Dinnie.
Bríd received her education in Scoil Bhríde, Meenacladdy. After leaving school, she went to work in the Cladyknit Company at Derrybeg. She met her future husband, Denis Gallagher, a native of Meenlaragh, at a dance in the Ray River Inn in Falcarragh Bríd and her husband shared 48 years of married life together. Their long marriage was one of companionship, loyalty and devotion.
Bríd was a woman who found great joy in the simple things of life. She had a particular fondness for her wee dog, Sandy, a much loved companion who brought her great happiness. She had a deep and abiding devotion to her faith , which gave her great strength and comfort throughout her life. That faith remained close to her heart and was a source of consolation in both the good times and difficult times. At her funeral Mass, among the gifts brought to the altar to represent her life were her rosary beads.
Bríd also had a great love of gardening and took great pride and pleasure in tending to her flowers and plants. She enjoyed seeing things grow and flourish, and her garden was a reflection of the care and attention she gave to the things she loved.
Away from her garden, she had another interest which perhaps showed a different side of her character and that was wrestling. She was a great follower of wrestling and enjoyed sitting down to watch it on television.
Those who knew Bríd will remember her for her warmth, her faith, her love of home and family and for the many simple pleasures that gave meaning to her life.
Funeral Mass took place on Monday in the Christ the King Church, Gortahork. The celebrant was Fr Seán Ó Gallchóir former Parish Priest of Gortahork and she was laid to rest afterwards in the adjacent cemetery.
Bríd was predeceased by her parents, Barney and Julia Gallagher, her sisters, Teresa, Mary, Kathleen, Celia and her grandchildren, James beag and Sol.
She is survived by her husband, Denis, sons, Joseph (Mary), James (Eimear), Chrisopher (Carolyn), daughters, Teresa, Julie (William) and Maria, grandchildren, sisters, Joan, Margaret and Frances, brothers, Manus and Josie and a wide circle of family and friends.
– Tommy Curran