UNDER glorious evening sunshine, a packed congregation gathered in St Bridget’s Church, Leitir, on Sunday to celebrate the retirement of Fr Eddie Gallagher.

The church was filled to capacity with many standing at the back and others gathered outside, an extraordinary turnout that reflected the deep affection and admiration felt for Fr Eddie from across the diocese and beyond.

The Mass was celebrated by his long-time friend and fellow priest, Fr Pádraig Ó Baoighill, and concelebrated by fourteen clergy, including Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator, along with priests from various parishes where Fr Eddie served.

Among them was Fr Johnny Moore, Parish Priest of Templecrone, based in Dungloe.

Fr Pádraig’s moving homily reflected not only on Fr Eddie’s ministry, but on the man himself, a priest of quiet conviction, deep prayer, and unwavering charity.

Born in 1951 in the townland of Ard Leathan in the Gaeltacht area of Glenfin, Fr Eddie grew up in a deeply rooted Irish-speaking, faith-filled home. His parents, Edward Gallagher, a small farmer and postman, and Annie McNamee, instilled in him the love of prayer and service that shaped his vocation.

Both of his parents died in 1984, a great loss to Fr Eddie and his siblings Patrick (England), John (Glenfin), and Annie (Glenfin).

Educated first in Letterbrick Upper and Lower, and later in Glenfin, he went on to secondary school at Finn College in Ballybofey in 1965.

He was part of the first Leaving Certificate class to transfer to St Columba’s College under the Mercy Sisters, where he was influenced deeply by Fr Paddy Kerr.

After a year of studying Latin at Mount Melleray Abbey in County Waterford, he entered St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he studied for the priesthood alongside Fr Pádraig Ó Baoighill.

Fr Eddie Gallagher with Martin McHugh, receiving a signed Donegal jersey on behalf of Kilcar parish.

They first met on September 7, 1971, travelling together to Maynooth on Joe Marley’s bus.

Fr Eddie was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1977 in the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenfin, by Bishop Anthony McFeely.

He would go on to serve in seven parishes across the Diocese of Raphoe including Gweedore, Tory Island, Dungloe, Glencolmcille, Leitir (Lettermacaward), Carrick and Kilcar.

He also served in local schools including Loch an Iúir, Pobalscoil na Rosann, Gairmscoil na Carraige, and Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, where he was remembered as gentle, kind, and generous with his time, especially with young people.

He accompanied students to Lourdes on the diocesan pilgrimage for many years and had a deep personal devotion to Our Lady.

Speaking after the Mass, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie reflected on the priestly life of Fr Eddie Gallagher, describing it as “a life of profound compassion, and closeness, and understanding, and concern for people”.

He spoke especially of Fr Eddie’s faith, saying: “Fr Eddie’s faith was always the first thing that was evident—a devout faith, a warm faith, a faith that made himself present to people, particularly in times of challenge. A faith with a sensitivity for those who are suffering. A faith that led him to serve the communities in which he found himself, and a faith which animated his own life as a priest.”

Following the Mass, the community made their way to Halla Naomh Bríd for a joyful reception. A beautiful cake and photo display celebrated Fr Eddie’s priestly journey. Chris Laughlin acted as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the evening’s proceedings.

Fr Pádraig Ó Baoighill also offered warm thanks to those who made the day possible: Maureen McCahill, who prepared the Mass booklet; Isabella Gallagher; Dolores McDermott; Mary Kelly; and lastly, the Laughlins, for their beautiful singing and hymns.

Fr Pádraig concluded by thanking all who came—“from near and far, from other parishes, from across the diocese”—to honour Fr Eddie. “There is a lot of love in this room for him,” he said, “and it is richly deserved.”