By Tommy Curran
THE funeral took place in Glasgow on Friday of Michael Gallagher, who was originally from Arduns, Gaoth Dobhair.
Affectionately and better known locally as Mickey James, he was born in Arduns on June 19, 1941 and was a son of the late Dominick and Sheila Gallagher. Mickey was the last surviving member of a family of six children.
He married Gracie (née Gallagher), a daughter of the late Hiúdaí Shéamuis Anna and Susan Phaidí Charlie Gallagher of Strakeenagh, Derrybeg in the old St. Mary’s Church, Derrybeg on July 12, 1967. They later moved to Glasgow in search of work like many other young couples at the time. A hard and diligent worker, Michael spent most of his life as a labourer and raised his family in the East End of Glasgow, Parkhead and Bridgeton.
The couple built a new life there through hard work, determination and quiet resilience. Despite the distance, Gaoth Dobhair was always close to Mickey’s heart. Glasgow became his home , where he was widely respected as a dependable worker and a loyal friend to many.
He rarely missed a visit back home at Easter and summer to meet with family members and many friends. These trips home were among the happiest times in his life, meeting old neighbours and friends and enjoying the beauty and peace of the local landscape.
Mickey was a very sociable individual and loved visiting the Irish pubs in Glasgow to have the craic with many friends, who like himself, moved from Ireland to secure work. He had a great love of gardening and was very proud of his garden which was in full bloom every summer and was often admired by neighbours and passers by.
Above all he was a proud family man who adored his children and grandchildren. He was a keen supporter of Celtic and when he was not at Parkhead, he would follow their games on television.
Mickey was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers, Jimmy, Dominick and Paddy and by his sisters, Norah and Annie Conway. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Gracie, sons, Dom, Michael, James and daughter, Susan, grandchildren, Claire, Ryan Dominick and Fern.
Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Bridgeton on Friday, and he was laid to rest afterwards in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Dalbeth.
