By Dionne Meehan
Amid the sadness that has followed the death of Anthony Gallagher in the St. Patrick’s Day fatal collision in Letterkenny, there was a poignant moment this week as the youngest member of the Gallagher family returned to his home town to pay his respects.
Given up for adoption as a child, Gerard Gallagher has been living away from Letterkenny for much of his life.
However, he reconnected with his mother, Bridget prior to her passing in 2002, and his brothers, Anthony and Martin, who were both involved in the serious road traffic collision at Lower Main Street.
The two men were walking home from a night out when they were struck by a vehicle at around 3am, close to their home at Charlie Daly Terrace in Ballymacool.
Tragically, Anthony, succumbed to his injuries in Letterkenny University Hospital later on Monday, while Martin was airlifted to University Hospital Galway for treatment.
Both men, who are in their 60s, are very well known in Letterkenny.
Anthony worked as a council ‘lollipop’ man and manned the crossing close to his home at the bottom of the Back Road.
As news of the tragedy filtered through the tight-knit community, a dark cloud descended on the town.
On Monday evening, a crowd of up to 200 people gathered for a candlelit vigil where happy memories of the brothers were shared and prayers were said.
Speaking to the Donegal News this week, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie said Monday’s tragedy had brought great sadness, but he took great heart by how the community of the town had rallied around to support the Gallagher family.
“In the midst of tragedy, it was heartening to see the care and support shown by neighbours and friends who had a great place in their hearts for Anthony and Martin,” Monsignor Gillespie said.
“We continue to pray for Anthony and for Martin, and we extend our deepest condolences to Martin at this time. We also pray for his continued recovery.”
Brothers Martin and Anthony Gallagher at a 90th birthday celebration a few years ago, Photo Brian McDaid.
This week, Martin underwent extensive reconstruction surgery to his legs as a result of the horrific injuries he sustained.
Naturally heartbroken and traumatised following Monday’s events, he is hoping to tune in to his brother’s requiem Mass today, from his hospital bed.
Anthony’s funeral Mass will take place in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny at 11am today.
Following the Mass, mourners will gather close to the Gallagher family home at ‘the foot of the town’ as the funeral cortege make its way to Conwal Cemetery where Anthony will be laid to rest.
Meanwhile, garda investigations into the fatal collision continue.
On Tuesday, a teenager who was arrested at the scene of Monday’s incident was released without charge.
A garda spokesperson said: “A male in his teens arrested in connection with this investigation has been released without charge.
“Files will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and Garda Youth Diversion Bureau.”
