By Dionne Meehan
DOWNINGS native Danny Gallagher was remembered as a true gentleman at his funeral Mass this morning.
Mr Gallagher, of the Glebe, Downings, sadly passed away following a fatal single-vehicle collision in Carrigart on Saturday, March 29.
Requiem Mass took place in the Church of St John the Baptist this morning, where hundreds of mourners gathered to say their final goodbyes.
Addressing the congregation, Chief Celebrant, Fr Charlie Byrne said he is deeply saddened by Mr Gallagher’s sudden death.
“At a time like this, we feel somewhat helpless but we are never without hope,” he said.
Raised by his mother, Mr Gallagher attended school in Mevagh before leaving education at the age of 13-years-old.
After leaving school, he went straight into work, primarily in the building trade, alongside a few others from the Downings area.
Mr Gallagher married his wife Marian in 1973. Together, they had six children, and in time, they were blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“He took that role very seriously,” Fr Byrne said.
“He provided very well for his family as a husband, as a father, as a grandfather and as a great-grandfather.”
Fr Byrne said Mr Gallagher worked hard all his life.
“He had hands for that work, skilled,” he said.
He also worked in The Fleet Inn and Casey’s Caravan Park.
Mr Gallagher loved playing golf. He has been described as a keen competitor.
Fr Byrne remembered the local man fondly, saying he always had a smile on his face.
“He had a great sense of humour,” he said.
“He was a true gentleman.”
With Mr Gallagher’s death coming so soon after his brother John’s passing, Fr. Byrne acknowledged that it was a difficult time for the family.
Burial followed the Mass in the adjoining cemetery.
Mr Gallagher is predeceased by his brother John, his parents James and Cassie, and his infant twin brother Patrick.
He is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his wife Marian, his daughters Roisin and Sharon, his sons Seamus, Martin, Paul and Danny, brothers Ned and Micheal, sisters AnneMarie and Cait, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and a wide circle of relatives and friends.
Meanwhile, gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses following Saturday’s fatal collision.
“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward,” a garda spokesperson said.
“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and who were travelling in the area between 12.10pm and 1.10pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milford Garda Station on (074) 915 3060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
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