ALMOST one year after a collision that claimed the life of his brother, and left himself with life-changing injuries, Martin Gallagher is preparing to leave hospital for a house of his own.
On St Patrick’s Day, Martin will mark the first anniversary of his brother Anthony’s tragic passing.
The two brothers were on their way home from a night out in Letterkenny when they were struck by a car metres away from their home.
Anthony lost his life in the incident and Martin sustained life changing injuries, spending six weeks in a hospital in Galway, and many months in Letterkenny University Hospital.
Last September, the popular Letterkenny man was left homeless after a funding shortfall stalled essential accessibility works on his home on Charlie Daly Terrace in Ballymacool.
In the months following the tragedy, Donegal County Council declared the house ‘unsafe’ for Martin to live in, prompting him and his family to spend months searching for suitable accommodation.
Martin Gallagher pictured with his cousin Kevin outside his new home in Letterkenny yesterday afternoon. Photo Brian McDaid.
This week, however, the long wait finally came to an end when Martin picked up the keys to his new home.
Describing the past year as “tough”, his relative Dolores Gallagher spoke of Martin’s delight at finally having a place to call his own.
“He is just thrilled,” Ms Gallagher said.
“Last week, Martin bought himself a washing machine, a cooker and a fridge freezer.
“He has a TV coming too, with Sky.
“He is just mad about Sky, and as long as he has Sky, he’ll be alright.”
Thanking Letterkenny University Hospital and the staff of Medical 6, Ms Gallagher expressed her gratitude for the outstanding care they provided him during his stay.
She also gave special thanks to Professor Ken Mulpeter for his kindness.
But the good news doesn’t stop there. Along with his new home, Martin has also received a new mobility scooter, generously donated by a local Good Samaritan.
Excited to take his new wheels for a spin around his hometown, Martin said he is now on the lookout for a crash helmet and ‘L’ plates.
