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Tommy Gallagher RIP


The death has taken place of

Tommy Gallagher

Aras Bhríde, Drumkeeran, and formerly Gowlaun.

Tommy died suddenly on Saturday night, 27th September.


Born in January 1931,
Tommy, was the second of the three children of Thomas and Bridget Gallagher,
Gowlaun, Drumkeeran.


He would have been among the first groups of children
to attend the new national school in Creevelea,
which had been opened in 1933.


Until two years ago, Tommy lived in the family home in Gowlaun.
Over his 83 years of life he only once travelled aboard.
That was when he went to England to be groomsman at the wedding of his brother Jim.


Tommy made his living from the small family farm.
He kept a few sheep and cattle.
He made his hay and he saved his turf.
He grew a few ridges of potatoes and vegetables.
He was also quite skilled in carpentry
and was known as something of a handyman in the community.


Tommy Gallagher never married.
As a result, he was able to make lots of time for other people.
He loved to call to the houses of his neighbours,
something that could happen at any time of the day or night.
And he loved to see them call to him.


He thoroughly enjoyed meeting people and chatting with them.
He was the kind of man who was totally relaxed in the company of others,
whether they be friends or total strangers.
Above all, he loved to share his special gift with everyone,
the gift of his music.
Tommy was a talented and skilled musician.
He played fiddle with the Belhavel Céilí Band,
a band that played in venues across North Leitrim, and wider afield.
He was always happy to regale people with a few tunes on the fiddle.


Tommy was also a man of deep faith.
He would never miss his Sunday Mass in Creevelea church.
In years gone by he was a member of the Legion of Mary
and throughout his life he faithfully prayed the rosary.  


Two years ago, he made the decision to move from Gowlaun into Drumkeeran town.
He quickly settled into his new home Aras Bhríde.
He soon won over the hearts of the staff there
and was very popular among his fellow residents.

Now that he was living in the town, he was able to come and go as he pleased,
whether it be to the shop,
or over to his sister Mary’s house,
something he did every day,
or at night, to meet and chat with his friends over a few drinks.

Among the highlights of the week for Tommy
was his visit to the local pub on Saturday evenings.
There he would meet up with family members and with his friends.
He enjoyed the conversation and the couple of drinks.


Sadly, Tommy died suddenly on Saturday night, September 27,
as he was making his way from Aras Bhríde to the local pub.

The large crowd that attended his removal in Creevelea church on Tuesday evening
bears eloquent witness to his popularity in the local community.

Following the funeral Mass was on Wednesday, 1st October,
Tommy was laid to rest in the family plot
in Killargue New Cemtery.

Tommy is survived by his sister,
Mary Grogan, Main St, Drumkeeran.

He was predeceased by his Brother Jim in 1990.