THE GOOD actions and legacy of Garda Charlie Gallagher will not be forgotten, his funeral mass was told today.
Large crowds gathered at St Mary’s Church in Donegal Town to say goodbye to a dear dad, a devoted husband and a great friend who passed away on Friday following an illness bravely borne.
Garda Gallagher’s enduring kindness will live on the communities where he lived, worked and battled on football pitches. Outside of work, Charlie was a popular Donegal figure who captained the Four Masters Senior Reserves to the Donegal Reserve Championship in 2010.
Born in Glasgow, Charlie grew up in the Rosses before entering An Garda Siochana in 1992. He moved to Newtown, Donegal Town where he and his wife Anna raised their three children, Evan, Conor and Faye.
Charlie’s colleagues from An Garda Síochána gave him an honourable send-off with a guard of honour at Killymard chapel, along with Four Masters GAA Club members and the Donegal Masters Team.
The many facets of Charlie’s life journey were celebrated at this afternoon’s Mass. In all settings, his empathy and warmth shone through.
Father Pat Ward told the congregation that Charlie was “a rock” who was stoic, capable and dependable. Charlie enhanced the lives of people all around him, Fr Ward said.
“He was a person of justice, tempered with charity, he was a clever person in that, he stood for justice and he knew it was nothing if there wasn’t a little bit of charity involved too,” Fr Ward said.
“It’s ironic in a way that someone whose life stood for justice that he didn’t get the justice of the years that someone like him deserves,” Fr Ward said, adding that Charlie, who comes from island people, carried a stoicness and a strong solid faith with him through his illness.
A eulogy from Charlie’s eldest son Evan highlighted his father’s qualities of compassion, empathy and warmth. Evan paid tribute to his father’s passion for the Irish language and football.
Evan said: “Prior to dad’s illness and passing, I was under no false illusion that he was a great man, but from hearing numerous stories, the many acts of generosity unselfishness and abounding understanding, I can now stand firm in the assertion that he is the most gentle and amazing man I have ever met in my life and it’s an honour to call him my father.
“From playing and coaching Gaelic football to carrying out his duties in the town, Dad was always willing to see the best in people and grant people the benefit of the doubt regardless of their history or their background.”
Charlie’s great loves were symbolised by the offertory gifts, which were a coffee mug, his garda hat and gloves, a family photograph, a Celtic jersey and a GAA trophy.
The Funeral Mass was followed by burial in Charlie’s homeland of Kincasslagh at Belcruit Cemetery.
A tribute from An Garda Siochana this morning said: “You will never be far from our thoughts Charlie and we will miss you terribly. May you rest in peace.”
