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Johnny Gallagher RIP
There was widespread regret and sadness at the death of Johnny Gallagher
Drumbrahade,
Drumkeeran.
Johnny died in Sligo General Hospital on Friday, 13th September.
He had been ill for
a number of months.
In his passing the parish has lost a great character and a man who, over many years,
contributed
so much to the life to the local community.
From a young age Johnny involved himself in the various organisations
that were trying
to improve our community and, indeed, the wider county community.
He did so with great
energy, determination and optimism.
In 1960 Johnny was elected to Leitrim County Council, where he served as a Councillor
for seven years.
He was fearless and outspoken, championing measures that would help
improve
the lives of the people in our own community and also in the wider county,
a
county that had suffered cruelly during the economically
stagnant years of the 1950’s
and early 1960’s.
Johnny was a committed Republican who, as a Sinn Féin councillor,
used every opportunity
to promote the ending of partition.
Johnny was also always respectful of the views
of all politicians.
His friendly outgoing manner endeared him to all those who served
with him
on the Council and on the various committees on which her served.
A member of the Drumkeeran Drama Group,
Johnny will also be remembered for his great
acting skills.
Not only did he impress people with his acting talent
but he also enthralled
them with his powerful recitations,
many of which he composed himself.
His recitations
and poems depicted the life and events
of the community over many decades.
Johnny was, above all, a great family man.
He was a loving husband to his wife Mary
Jo
and a dedicated father to his children Mary, Breege, Hugh James, Sean and Paul.
Above
all, in latter years, he took a special delight in his many grandchildren.
Johnny was a great neighbour, always willing to help out in whatever way he could.
A farmer all his life, he was never afraid to take on and try out
newer and more progressive
approaches to his farming.
Also at the heart of Johnny’s life was his deep faith
and his strong adherence to
Christian values.
A man who would never miss his Sunday Mass,
he was also a lifelong
member of the Pioneer Association.
Johnny Gallagher will be remembered as the ever-
who
was always optimistic in everything he said and did.
He had an extraordinary memory
and he delighted
in sharing his memories and his stories from times past.
Johnny will be greatly missed in the community.
Above all, he will be deeply missed by the members of his loving family.
We extend
our sympathy to them
His funeral took place on Monday, 16th September.
The funeral Mass was celebrated
by Fr Maurice McMorrow, PP Ballinaglera.
After the Mass Johnny was laid to rest in Drumkeeran Cemetery.