A CLASSMATE of killed Donegal teenager Anne Gillespie has paid tribute to her – and hit out at how her killer has used the legal system.
Brutal killer John Gallagher shot Anne and her mum Annie in the grounds of Sligo Hospital in 1988 after the 18-year-old ended their relationship.
He was later found guilty but insane – but escaped from a mental hospital in Dundrum in 2000 and had set up home in Strabane in recent years.
This week Gallagher, 46, returned himself to the hospital as part of a legal bid which will allow him to return to his native Co Donegal.
But Conor, who attended St Columba’s College in Stranorlar with Anne, said he wanted people to remember what sort of girl Anne was – and what sort of evil killer Gallagher was.
Said Conor: “As a former classmate of Anne’s when I hear the name ‘John Gallagher’ I sometimes close my eyes and think of a beautiful, shy and well mannered girl sitting beside me in biology, her long red hair and rosy cheeks ,and lovely smile, and quiet personality will live with me forever.
“I have two young daughters now myself and think what a beautiful life Anne would have had if she had not been so unfortunate to have met John Gallagher.
“I remember her funeral. We were teenagers at St Columba’s getting ready for life after the Leaving Cert.”
Conor told donegaldaily.com what he thought of Gallagher – and how his shadow still remains over the community in the Finn Valley.
“Lock him up and throw away the key,” said Conor.
“Evil John Gallagher has left an entire community living in fear.”
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