The late Dan Joe Gallagher
A PENSIONER who died a week ago had lost two violins in an arson attack, a court has heard.
Dan Joe Gallagher, who would have been 87 on St Stephen’s Day, died in a boating accident in Rathmullan last Monday.
Letterkenny District Court heard that Mr Gallagher had been owed compensation by a teenager after the thug torched his car outside his home near the Co Donegal town on September 16th 2011.
The pensioner had received most of the money – almost €4,000 – but was owed another €600.
This was handed in to court today by the solicitor for the accused teenager Frank Dorrian.
Judge Paul Kelly was told however that he will never get the rest of the money.
“Mr Gallagher passed away in sad circumstances,” said Inspector Goretti Sheridan.
The teenager has admitted a number of offences. He cannot be named because he was a minor at the time.
A second pensioner also lost a vehicle on the same night when it was also set on fire.
The teenager has admitted a series of other offences in the same year including possession of knives.
Judge Paul Kelly asked that Gardai contact single man Mr Gallagher’s next of kin to see if he left a will.