Donegal stands silent today at the passing of well known footballer and Garda Charlie Gallagher.
Charlie was a loved father and husband and was well known throughout the county, playing with the Donegal Masters Gaelic team and as a Garda stationed in Donegal Town.
Charlie battled for months with his illness before his passing in Donegal Hospice.
A GAA fanatic, a testimonial tournament took place in April to raise funds for Charlie’s nominated charity, ‘Solace’ Cancer Support Donegal Town who support those suffering with cancer and their families.
More than €23,000 was raised with a number of clubs taking part in the tournament to show their support.
Charlie lived in Newtown, Donegal Town and was formerly of Belcruit, Kincasslagh.
And tributes have flooded in for the popular Donegal figure who captained the Four Masters Senior Reserves to the Donegal Reserve Championship in 2010
A spokesperson for his GAA club, Four Masters, said: “The Four Masters Gaa club would like to extend condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of a great club man, Charlie Gallagher who passed away last night.
“We would ask anyone who can, to please come to the Diamond today at 3:50pm wearing their club colours as Charlie’s remains return home, as a show of respect and in support of the family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Donegal Gaelic Masters also said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our fellow Masters player and friend, Charlie Gallagher.
“As many of us know Charlie has battled bravely for months and finally succumbed to his illness last night and we have now lost another Masters player within weeks of each other.
“All within the Donegal Masters and throughout the Gaelic Masters Association pass on our deepest sympathies to his wife Anna and family. A true Gael who will be sadly miss.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
The funeral cortege for Garda Charlie will pass through Donegal Town at 4pm today (Friday) via Main Sreet The Diamond, Bridge Sreet, Mountcharles Road, turning right at the roundabout on to the Ballydevitt Road to the family home in Newtown.
His remains will be reposing at his home in Newtown from 6pm this evening, Friday July 22nd and tomorrow, Saturday from 1pm to 9pm.
Funeral Mass on Sunday afternoon, July 24th at 2pm in St Mary’s Church, Killymard with removal afterwards for interment in Belcruit Cemetery.
House strictly private on the morning of the Funeral please.
Family flowers only. Donations if desired to the Donegal Hospice C/O any family member or Shaun McGlynn Funeral Director with thanks to the Donegal Hospice for the excellent care of Charlie
