Funeral of American killed in quad bike accident takes place in Achill

THE funeral Mass has taken place in Achill of an American man who died in a quad bike accident on Achill Island last Sunday week.

A native of San Francisco in the United States, Michael J Gallagher died on Sunday, June 30 in a quad bike accident along the Purteen Road near Keel on Achill Island.

The 87-year-old father of two was a regular visitor to Achill where his father was born and had arrived on the island just a few days before the tragedy occurred. It is understood he was going towards Purteen Harbour to take to the sea, a passion which he enjoyed in his native San Francisco.

His father Edward Gallagher was born in Saula on Achill Island but left the island at a young age to live with relatives in the United States. He married Ellen Kate (nee Brett) and settled in San Francisco in California and they had 12 children. Michael was born in 1937 and was the second oldest.

Michael's Funeral Mass took place in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Achill Sound last Thursday which was attended by a large number of his relatives living in Achill. Following the funeral he was cremated and his remains were brought back to the US where a celebration of his life will take place on July 12 at Sts Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco.

In an obituary written in the San Francisco Chronicle, Michael's life was described as 'a cinematic adventure, passionate for food, wine, the sea and people to share it with'.
He is survived by his wife, Heather Reynolds; his children, Eamonn and Maura; granddaughter, Stella Rose; and his remaining siblings Jim, Danny, Mary and Teresa.

Following the accident, Gardaí appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them. Purteen Harbour is a very popular location in the summertime and anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Keel on June 30 and who may have camera footage including dash cam footage is asked to make contact with gardaí and make it available to gardaí.