Former Mayo County Council worker fondly remembered by all who knew him

Martin Gallagher, Cullane, Swinford, who died in the kind care of the staff at St Attracta’s Nursing Home, Charlestown, was a former employee of Mayo County Council and a legendary supporter of Mayo teams.

Martin was so well known around the Kilkelly, Kilmovee and Swinford regions and was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. He had a kind word and a warm smile for everyone and was a true gentleman.

Many warm tributes have been paid to Martin in recent days. “Martin was a gentleman of the highest degree. We have lovely memories of him on the football bus with us.

"He was a great Mayo supporter and a great knowledge of football as well,” said Tommy and Mary Killeen, Castlebar.

Gerry Grennan, Killaturley, said: “I have wonderful cherished memories of Martin and my Dad working together in the council. We have lost a true gent.”

Eugene Kenny, Kilbride, recalled how Martin, in his retirement years, played a big role in the restoration of the old graveyard in Kilconduff.

Tommy Regan said he worked with Martin in the 1960’s and 70’s when Martin was driving the County Council grader and later the lorry.

“Martin was one of nature’s gentlemen and was always helpful and kind. He was a great supporter of the Mayo football team too. He will be missed by all of us who had the good fortune in this life to know him.”

Reposing was at Boland’s Funeral Home, Swinford, with burial afterwards in Kilconduff Cemetery following the funeral Mass in Swinford Church.

Martin will be sadly missed by his wife Kathleen, daughters Monica, Breege, Caroline, Catherine and Phil, sons Martin and Cormac, sons-in-law Andrew, John, Vincent and James, daughters in law Siobhán and Ann Marie, his grandchildren Sean, Brian, Ciara, Claire, Aoife, Ciarán, Chloe, Kaitlin, James, Eimear, Michael, Noel, Gerard, Dylan, Lucy, Rachel, Saoirse and Holly, his brother John (Jack), brothers-in-law Joe and Sean, sisters-in-law Margaret and Barbara and wide circle of friends, neighbours and relatives.