Great sadness follows passing of much respected Mary Gallogley, Ballyshannon 

There has been a huge outpouring of sadness and sympathy in south Donegal following the passing of Mary Gallogley (née McCloy), late of West Port, Ballyshannon.  

Deceased, was the retired owner of both the Barbecue, Bundoran, one of the great summer attractions in the resort from the early 1960s and Gallogley’s Jewellers, in Ballyshannon, which over the years moved from its original premises on the West Port to the iconic building on Main Street, where the old Town Clock is situated.

Her own family were proprietors of the popular McCloy's shop for many years, at the corner of Main Street and the Promenade in Bundoran, where Strands is now located. 

The deep sense of sadness of loss has been compounded as her only beloved son, Paul Gallogley (53), unexpectedly died on February 28, 2020 and this was followed by the death of her dear husband, Reggie on December 1, of the same year. 

Mary and Reggie employed hundreds of older teenagers, employing them in their first summer jobs in the popular holiday resort at their Bundoran restaurant/café.  

The late Mary Gallogley, who has died, pictured wither her late husband, Reggie, who died in 2020. They are pictured opposite the old town clock building, which once housed their popular jewellers business, which was later sold on, after their retirement

Two years ago, the Democrat recalled that ‘The Barbecue’ was a veritable Bundoran institution for six decades, before later being sold.  

In an era of social media it would have been the original #hastag destination, as it quickly became part of the furniture of summers in the resort. 

In those early days, a dance floor and regular whist drives were also part of the offerings.

The cafe came into its own though, when the ‘New Barbecue’ opened in June of 1962, with 3,000 square feet of floor space and a 28-foot long counter. It was described as ‘Bundoran newest and brightest rendezvous’: 

“From the imposing frontage of Afromosian teak and cut stone surmounted by a full teak facade, to the pleasantly ornamented interior, the new building is one of architectural beauty, and delicate harmony," it was reported. 

Mary died peacefully, at the Northwest Hospice, Sligo, on Wednesday, April 26, in the loving care of her family.

She is predeceased by her late husband Reggie, son Paul and baby daughter Catherine.

Mary will will be forever remembered by her daughter Leslie, son-in-law Declan and her grandchildren, James, Conor, Matthew, Lauren, Darragh, Diarmuid and Charlie. 

Mary will be sadly missed by Katrina, Deedee, her brother-in-law Fr. Vincent Gallogley of the Franciscan Friary, Rossnowlagh and extended family circle and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Reposing at the family home on Tuesday next (May 9) from 12 noon to 9pm. 

Removal will take place on Wednesday morning (May 10) from her family home at 10.30am to arrive at St. Joseph's Church, The Rock, Ballyshannon, for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Donations in lieu, if so desired, to the North West Hospice, The Mall, Sligo c/o Patrick McKenna Funeral Directors, Ballyshannon, or any family member.