Funeral takes place of Mary Gallogley in Ballyshannon

The funeral Mass took place earlier today of Mary Gallogley (née McCloy) , 83, late of East Port, Ballyshannon at St Joseph’s Church, the Rock, Ballyshannon.
She was best known for her involvement with her late husband Reggie, in their two popular businesses, at the Barbecue in Bundoran and Gallogley’s jewellers in Ballyshannon.
Mary Martha as she was better known, by family and friends, was very popular and much respected within the wider Donegal community.
Canon Ramon Munster PP, who was assisted by Fr Brian Conway, a relative of the family, offered his deepest sympathy to the family, and pointed out “his own personal sadness and prayers” as he had known Mary and her late husband Reggie, for the past 35 years, since first arriving in the parish.
“It is always sad for a local priest to say farewell to friends,” he told mourners as he had recalled that he had also offered up the funeral Mass for the deceased’s husband and her son Paul, in 2020.
Unfortunately, Fr Vincent Gallogley, a brother in law of the deceased, had been unable to attend, he added.
In his homily, Canon Munster said that Mary had been born in Bundoran to the late Pat McCloy and Katie (Catherine) McEniff in August of 1939, later attending Bundoran primary school, before becoming a student at the secondary school in Monaghan, at the St Louis Convent.
Her father died in 1959, when the young Mary was just 20 and she married her husband the following year.
Reggie had been in England, picking up different kinds of work experience, but they decided to settle in Ballyshannon, while also deciding to maintain a business connection to her native Bundoran.
Mary’s family had owned McCloy’s shop, at the corner of Main Street and the Promenade, on what is now the Strands shop, previously News & Views.
It was where her father based his other business, as he was known for his impeccable driving skills and car service.
This included being a taxi driver for the local parish priest - a love of motoring and cars which Mary was to continue, during her lifetime.
Her husband’s family continued in the jewellery trade in Ballyshannon and the new couple also purchased the Barbecue in 1961, putting a famous tree into it in 1966.
It became a hugely popular location and eatery for both locals and visitors, but because of the nature of a seaside resort at that time, business was almost exclusively concentrated in those summer months,“so other work in the year was necessary to keep you going”.
Mary and Reggie later moved the family jewellery business from the Bridge End to the centre of the Erne Town, both using their experience and expertise within the trade to provide for the requirements of the local population.
This ranged from special occasions like engagements and marriages to that of occasional gifts like baptisms, christenings and the likes of Christmas and birthdays, “with Mary being a very good leader in that shop”.
He said the couple “worked very hard together for many many years before it all became a great success”.
He also referenced that along with the good food provided in Bundoran the couple were also known for giving many young people in the area their very first work experiences, with many still recalling the kindness that was shown to them by both Mary and Reggie.
Mary was described as an excellent administrator, and as the fruits of their labour paid dividends, they were able to visit with children Paul and Leslie, many parts of the world on holiday, picking up many new business ideas.
Travel included Hawaii, Thailand and Florida, the latter becoming a favoured destination over the years for relaxation and rest.
Canon Munster spoke of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary Mass at their home, during the Covid lockdown of 2020 in the same year of the passing of their son Paul, with husband Reggie, passing away that December.
Her health deteriorated after that, but she was ably assisted by her family and dedicated group of carers, who supported her through medical challenges down the years.
He said that Mary would be remembered as an exceptionally competent, intelligent person with great organisation abilities, who always presented herself in the best way possible, a mother who took good care of her children and a wife who shared all aspects of her marriage with her husband “in a superb manner”.
He hoped that both Mary and Reggie’s contributions to the business life of both towns would never be forgotten.
She was predeceased by her late husband Reggie and son Paul and baby daughter Catherine.
Mary 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.
Afterwards, the deceased was interred in the adjoining cemetery.