OBITUARY: Columba Gallagher's ashes interred in his native Donegal

The Funeral Mass of  Columba Gallagher who passed away recently in Australia took place at 12 noon on Saturday last in St Mary’s Church,  Derrybeg.  

Columba was born in Glasgow on Christmas Eve 1965, and was the youngest son of Charlie Gallagher, who is originally from Meenaleck, Crolly, and Nuala (née  Barr) Gallagher, who hails from Middletown, Derrybeg.

The celebrant of the Funeral Mass was Fr Neil Gallagher, an uncle of the deceased, who is serving as Parish Priest in Glasgow and concelebrants were: An Dr Ró Oirmh. Pádraig Ó Baoighill, PP, Gaoth Dobhair and Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh, CC, and Séiplíneach Phobalxcoil Ghaoth Dobhair. The soloist was Emma Ní Fhíoruisce who also accompanied herself on guitar.

Columba’s uncle, Noel Gallagher said the deceased spent many happy summers visiting Donegal.   

As a teenager he took up a carpentry apprenticeship which eventually led him to become a master carpentry in early adulthood.  

During his twenties he met his ex-wife, Karen who was from Australia. In the early 1990s both relocated to Australia and in 1999 their son, Connor was born.  

While living in Glasgow Columba had many friends and after moving to Australia he made more  additional new friends and exceptionally good mates,  Stephen, Shaun, Brendan and Kieran.  

Columba loved travelling and exploring the world with his son, Connor.  

Among his other interests were socialism, social justice and football, having supported Celtic throughout his life.

His cremated remains were interred in Magheragallon cemetery after the Mass.  

He is survived by his loving  son, Connor,  his parents, Charlie and  Nuala Gallagher, his  brothers  Maurice and John; sister Charlotte; and their families and a wide circle of relatives and friends, to all of whom deep sympathy is extended.