A young County Donegal man killed in a road accident on Monday night was due to be best man at his brother’s wedding today.
John Gallagher (28), from Killybegs, died when his van struck a derelict house between Ballybofey and Barnesmore Gap on Monday night. Mr Gallagher was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Mourners at his Funeral Mass yesterday heard Mr Gallagher was due to be best man at his brother, Martin’s wedding in County Roscommon today. The wedding was postponed following Monday’s tragedy.
A landscape gardener, Mr Gallagher’s wake was held at the home his brother had renovated in preparation for his future married life.
Killybegs independent councillor, Niamh Kennedy said the entire area was struggling to accept how such a joyous week could so suddenly turn to one of absolute horror.
Mrs Kennedy, a neighbour of the dead man, said: “Everyone was so looking forward to the wedding and the build-up to Christmas and now it’s turned to tragedy.”
St Mary’s church in Killybegs was packed to capacity for Requiem Mass yesterday after which Mr Gallagher was laid to rest in the local cemetery.
Mrs Kennedy said Mr Gallagher was a quiet man.
“John was a lovely pleasant guy, very highly regarded. He was very obliging and worked very hard; he worked all hours and you’d see him going around the place, always ready with a wave.
“He was very popular in Killybegs. I don’t think anyone ever said a bad word about John. All of the Gallagher family are very popular here,” the Donegal councillor said.
