The late Raymond Gallagher The sudden and totally unexpected death took place in the Erne hospital of one of Belleek's best-known community activists, Raymond Gallagher who lived with his wife Mary and their son, Raymond Jun at Keenaghan, Belleek. Others in the family are Ciara, who is head of fund- raising for MENCAP, Maeve and Niamh, a student, both in Belfast. He was 60 and was a farmer. The deceased became ill at his home on Thursday and was admitted to the Erne hospital that day. News of his death was met with shock and sadness locally and in the wider GAA community. On and off the playing field, at club and county level, his, and that of his brother, Tommy, MLA, were household names. He was a regular Erne Gaels delegate at the annual GAA Convention where, without fail, he would make a telling contribution. In the 'exceptional player' profile in 'A Gaelic Tradition,' which was compiled by his playing colleague and friend, Tom Cullen, he is described as someone who had dedicated a large part of his life to the Erne Gaels cause, as an official, coach and player. The citation reads: ' As a player, he is best remembered as an outstanding hurler who played at the highest level. As a coach and manager, Raymond has brought a number of trophies to the village at adult and underage levels, most notably the Senior League Division 1 title in 1996.' In his hurling days he was full- back on a remarkable Belleek side. His pen pictures in the 'Herald' in September 1975 records that he had been playing at club senior level for the previous six years, and how he had picked up his hurling skills whilst at St Malachy's College in Belfast where he played in the Belfast League. ' One of the best,' is how he is described. That year, Belleek defeated Lisbellaw to pick up their third senior hurling championship title, seven of them, including Raymond, going on to represent Fermanagh in the 1977 Junior All- Ireland Hurling Final, against Louth. This was the golden era for hurling in Belleek. From 1973- 1985, the team won five county senior championship and five league titles, with Raymond on board. His playing days over, he served as assistant secretary of the Fermanagh hurling committee, in the 1974/75 season and, at club level on the administrative side, he was treasurer in the 1995/96 season. A 1975 Lisbellaw hurling opponent, Cathal Reihill, the father of 'Fermanagh Rose,' Aisling met Raymond recently, at a 'Fermanagh Rose' qualifier in which Raymond's daughter, Niamh was a candidate. He was still upset at hearing he had died: ' Its unreal he has passed away so quickly. I do recall him away back in '75. I was playing in the middle of the field and he was fullback for Belleek. The last time I was talking to him, his daughter was one of the 'Fermanagh Roses.' He came over to me after Aisling had won and he and I stood for ten minutes talking about football and hurling. That was the last day I met him. In '75 and even before that, I had known him through the hurling and football. He was a super man.' The GAA playing tradition is presently carried on by the deceased's son, Raymond, who now plays for Dromore GFC and his three daughters who are all members of Bredagh GFC in Belfast. Both clubs, along with St Brigid's in Dublin were represented in the guard of honour. It also comprised staff and pupils from John the Baptist PS, Belleek where Mary was Principal and Belleek Credit Unin Ltd of which Mary is chairman of the board of directors of Chapter 17. Such was Raymond's huge involvement with Belleek GAC that club members were part of the overflow congregation in St Patrick's Church to where the remains were taken on Monday morning for noon Mass. It was celebrated by Fr Tiarnach Beggan, CC who was assisted by a number of priests who included Fr Brendan Gillen, Loughgiel, the parish of which the deceased's sister, Mary is a member. Raymond is further survived by his brothers, Tommy and Gerry, Belleek and another sister, Vera, Newcastle, and by his parents-in-law, Rose and Ambrose Rasdale, Garrison. Raymond's wife Mary and son Raymond did the readings. The hymns, sung by Brendan Neeson, Vera's husband and John Craig included, 'On Eagle's Wings,' 'Going Home' and ' How Great Thou Art.' The accompanist was Louise Leonard (organ). Raymond had a wide taste in music and made friends easily, particularly with the young friends of his children. Many were represented in the readings, Ferghal O' Connor, Kate Slevin, Margaret Freeburn, Shauna Hamilton (his Godchild), together with Mary Cormican, Belfast, a family friend, and their daughters Maeve and Niamh. The Communion gifts were brought up by their sister, Ciara, Mary Gallagher, Donagh Gallagher and Roisin Reilly. At the end of the Mass, Raymond's nephew Rory read a reflection. The representation, at the wake and funeral, truly reflected the impact which the deceased had made on people's lives. He was fun- loving and sociable, enjoyed the simple things in life and maintained traditional values which he passed on to his family. He had a word for everyone,, regardless of age. At the request of the family, donations in lieu of flowers were directed to MENCAP. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Patsy McCauley, Belleek. Courtesy of the Fermanagh Herald 27th June 2007 Tweet

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