The late Maura and Michael Gallagher The deaths of Michael and Maura Gallagher, Park Road, Kiltimagh, within the space of a few weeks of each other, caused deep sadness in the local community where they were well known and held in high regard by everyone. Michael died in the last week of July 2006 while Maura passed to her eternal reward just a few weeks later. Michael, who was a native of Ballindine and Maura (nee Sloyan) from The Woods, Kiltimagh, were a devoted couple and were married for 64 years. Both trained as teachers after their secondary education at Jarlath's College, Tuam, and St Louis Secondary School, Kiltimagh, and spent most of their life in Belmullet where they married in 1942. Michael and Maura were highly thought of in their adopted home of Belmullet and were closely associated with many local organisations. They were especially involved in drama circles during the 1940s and 1950s and the Gallagher players became well known for the professional standard of the plays they staged when Michael was director and played the principal male role, the leading female role played by Maura. Michael was a prominent footballer in his younger days winning an Ireland Colleges medal in 1933 with St Jarlath's and in that same year was on the Mayo minor team, beaten by Kerry in the All-Ireland Final. Later he became just as accomplished at golf, a game that was to give him great pleasure for the rest of his life. He was closely associated with the setting up of the Belmullet Club and joined the Ballyhaunis Club after moving to live in Kiltimagh. He also played Bridge and was the first ever president of the Kiltimagh club when it was set up in 1980. Michael and Maura had a great love of gardening, a hobby that was to give them great pleasure over the years and their beautiful garden was always lovingly cared for an much admired by everyone. Another great pastime of Maura's was doing the crosswords and their long life interest in education, the Irish language, history and worldwide affairs ensured that there was always something interesting to discuss in the Gallagher home. After their retirement they decided to move to Kiltimagh in 1978 to be near family and Our Lady's Shrine at Knock where for many years afterwards they served as steward and handmaid. They were a devoutly religious couple, who were daily Mass goers and had a special devotion to Our Lady. When Maura became a resident of the Ave Maria Nursing Home in Tooreen three years ago Michael visited on a daily basis and eventually decided to move in permanently a few months before his death. In Tooreen, where they were well cared for by the management and staff, they were fortunate to enjoy reasonable good health and continue the close partnership they have enjoyed for those 64 years. After their final Masses in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh Michael and Maura were laid to rest in Knock Cemetery, a place very close to their hearts throughout their long lives. May they now rest together in the peace and happiness of heaven. Courtesy of Western People 19/09/2006 Tweet

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