Fr Francis J. Gallagher RIP

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Fr Francis J. Gallagher SSC
(1913 - 2010)

Frank Gallagher was born on 2 August, 1913, at Cloontacunna, Doocastle, Co. Mayo. He was educated at Doocastle N.S and St Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen. He came to the Old Dalgan Park in Shrule, Co. Galway in 1930 and was ordained on 21 December 1938. He was appointed to Korea in 1939 and spent his first two years in Inchon and Kongwando. From 1941 to 1945 he was interned by the Japanese along with a number of fellow-Columbans. Once released he was assigned back to his old area, and to Chunchon in 1947. In 1948 he was assigned to Ireland where he did promotion work until 1953.

Assigned then to the United States he did parish work at St Mary Mother of Jesus Church, in Brooklyn, until 1957. He was engaged in promotion work from the Society house in Bristol until 1965, and from Bayside, New York, until 1971.

On his appointment back to Ireland in 1971, he did pastoral work in his home Diocese of Achonry where he taught religion in the Marist Sisters' Secondary School in Tubbercurry, and served as Chaplain to the Marist Convent. He later moved to the Nursing Home in St Columbans, Dalgan Park when his health deteriorated.

Frank will be remembered as a quiet, pleasant giant, a conscientious and dedicated pastor. He was also a fascinating story-teller and an expert in all matters relating to the care of bees.  When he could no longer engage in pastoral ministry, he was an undemanding presence in St Columban¹s Nursing Home where he accepted the burdens of old age with patience and dignity.  He died there  on Sunday 18  April 2010.

May he rest in peace.