Funeral of Derry road traffic collision victim Jamsie Gallagher takes place

The poignant Requiem Mass of Derry man James (Jamsie) Gallagher has taken place at St Patrick’s Church, Pennyburn.

Mr Gallagher, a pedestrian, who died as a result of a road traffic collision on Strand Road earlier this month, was laid to rest in the City Cemetery.

His Funeral Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland Eamon Martin - a relative of the Gallagher family - and Fr Seán O’Donnell CC, St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill.

Mr Gallagher was the loving father of Darragh, beloved son of Mary and James (Fernabbey Drive), dear brother of Marty, brother-in-law of Lorraine and much loved uncle of Éabha Lily and Caoimhe.

Before Mass began, Manus brought the “precious” photograph of Mr Gallagher and his friend George Kerrigan to the altar.

The pair were old school friends and the photograph had been taken at the St Brigid’s College formal - the school both men had attended. Sadly, Mr Kerrigan died suddenly last week. Fr O’Donnell told the congregation this morning, Mr Gallagher had made arrangements to attend Mr Kerrigan’s wake later on the same Sunday he was injured.

Following the readings by Ann and Dee, Archbishop Martin read from John’s Gospel: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still and trust in me.”

Speaking about Mr Gallagher, Fr O’Donnell said: “We gather here now, to commend Jamsie’s soul into the merciful and compassionate love of the Lord and also, to say ‘Thank you’ for the gift he was while with us, the gift we have in Darragh, who was his pride and joy.”

He added: “Reflecting on time, we comprehend the reality of its fleeting nature and the fragility, the rudeness of life and its events.”

“For Jamsie today, all too soon, his voyage in this life in time is over. Now he continues the journey into eternity,” said Fr O’Donnell.

He added: “James Joseph Gallagher was born here in Derry on March 18, 1981. He was Baptised on April 5, 1981 by Fr John P Forbes in this very church. A year later, for Jimmy’s work, they all moved to Ballymena.

“The family returned to Derry in 1995 and the lad’s went to St Peter’s. Jamsie then attended St Brigid’s Carnhill for his A’ levels.

“Jamsie was a keen hurler, playing for Derry Minors in Na Magha. Although born in Derry, those years away were never go by his teammates and friends as they referred to that County Antrim accent, referencing the famous TV advertisement at the time, for a ‘big shopping centre in Ballymena, Fairhill’.

“His hurling career started in Antrim. He also did a stint with Cullybackey Blues in that other sport and he was also a Manchester United supporter. He attended the Catering College in Portrush, where he is fondly remembered and made loads of friends,” said Fr O’Donnell.

“Jamsie was always kind, thinking of others,” said Fr O’Donnell, “and would give anything he had.”

“Thinking on his kind nature and his giving to others, his family have expressed their thanks to those who cared for Jamsie, Marty’s colleagues in the Ambulance Service, those in Altnagelvin Hospital and the Royal Victoria in Belfast.

“They have also taken great comfort that, even in his sudden departing from us, he has been able to give the gift of life to so many others through the donation of his organs. That would be so Jamsie.

“His pride and joy was Darragh. She was his princess. They had a very special bond. Darragh, you were his life. Like two peas in a pod your granny told me, evident by the pictures we have seen of them both, over the years, on his social media.

“Darragh was his focus and they were looking forward to their holiday in June, sadly now not to be,” said Fr O’Donnell.

Fr O’Donnell reflected Mr Gallagher had now faced the ups and downs of this pilgrim life for him “as we all must do”.

He added: “His sudden passing brings before us, as we have reflected, the reality of that fleeting nature of time and the fragility and rudeness of life.

“Indeed, it brings before us our mortality and indeed our immortality. The Paschal candle reminds us that death to the Christian believer is never the end. Through that gift of Jamsie’s Baptism that he received in this Church, we bring him forward to Christ today. We will bring him through the gate from time to life eternal.

Derry's Strand Road remains closed after serious overnight crash

PSNI remain at the scene on Derry's Strand Road following the accident in the early hours of Sunday morning

“Jamsie has fought his fights. He has run his race. He has given himself in service to others in many ways and his time has come now to depart. We offer this Requiem Mass for his soul,” said Fr O’Donnell.

The Prayers of the Faithful were read by Roisin and Ciara. The Offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Darragh, Éabha Lily and Caoimhe with Mary.

Following Communion, Mr Gallagher’s Godmother, Anne, read an emotional poetic reflection chosen by Darragh for her Daddy.

Concluding Requiem Mass, Archbishop Martin sang the Song of Farewell, before Mr Gallagher’s coffin was carried from the Church.

Jamsie Gallagher: Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.