In the early hours of St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2025, the town of Letterkenny in County Donegal was shaken by a tragic incident that claimed the life of a beloved community member and left his brother seriously injured. Anthony and Martin Gallagher, both in their 60s, were struck by a car less than 100 yards from their home, casting a pall over the day’s planned celebrations.

The Incident

Around 3 a.m., the Gallagher brothers were walking home after a night out when a Skoda Octavia estate car, driven by a teenager, veered off course on Lower Main Street. The vehicle crossed a roundabout, collided with the brothers, and then crashed into a nearby house, causing minor structural damage. Emergency services promptly arrived, and both men were transported to Letterkenny University Hospital. Tragically, Anthony Gallagher succumbed to his injuries, while Martin was later transferred to Galway University Hospital, where he remains in serious condition.

Community Impact

Anthony Gallagher was a well-known figure in Letterkenny, serving as a lollipop man who assisted schoolchildren in crossing the road safely—a crossing located just 50 yards from where the fatal accident occurred. The brothers resided together at their family home in Charlie Daly Terrace, making the proximity of the incident to their residence all the more poignant.

The tragedy prompted the cancellation of the town’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. The Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, in consultation with local authorities, decided to prioritize public safety and community well-being by calling off the event. A spokesperson stated, “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the incident, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of our community and those attending. The parade route is directly affected, making it impossible to proceed as planned.”

Official Response

Councillor Gerry McMonagle, Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny and Milford Municipal District, expressed profound sorrow over the incident. He remarked, “This was going to be a great day, a great day for Letterkenny and Donegal to celebrate our heritage and all there is to appreciate what it is to be Irish. Instead, we are trying to come to terms with this tragedy and this loss.” He further supported the decision to cancel the parade, emphasizing that the thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with the victims and their family.

Investigation Underway

The driver of the vehicle, a teenager, was arrested at the scene and is currently being questioned at Letterkenny Garda Station. The car involved is owned by a local taxi driver, raising questions about how the teenager came to be operating the vehicle. Gardaí have sealed off the area for forensic examination and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage from the vicinity between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on March 17 to come forward. Additionally, due to a prior interaction between the driver and An Garda Síochána, the incident has been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) for further investigation.

Community Vigil

In a show of solidarity and remembrance, the local community organized a candle-lit vigil at the scene of the accident on the evening of March 17. Residents gathered to honor the Gallagher brothers, reflecting the tight-knit nature of the town and the deep impact of the loss.

Conclusion

The tragic events in Letterkenny serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the profound effects such incidents have on communities. As investigations continue, the town mourns the loss of Anthony Gallagher and hopes for the recovery of his brother, Martin. The collective grief underscores the importance of community support and the need for thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies.

For more stories and insights, visit It’s On

Instagram:@itson.ie

TikTok videos and information:@itson.ie