Community in shock as tributes paid to father of two who died following accident in north Sligo

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Tributes have been paid to father of two, Paul Gallagher, who died following a fatal accident on Saturday afternoon last at Luke’s Bridge, near Grange,

Mr Gallagher (47), of Gortnaleck, Grange died after he was struck by his own van.

He is survived by his wife Louise, children Donnacha and Lauren, his parents Hugh, and Catherine, sisters Orla and Clodagh as well as his extended family and friends.

Local Councillor, Donal Gilroy paid tribute to Mr Gallagher saying, “He was a valued member of the community. He and his family are held in high esteem. The community is completely stunned at the loss of Paul.”

Cllr Gilroy added, “My thoughts and prayers go to his wife Louise and his four-year-old and four-month-old children.”

A carpenter by trade, Mr Gallagher was well known in rallying circles and was a regular at events nationwide where he competed as a co-driver alongside Colin Currid.

Many heartfelt tributes have been paid to Mr Gallagher by his many friends and neighbours on RIP.ie

Naomh Molaise Gaels has also paid tribute.

In a post on social media, the club said: “Following the tragic passing of Paul Gallagher, Naomh Molaise Gaels would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s wife Louise, his children Donnacha and Lauren, his mother Catherine, his father Hugh, his sisters Orla and Clodagh, the wider Gallagher family and his large circle of friends.

“Paul was a valued member of the North Sligo community and someone who was always willing to lend a hand.

“He also generously gave his time to help with the new storage shed at our club grounds, something for which we are very grateful. He will be greatly missed.

“As a mark of respect to Paul, his family and friends, we have requested that a minute’s silence be observed at all Naomh Molaise Gaels games this week, up to and including the weekend.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Louise, Donnacha, Lauren, Catherine, Hugh, Orla, Clodagh, the wider Gallagher family and Paul’s many friends at this very difficult time.

Mr Gallagher will repose at his home on Tuesday the 1st of September from 4pm to 8pm and on Wednesday the 2nd from 4pm to 8pm.

Removal on Thursday morning to the Church of Mary Immaculate, Grange to arrive for Requiem mass at 12pm. Burial afterwards in Rathcormac cemetery.

Meanwhile, Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the fatal road traffic collision near Luke’s Bridge, Gortnaleck, Grange on Saturday 29th August 2026.

The collision occurred at approximately 3:55pm. Mr Gallagher was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to the mortuary at Sligo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination has taken place.

The road was closed for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators which has since been completed.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.

Road users who were travelling in the vicinity of Luke’s Bridge, between 3:30pm and 4:00pm on Saturday 29th August 2026 and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sligo Garda Station on (071) 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.