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BRIAN Gallagher, Gyles Quay, Riverstown, who died on 5 August, 2018, was a son of Leo and Katie Gallagher.
He was a brother of Martha, Claire, Dom, Kevin, Jim and the late Moira.
Brian attended Rampark National School and then Bush Vocational School before going to the College of Technology in Kevin Street, Dublin.
He started work as a telephone technician with the P&T in Drogheda, moving on to Dublin to the Standard Telephone Company and then a French telephone company.
Brian worked in setting up and testing telephone exchanges all over Ireland.
He met and married his wife, Geraldine, and they were mar- ried for 47 years. They remained living in Dublin, where their two sons, Gavin and Colin, were born.
Returning to Dundalk in 1979, he worked in Telecom Éireann, which later changed to Eircom.
Brian was wheelchair-bound for the last 13 years. He sustained a spinal cord injury after suffering a stroke.
He spent nine months in hospital between the Mater Spinal Unit and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire.
From then on, as he wished, he remained living at home until two weeks before his death.
Brian loved any type of quiz and always had a crossword close at hand, plus a dictionary and big encyclopedia.
He followed all sports on television, especially horse racing.
After reposing at Dixon’s funeral home, his remains were removed to St Mary’s Church, Lordship, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Brian Mac Raois.
His brother, Kevin, gave a fitting eulogy, with some lovely words about Brian’s life.
Readings were given by brother-in-law, John Shiel and nephew, Micheál Rogan; and prayers of the faithful led by nephews, Kevin Rogan and David Murphy.
Offertory gifts were presented by friends, Patrick and Rose Connor.
Music was provided by Róisín and Eibhlín Crawley and Olivia Finnegan.
A very touching Elvis tune was played towards the end of Mass as Brian was a big fan of Elvis over the years.
Friend, Bernadette McShane gave a communion reflection.
Burial took place in Lordship Cemetery.