Leitrim musician who 'lived life in his own way' remembered with deep affection following passing
Tributes have been paid across Ireland following the death of Mohill musician Ronan Gallagher, remembered for his creativity, storytelling and activism.
There has been an outpouring of grief from near and far following the death of popular Leitrim musician and activist Ronan Gallagher.
Mr Gallagher, from Mohill, passed away on June 2 following health issues. A statement announcing his passing was issued by his children on his Facebook page.
“It is with broken hearts that we share the news that our father, Ronan Gallagher, passed away earlier this morning.
“He was one of a kind - a father, a brother, filmmaker, musician, photographer, storyteller, poet, restaurateur, activist and a proud Leitrim and Mohill man,” the statement read.
“He lived life in his own way, always stood up for what he believed in and filled the world around him with stories, songs, humour, arguments, imagination and love,” it continued.
The message further noted that they are “absolutely heartbroken,” but incredibly proud of the life he lived and the values he stood for.
“One of his albums was called ‘Time Waits for No One.’ Today those words feel very hard to write but they also feel like Dad. He knew life was there to be lived to the fullest and doing just that is something he always encouraged in all of us,” it continued.
His children also asked people to share memories, stories and photos of their father.
Ronan Gallagher released his debut album, ‘Always Broke Never Broken’, in March 2019 to much acclaim. He began learning to sing and play guitar in his mid-fifties before going on to release two albums. His second album, ‘Time Waits for No One’, was released in May 2021. He had been preparing to launch his third album, ‘The Heart is a Fragile Thing’, next month before his passing.
Tributes have continued to pour in, reflecting the impact Ronan Gallagher’s music, personality and activism had on people both locally and further afield.
Leitrim musician Eleanor Shanley took to Facebook to pay tribute. “I am so saddened to hear of Ronan’s death. I had great chats with him. He was so very passionate about the state of our world right now and he spoke about and fought tirelessly for human rights. I feel honoured to have recorded a track with him on his new album which was due for release in the next month,” she wrote.
“I spoke with him a few weeks ago and he was determined to beat his illness. Strength of mind and a positive attitude to the end. I’m sorry Ronan didn’t live to launch his album ‘The Heart is a Fragile Thing’ but hopefully the world will get to hear it some time,” Eleanor added.
Comments shared on Ronan’s page have also remembered him fondly.
“A hugely talented, authentic and deeply decent man, with a great humanity and a passionate commitment to justice and political causes, not just in his own country but across the world. He was also endlessly entertaining and interesting online - his Facebook commentary was always sharp, thoughtful, funny and worth reading, and it will be greatly missed,” one person said.
Ronan had posted from Sligo University Hospital on May 25 detailing that cancer had returned and spread to his bones and liver.
“Ronan was so determined to get better. He was a man of principle and always spoke out for the underdog. He was a great wordsmith,” another person shared.
“His profound love and feeling for nature and music are undeniable, as was his great mind, tireless support for Gaza, and of course, his pride in his boys which was always evident. Such a wonderful legacy to be proud of. He will be missed,” read another tribute.
Funeral Mass will take place at St Patrick’s Church, Mohill on Monday, June 8 at 12pm followed by burial in the adjoining ceremony.