Stella Gallagher (59) was hailed as a dearly loved wife and mother whose tragic death has shocked the entire Cork community.
Mrs Gallagher died at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where she had been rushed by paramedics last Monday evening after suffering critical injuries when she and her husband, Brian, were attacked by a knife-wielding man near their Shrewsbury Downs home in Ballinlough, Cork.
Stella Gallagher
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Sunday, November 23
Mr Gallagher was seriously injured during the incident and continues to recover at CUH.
Mrs Gallagher was a retired chemical engineer. She was originally from Ballinspittle and was known under her maiden name of Griffin at her workplace Eli Lilly.
Tributes have poured in for the mother who was hailed as a dedicated gardener, a keen singer and someone who was a loyal friend.
Mrs Gallagher was held in high esteem at the Togher Community Garden which is a volunteer-led not for profit facility on the southside of Cork city.
In a statement online her fellow gardeners said that it was with “profound sadness” that they learned of the passing of their dear friend and gifted gardener Stella.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and fellow gardener, Stella,” they said.
“Stella was a cherished and invaluable friend to us all in the Togher Community Garden family. Her absence will be deeply felt by everyone here.
“We will especially remember her beautiful smile and the gentle person she was to everyone she met. Our garden will always hold memories of her kindness.”
“We send our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, dear Stella.”
Personal tributes have also been paid to Mrs Gallagher.
A fellow gardener in the Togher Community Garden said that Stella “who somebody who made such an impression so quickly.”
“Her personality really shone through. She brought a lot of life into our garden, it’s the people who make a community and with the mark she left on us she’ll always be a part of ours.”
Mrs Gallagher was also a much valued member of the SHEP Community Choir.
A SHEP spokesperson said that Stella was a member “since the very beginning” and loved being part of that community.
“She was a very gentle and caring presence in the choir and brought much joy to others through her singing and camaraderie,” they said.
“She recognised the power and comfort of singing with others. She was also a very committed and generous supporter of the choir’s fundraising initiatives. She was much loved and will be very much missed. May her gentle and kind soul be at peace.”
Another choir member said that Stella was a “kind, thoughtful, gentle lady who always had time for a chat” with another member describing her as “beautiful both inside and out.”
Her former coworkers at Eli Lilly in Kinsale noted her “kind, caring nature” as well as her competency as an engineer.
Mrs Gallagher was also fondly remembered by parents whose children attended St Anthony’s national school in Ballinlough at the same time as her sons.
A classmate of hers in secondary school remembered her as a “warm, kind, gentle and unassuming” friend.
Mrs Gallagher is survived by her husband Brian and her children Ciara, Conor, David and Mark.
She is also sadly missed by her brother Denis, parents-in-law Val and Geraldine, brothers-in-law Alan and Mark, sisters-in-law Erika, Ann, Michele and Mary, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.
The “much loved mother” will lie in repose at the Temple Hill Funeral Home in Boreenmanna Road in Cork from 5pm to 6pm on Monday (November 24).
Her Requiem Mass will take place at 11am on Tuesday in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ballinlough. The Mass will be live streamed.
Mrs Gallagher’s burial will follow at St Michael’s Cemetery in Blackrock in Cork city.
One mourner described the late Mrs Gallagher as a “gentle lady with a ready smile” whilst another said that she was a “wonderful person.”
Neighbours in the tightknit estate also paid tribute to her.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin lives in the Ballinlough area and admitted the thoughts and prayers of everyone in the community is with the family involved.
The National Women’s Council of Ireland also offered its “deepest sympathies” to the loved ones of Mrs Gallagher.
In a statement, the NWC said “that their thoughts are especially with her husband Brian who was also seriously injured and remains in a stable condition in hospital.”
Last Wednesday, Mrs Gallagher’s son, David (25), was charged in connection with the fatal attack.
David Gallagher, with an address at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, Cork was charged before Cork District Court with the murder of his mother and with assault causing harm to his father.
Mr Gallagher was remanded in custody and will appear before Cork District Court again by video link on November 26.
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