A teenager has been released without charge in relation to the fatal collision which took place on Letterkenny’s Lower Main Street in the early hours of St. Patrick’s Day.
Local man Anthony Gallagher, who was injured in the incident, passed away in Letterkenny University Hospital on St. Patrick’s Day. His brother, Martin, was airlifted to Galway and remains in hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries. Gardai have made a renewed appeal for information following the crash.
A candlelit vigil took place last night at the scene of the collision, attended by almost 200 people. The vigil was organised by local man Colm McDaid and those in attendance included a number of local county councillors, members if the public, and Monsignor Kevin Gillespie.
“It’s good to see the way their community comes together at times like these. The two boys lived a simple life, kept to themselves and bothered nobody. They were out for a few drinks when tragedy struck and Anthony lost his life. We are here tonight to stand with the Gallagher family,” Mr McDaid said.
He added that the men’s family had sent a message of thanks to the local community for their support in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Anthony was a local lollipop man, and died not far from where he helped many children and families cross the road safely. At the vigil, Amazing Grace was played by local man David McDonagh as a tribute, as attendees were encouraged to keep praying for his brother Martin, who is fighting for his life. Photos could be seen of daffodils and Sr. Clare Crockett candle, asking for prayers from the Derry nun and soon-to-be Saint.
Both the deceased and his brother are in their 60s, and were walking home from a night out in the town when they were struck by a runaway car in the early hours of St. Patrick’s Day. They were less than 100 yards from their home when they were hit.
A death notice for Anthony says that he is survived by his wife Dolores, his brother Martin, and cousin, Kevin.
“Deeply regretted by his extended family, good neighbours, and many friends,” the notice reads. His Funeral Mass will take place in St. Eunan’s Cathedral on Thursday morning.
Donegal Daily reports that the vehicle involved in the crash was a local taxi, which was being driven by a male teenager. The local paper also reports that the incident has been referred to GSOC due to an “earlier interaction between An Garda Síochána and the driver of this vehicle.”
The Letterkenny St. Patrick’s Day parade was cancelled as a mark of respect in the wake of the road incident. A Garda spokesperson confirmed with the newspaper that files will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecution and the Garda Youth Division Bureau.