Letterkenny comes together to pray for brothers Anthony and Martin Gallagher

A vigil took place in Letterkenny on Monday evening for the Letterkenny brothers who were struck by a car in the early hours of St Patrick’s morning.

Anthony and Martin Gallagher were walking the short distance to their home at Charlie Daly Terrace when they were critically injured after being struck by a car driven by a teenager at Lower Main Street shortly before 3am.

The men were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital with Anthony subsequently dying from his injuries, while Martin was transferred to Galway University Hospital, where he is being treated for serious injuries.

Anthony worked for Donegal County Council as a ‘lollipop’ man, helping people cross the road, and close to his home.

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The driver of the car, a male in his late teens, was arrested at the scene This matter has been referred to GSOC due to an earlier interaction between An Garda Síochána and the driver of this vehicle.

Colm McDaid, a neighbour of the Gallagher brothers, organised a vigil on Monday night, with Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, local county councillors, and members of the public, while Davin McDonagh played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.

“A nice turnout tonight at the vigil at the foot of the town for the Gallagher brothers,” Colm McDaid, who organised the vigil, posted on Monday night. “Unfortunately Anthony passed away earlier this morning due to the injuries he received, and Martin is in a serious condition in Galway.

“I would like to thank the public who attended tonight and those who sent messages of support. To the elected representatives who attended, members of the clergy and religious orders, to the non-Christian people who attended - thank you also. A special word of appreciation to the Gardai for their assistance tonight, and to the media present for their professionalism and low-key approach.

“To the young man who played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes well done. To Kevin and Dolores and their family the next of kin for their blessing for our vigil. To Charlie McClafferty for liaison with the family and myself. To the neighbours from Dalys Terrace, The Row and the Back Road and the foot of the town thank you for standing with your neighbours and friends.

“Anthony’s funeral arrangements will be announced later, and please keep Marty in your thoughts and prayers. A community comes together when needed and tonight the area once again showed its community spirit.”

Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 2.30am and 3.30am this morning, Monday, March 17, 2025, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

In particular, Gardaí are appealing to anybody who was in the area between Dry Arch Roundabout and Oldtown Road at the time. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on (074) 916 7100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.