‘Nice guy’ of Limerick politics lauded for transcending party lines
John Gallahue, who died aged 70 after a long illness at his home in Ballylanders, Co Limerick, held many key positions including chairman of Limerick County Council and chairman of the board of Limerick Institute of Technology.
Noted for his sharp wit, many of his political foes were included in his humorous poems, which were published in a number of volumes.
All who knew him marvelled at his perceptive view of people and events and his ability to experience success or defeat with equanimity.
He was also a noted musician and played with the local pipe band.
In recent times, Mr Gallahue was involved in an initiative to bring low-cost dental care to Co Limerick through a clinic operated by dentists from Eastern Europe.
Prior to entering politics, Mr Gallahue was section head of the School of Built Environment at LIT.
Hundreds of mourners attended the removal last night from his son’s residence in Anglesboro, to Anglesboro Church.
A special meeting of Limerick County Council will take place today in Kilmallock prior to the funeral Mass at 2pm.
Before being elected to Limerick County Council, John Gallahue worked as a full-time adviser to Deputy Willie O’Dea, and played a major role in establishing Mr O’Dea as a TD.
He also helped Fianna Fáil’s John Cregan develop a power base in West Limerick, which saw him hold a Dáil seat for nine years.
During his 10-year term on Limerick County Council, Mr Gallahue served as chairman in 2008. He announced his retirement from the council in 2009.
Current chairman of Limerick County Council, Cllr Richard Butler, said Mr Gallahue was one of the “nice guys” of Limerick politics.
“No matter what would happen, you could never fall out with John and he was respected right across party lines,” said Cllr Butler. “It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him over the years.”
He is survived by wife Noreen, sons, daughters and nine grandchildren.
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