Brothers, 60s, struck by car in Donegal were just 100 yards from home when collision happened

Garda at the scene of the incident at Lower Main Street in Letterkenny. Picture: North West Newspix

Two men struck by a runaway car in Co Donegal in the early hours of St Patrick's Day were brothers who lived less than 100 yards from the scene of the tragedy.

Anthony and Martin Gallagher, both in their 60s, were walking home from a night out in Letterkenny. The men were critically injured after being struck by a car being driven by a teenager at the town's Lower Main Street just before 3am.

The men were rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital with Anthony Gallagher subsequently dying from his injuries.

Anthony Gallagher was a well-known figure in the town where he was employed 'lollilop' man helping schoolchildren to cross the road — less than 50 yards from where he was fatally injured. His brother Martin has been transferred to Galway University Hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries.

Both men lived together at the family home at Charlie Daly Terrace.

A young man suspected of driving the vehicle involved was arrested at the scene. The man, aged in his teens, was released without charge on Tuesday morning. Gardaí said files will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and Garda Youth Diversion Bureau.

Following the incident, the area was immediately sealed off and a Garda forensic team later arrived at the scene of the tragedy.

A decision was later made to cancel the local St Patrick's Day parade in the town as a mark of respect.

Cllr Gerry McMonagle said a day of planned celebrations for St Patrick's Day had changed so suddenly.

He said "This was going to be a great day, a great day for Letterkenny and Donegal to celebrate our heritage and all there is to appreciate what it is to be Irish.

"Instead, we are trying to comes to terms with this tragedy and this loss. These two men are very well-known in our community and it's still hard to take in that something like this has happened in our town."

The Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce said the St Patrick's Day parade was cancelled as a result of the incident. 

"It is with deep regret that we announce the cancellation of today’s St Patrick’s Day Parade following a serious traffic incident that occurred in the town early this morning," the chamber said. 

"Following consultation with An Garda Síochána and in the interest of public safety, we have made the difficult decision not to proceed with the event. While we cannot comment on the specifics of the incident, we must prioritise the safety and well-being of our community and those attending. The parade route is directly affected, making it impossible to proceed as planned.

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly in preparing for today’s event — our volunteers, participants, local businesses, and supporters. Your dedication and effort do not go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate your commitment to bringing this celebration to life.

"We understand this will be disappointing news for many, but we appreciate your understanding and support during this time."

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

A spokesperson issued an appeal for any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling in the area between 2.30am and 3.30am on Monday morning to make it available.

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 [phone], the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.