The Gallaghers of Ballinrobe
IN MARCH 2020, Pat Gallagher had an idea. He asked his brother, Owen, what he thought of writing a book about the family of their father, James Gallagher, who grew up in the early decades of the 20th century in the West of Ireland in the small town of Ballinrobe, County Mayo. The shutdown from COVID-19 was just beginning, and the thinking was they would have more time on their hands than usual. What better way to spend quarantine than exploring the stories of our aunts, uncles and other relatives. The task turned out to be much more complicated (and rewarding) than anticipated. It involved sifting through ship manifests, census, birth and marriage records, newspaper archives, and, most enjoyable, sessions delving into the memories of extended-family members. Sorely missed was the chance to hear first-hand the tales from our deceased cousins John O'Brien and Pete Gallagher. This book's stories and more than 500 images are the result of the past year's journey. The goal was both simple and ambitious: making the memories of the Gallaghers of Ballinrobe ours forever.
IN MARCH 2020, Pat Gallagher had an idea. He asked his brother, Owen, what he thought of writing a book about the family of their father, James Gallagher, who grew up in the early decades of the 20th century in the West of Ireland in the small town of Ballinrobe, County Mayo. The shutdown from COVID-19 was just beginning, and the thinking was they would have more time on their hands than usual. What better way to spend quarantine than exploring the stories of our aunts, uncles and other relatives.
The task turned out to be much more complicated (and rewarding) than anticipated. It involved sifting through ship manifests, census, birth and marriage records, newspaper archives, and, most enjoyable, sessions delving into the memories of extended-family members. Sorely missed was the chance to hear first-hand the tales from our deceased cousins John O'Brien and Pete Gallagher. This book's stories and more than 500 images are the result of the past year's journey. The goal was both simple and ambitious: making the memories of the Gallaghers of Ballinrobe ours forever.
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Father Michael is with Beno (Norris) Newport, a daughter of Uncle Mike's sister Bridget, and Jane Kerrigan, a
daughter of his sister Ann, at Jane's home in Swords.
was lovely to hear his voice. And he understood my lack of
letter writing. His little girl (Casey Storm) sounds (great)
and he is looking forward to the little baby so much. It
would be exciting if it was a boy, although a little girl will
be a nice pal for the little one they have already. You know
the O’Briens have come to an end, so Johnny will have to
keep trying for the boy to keep the name going.
“Pat, how is Leon and all the family? I am sure
they are all starting to grow into young men and women.
No doubt, sometime some of them will come to visit the
land of their Grand Pop – and won’t we be delighted to
have them. The day of Mike’s month’s mind was my 50th
birthday. So there was Mass … for himself and myself (as
the girls put it, the past and the present). I did not know if I
should laugh … and into the bargain I was a half century
old. I would say your Dad would have got a good laugh out
of that. The Kerrigans (Ann, Uncle Mike’s sister, and
family) are great. I would be lost without them. I see them
every week, but we are in touch most days. The Norris(es)
and Kerrigans are like one family.
“All my men are in great form, thank God, doing
all sorts of exciting things with their lives. Paul loves
his flying (as an Aer Lingus pilot) and Colm (was)
made Master of his (tall) ship in August. P.G. he will
be one of the youngest Masters on the high seas.
Kieran fixes boat engines and Garret is finished school
this year and setting out in the world. They’re all still
at home with Phil and myself. Sure, I love them all
around me. Paul built a beautiful old car. Uncle knew
he was building it from all the old parts he collected
from all over the world. I had a letter written to Mike
with the pictures enclosed in it, so I am sending it to
you.
“… Well, Pat, it is the new year and it always
fills me full of hope and excitement: I traveled a lot in
October of ’84; I went with Phil to San Diego in
California. We had a lovely time. I am still in my little
shop (in Dublin) but I am expanding and making it
much bigger. I am eight years here now. Time flies. I
am writing this letter in the shop as I know you will
excuse the scribble. Please keep in touch, as we all
need each other and love you.”
Lots of love, Beno
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