A CROWD of up to 200 people gathered yesterday evening for a candlelit vigil for the two Co Donegal brothers who were mowed down by a runaway car in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Anthony Gallagher died and his brother Martin is fighting for his life following the tragedy at Lower Main Street in Letterkenny just before 3am.
The men, both in their 60s, live just 100 yards from the scene of the tragedy and were walking home from a night out when tragedy struck.
Local man Colm McDaid organised a vigil to pray for the men who were known to so many.
Among those who gathered at the sombre vigil was Monsignor Kevin Gillespie as well as local county councillors and members of the public.
Mr McDaid thanked all those who came to the men’s aid in the early hours of this morning.
He said: “It’s good to see the way their community comes together at times like this.
“The two boys lived a simple life, kept to themselves and bothered nobody. They were out for a few drinks and tragedy struck and Anthony lost his life.
“We are here tonight to stand with the Gallagher family.”
He also said that the men’s family had sent a message thanking the local public for all their support in the wake of this morning’s tragedy.
He said despite rumours, Martin continued to fight for his life and pleaded with people to keep him in their prayers.
A minute’s silence was held in memory of Anthony, a local lollipop man, who died just yards from where he helped so many children and families cross the road safely.
Local lad Davin McDonagh played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes in tribute to the brothers.
Gardai had closed off the Lower Main Street this morning to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy while the annual St Patrick’s Day parade was cancelled as a mark of respect.
All that remains at the scene this evening is a small cordon, blocking rubble from the area where the car mounted the footpath and struck a house.
MAN RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGE
Daffodils and a Sister Clare Crockett candle were placed there this afternoon by local man Colm McDaid, who organised the vigil.
A young man suspected of driving the vehicle involved in the incident was arrested at the scene and questioned at Letterkenny Garda Station.
He has since been released without charge.
Gardai confirmed that files will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and Garda Youth Diversion Bureau.
GARDA APPEAL
The collision has been referred to GSOC due to an earlier interaction between An Garda Siochana and the driver of the vehicle.
Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.
A garda spokesperson said: “Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling in the area between 2.30am and 3.30am this morning, Monday 17th March 2025, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.
“In particular, Gardai are appealing to anyone 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.”
