The late Liam Gallagher, Bruckless, was 'a man of community'

The death of Bruckless businessman and farmer Liam Gallagher was learned of with much sadness over a wide area.

Well-known through his position as Postmaster and farmer, Liam was a pillar of the community. The funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of St Joseph and St Conal, Bruckless by Fr James Sweeney, PP and Fr Morty O’Shea.

In his Homily, Fr Sweeney covered every part of Liam’s life spanning just short of 96 years.

“Liam was born on 18 January 1930 and from an early age showcased the work ethic and commitment that would define his life," Fr Sweeney said.

"His introduction to farming began when his father bought a Farmall Cub tractor, and as a young man he started contracting locally, cutting hay and loading tramp cocks for neighbouring farmers. In the mid-1950s he upgraded to a Ferguson T20, marking the beginning of a long and proud life on the land.

“As his father expanded into the grocery and transport business, Liam took on full responsibility for the family’s farmland in Bruckless and Dunkineely. Farming became his vocation and lifelong passion. In 1957 he married Eilis McGeever, beginning a partnership of over 68 years - a marriage marked by love, dedication, and the joy of raising their four children together.

“In 1968, Liam extended the family bungalow to accommodate the Post Office, where he became postmaster, a position he held for over 40 years until his retirement in 2009. While Eilis ran the Post Office day to day, Liam continued to focus on the farm. Ever forward-thinking, he was among the first farmers in the area to build a slatted house for cattle in 1987. Even in his later years, visiting the shed to inspect the cattle remained one of his great pleasures. He took immense pride in maintaining high-quality stock.

“Outside of work, Liam lived life with enthusiasm and a wide range of interests. He loved ballroom dancing and kept it up well into his eighties. He had a deep appreciation for traditional Irish music, especially the fiddle, and he delighted in local culture and performance, acting in many productions with the Dunkineely Drama Group.

“Sport was another lifelong passion—whether golf, cricket, or horse racing, Liam followed them all. But Manchester United held a special place in his heart. He watched golf faithfully and followed Formula 1 motorsport right up to recent times.

“Liam was also a proud and devoted member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association for over 75 years, a commitment that reflected his strong values and self-discipline.

“He will be remembered as a hardworking farmer, a dedicated husband and father, a man of community spirit, and someone who embraced life’s interests with genuine joy. Above all, he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and quiet strength.”

Predeceased by his infant son Brian, brother Patsy, sisters Bridget, Eileen, Mollie and Greta, Liam is survived by his wife Eilis, sons Patsy (Angela) and Barry (Tina), daughters Marguerite (Michael Cowburn deceased) and Mary (Dom),
his brother Dessie (Bernie), his sisters Ita Harvey and Eithne Byrne, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After the funeral Mass, Liam Gallagher was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard.