Appeal: Derry brothers killed in 1920s

The Gasyard Trust has appealed for information about relatives of Derry brothers Hugh and John Gallagher, killed in the 1920s during the Civil War and Tan War.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Dec 2016, 10:55 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 13:02 BST
Anti-Treaty IRA Convention at the Mansion House, Dublin, on April 9th 1922. (File Pic)Anti-Treaty IRA Convention at the Mansion House, Dublin, on April 9th 1922. (File Pic)
Anti-Treaty IRA Convention at the Mansion House, Dublin, on April 9th 1922. (File Pic)

The Gasyard Trust is preparing for the launch a new Heritage Lottery Fund- funded publication and website which will chronicle the city’s connections to both the Rising and the Battle of the Somme.

Project Officer Mickey Cooper said the book and website would add further detail to the Rising and Somme exhibitions which have toured the city this year.

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Speaking about the Gallaghers, he said: “One particular republican volunteer who we are seeking some further information on is Derry IRA Volunteer Hugh Gallagher. Hugh was killed by Free State forces in December 1922 when trying to escape from Drumboe Castle which was being used as a prison camp for anti-Treaty republican forces at the time. We know that Hugh also had a brother called John who was killed by loyalists in June 1920 during serious violence that had broken out in the Bishop Street area.

“In order to fill in some gaps I would like to speak to any members of Hugh and Johns’ family who may be able to provide us with further detail or even images of the two men. I have discovered their headstone in the City Cemetery and it contains the following inscriptions: John Gallagher, 18 years, 8 Pennyburn Cottages Died: 21/6/1920; Mary Gallagher, 42 years, 8 Pennyburn Cottages; Hugh Gallagher, 21 years, 8 Pennyburn Cottages; Hugh Gallagher, 71 years, 8 Pennyburn Cottages.

“If any family members can help with our enquiries I would be grateful if they could contact me on 07743175709/ or [email protected],” Mr Cooper said.

“I am happy for their identities to remain private if they so wish but would appreciate any further information they can provide to allow us to do justice to Hugh and John’s memory in the new book.”

Related topics:Hugh GallagherDerry