Jim Gallagher was buried today on the 21/01/2010 by his family, friends and comrades. Former comrades have described him as an inspiration to everyone around him. Jim displayed bravery and determination in his fight against British rule in Ireland. Even, when not in full health he took part in numerous meetings,pickets and protests on behalf of the republican network for unity.

It was for this reason that the republican community in Derry decided to honour him with a full military funeral.



His committment to the republican struggle cannot be overstated. His oration:..."We come here today with great sadness and grief to lie to rest our friend and comrade Jim Gallagher. In doing so we gather around this cemetery with a burning pride and admiration for an Irish Patriot, Jim, our wee dog, for whom no challenge was too great.

On behalf of Irish Republicans here in Derry and all over Ireland, I extend deepest condolences to Jim’s wife Moira, his children, Brian, Leona, John, Jolene and Moira, his sisters Ann and Geraldine and his brother Joe. We also remember Jim’s Mother Eileen and Father Jim and his late brother Laurence. I would also like to thank everyone for attending to pay tribute to our kind and loving friend.

As you all know Jim spent a life in struggle. He joined the Republican Movement in September 1971 at the age of 16. In 1972 he was arrested and tried in Bishop St Courthouse and was found not guilty of possession of a Thompson Machine Gun. Afterwards he was forced to go on the run as an internment order was issued for him. Nevertheless, Jim showed inner strength, courage and determination as he stayed in Derry along with some of his friends to continue the Fight for Irish Freedom. Jim was subsequently captured in William Street by Crown Forces and was interned in Long Kesh. He and he and Martin Meehan were the last two internees released from that Prison camp.

Upon his release he continued to be active within the republican movement. Several attempts were made on his life by British forces. They were given the order of shoot to kill. He spent yet more time in prison in Portlaoise where upon his release he again pursued his goal of Irish Freedom.

Those who knew Jim can testify to the courage and determination of the man. His sheer fearlessness instilled confidence in others. He gave comrades belief that they could overcome all that the British Establishment would throw at them. He was always upbeat and enthusiastic.

Jim was never found wanting, he rose to the challenge and excelled. As a friend he was loyal, caring and kind. He was proud of his community and of his people.

In his latter years it is no secret that Jim disagreed wholeheartedly with the direction in which some of his comrades chose to take the struggle. The same beliefs which led him to volunteer to fight for Ireland led him to believe that loyalty to the struggle required him to speak out and oppose longstanding friends and former comrades. This was very difficult for him but he refused to be led by others.

He was deeply hurt and felt that the principles and ideals he signed up to in 1971 and for which he gave so much for had been compromised. He often asked, was it all worth it to end up in Stormont? He felt that this arrangement would allow the British to control republicans and defeat republicanism. Nevertheless, Jim hoped with all his heart that his aspiration of a United Ireland would become a reality some day for his children, grandchildren and the Irish people as a whole. We stand here proud of the man we knew in his entirety, a father, husband, friend, comrade and an Unrepentant Republican. May you rest in peace chara.

Previous Home Pages