Funeral of American killed in Achilles disaster to take place this week – News

The funeral of an 87-year-old American who died in a quad bike accident on Achill Island will take place this Friday in his hometown of San Francisco.

Michael J. (Mike) Gallagher was killed on 30 June while driving a quad bike on the access road to Purteen Harbour in Achill.

His death was pronounced at the scene.

Mr Gallagher was in the area visiting relatives when the incident occurred.

His obituary stated that he was “on his way to another fishing trip” at the time of the incident.

It said that his life had been a “cinematic adventure” and that he had a passion for food, wine, the sea and people with whom he could share this passion.

He was born in San Francisco in May 1937 as the second eldest of twelve children of Edward and Ellen Kate (née Brett).

He leaves behind his wife Heather Reynolds, his children Eamonn and Maura, his granddaughter Stella Rose and his other siblings Jim, Danny, Mary and Teresa.

His remains have now been returned to San Francisco and the funeral mass will be celebrated this Friday at 1pm local time (5am Irish time) at St Peters and Paul Church.

An inquest into Mr Gallagher’s death will be held at a later date by the Coroner for Mayo County.