Race commissaire Ian Gallahar as most would have know him seen here on the Junior Tour a number of years ago - 'May he Rest in Peace'
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SEEN BUT NOT HEARD...... Yes, those words epitomised the standing that Ian Gallahar possessed. He was a person who it could be said set the standards in many spheres in his life.
From what I can gather in his work capacity, nothing but 110% support was good enough. As a family man he cherished those closest to him. And, in his cycling capacity he was a giver rather than a taker.
It was in cycling over many years that I got to know Ian and my opening remarks were the foundations that brought him in touch with cyclists at all levels.
In a way he was comfortable when he was with the rank and file members. But, equally so as an International referee or in cycling terms a commissarie, he was held in high esteem.
Ian represented the Union Cycliste Internationale as a model commissarie all over the globe. Yet, following a tour of duty at international level, he would equally be at home commissaring a local race.
I know full well that one of his favourite appointments was the Ben McKenna event held in Balscadden near Balbriggan. He developed a friendship with the late Ben who passed away in 1992. I know full well that Ben has kept the seat warm for the arrival of Ian who'll give him all the gossip.
We last worked together at the Shay Elliott Memorial and in the general chit chat he told me of his love for jazz. Well, the trumpets from on-high called him home and in doing so we are betrayed that he left us aghast at his passing.
Sadly, I leave the final words to the President of the Union Cycliiste Internationale, Pat McQuaid ""Always a gentleman, always objective, always remained above the politics and gossiping."
Ar dheis D� go raibh a anam.
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Ian GALLAHAR, : Death notice
GALLAHAR (Glasnevin North) - February 28, 2012 (U.C.I. commissaire) (suddenly) at home. Ian, husband of Anne and loving father Emer, Niamh and Ailleen. Sadly missed by his family, brother Brian, sister Dorothy, grandchildren Fionn, Siobh�n, Clodagh and Ethan, sons-in-law, relatives and friends. Rest In Peace.
Removal from the Kirwans Funeral Home, Ballygall Road West tomorrow (Saturday) evening to the Church of Our Lady of Victories, Ballymun Road, arriving at 5.30pm.
Funeral on Monday morning after 10am Mass to St. Fintan's Cemetery, Sutton. Family flowers only, donations if desired, to St. Vincent de Paul.