Roscrea mourns after tragic death of popular young pilot
Robert Gallagher from Roscrea was a pilot for Aer Lingus
Roscrea is in mourning following the death of a popular young pilot who tragically passed away last week.
Robert Gallagher, who was originally from the Birr Road area of Roscrea, had been living in Donnybrook in Dublin and passed away at home on Wednesday, October 14.
A death notice shared on the RIP.ie website said Robert is "deeply mourned and sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Marian and Gary, brothers Peter and Sam, sisters-in-law Lisa and Sarah, nieces Éabha, Anna and Lily, nephew Ted, aunts Joan Egan, Sally Devlin, June and Mary Gallagher, Rita Delaney, his uncles Liam Delaney, Michael Egan, Jim Feeley and Sean Devlin, extended family and wide circle of friends including colleagues at Aer Lingus.”
Robert graduated from UCD in 2011 and soon began training fulfill his dreams of becoming a pilot at the Atlantic Flight Training Academy in 2016 and started his first job as a First Officer with Norwegian Airways.
Less than three years after working for the Norwegian company he began his job with Aer Lingus and made a strong impression on his work colleagues as a very talented and professional young aviator.
A work college of Robert’s from Aer Lingus paid a heartbreaking tribute online: "I’m am so sorry to hear of Robs passing. Rob was always a pleasure to fly with. Thinking of all his family friends and work colleagues at this very sad time."
Another colleague expressed their sadness: "Shocked and saddened about this tragic loss for all of Rob's family, friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Rob. I have the fondest memories of Rob throughout the years as a friend and a colleague.
"His smile and lovely manner would always make you feel happy, he was full of wit but also kindness. He truly was a lovely person to be around. He will be missed deeply. I’m so sorry for you all. Rest in peace Rob, lots of love."
Another colleague paid tribute saying: "I had the absolute privilege of operating many flights with Rob. He was a truly competent pilot who took great pride in his operation. Most importantly, however, he was a thorough gentleman, and it was always a pleasure to spend time in his company.
“I am truly saddened to hear of Rob's most untimely passing, he will be missed by all his friends and colleagues at Aer Lingus. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."