The funeral of PJ Gallagher’s mother will take place on Wednesday morning, it has been announced.
Helen Gallagher died on November 5 “under the care and kindness” of all the staff in the special care unit at the Mater Hospital in Dublin.
Her funeral will take place on Wednesday morning at St John the Baptist Church on Clontarf Road in Dublin, followed by burial at Glasnevin cemetery. The funeral service will be streamed online by visiting Clontarf Parish for those who cannot attend.
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Taking to Twitter and Instagram at the weekend, PJ paid a sweet tribute to his mam as he announced the news alongside a black and white photo. He posted: "RIP Ma 5/11/2022."
Offering messages of support was actress and children’s author Pauline McLynn, best known for her role as Mrs Doyle in the TV series Father Ted, whose mother Sheila died two weeks ago.
Ms. McLynn said: “So sorry to hear this, PJ all love and solace to you now.”
Psychologist Niamh Fitzpatrick who lost her sister Dara, when the Irish Coast Guard air and sea search helicopter she was piloting crashed off Co Mayo in 2017 added: “Ah I’m so sorry to read this, PJ; my heartfelt condolences to you. And may your lovely Ma rest in peace.”
While model and mum-of-two Glenda Gilson said: “So sorry PJ x” and author Paul Howard of Ross O’Carroll Kelly fame tweeted: “Thoughts with you, PJ”.
RTÉ personality and musician Aonghus McAnally continued: “Big hugs to you PJ at such a sad time.”
PJ lost his father Séan in 1999 and during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic moved back in with his mother in Raheny to care for her and keep her company in their own special “bubble”.
Speaking publicly back in 2015, the comedian said he and his sister always knew they were adopted. As a newborn, he was placed into foster care for a few months after being born in Bessborough mother and baby home, before being adopted by his parents, Helen and the late Sean Gallagher who died in 1999.
He said in an interview seven years ago he said about his parents: “My folks were crazy too and weren't very strict, so it was a great bit of craic growing up in our house.
"It was like a comedy university. I am so close to my Mam and am a typical Irish Mammy's boy. I call to her every day to make sure she's okay.”
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