Mr Martin Gallagher

Who was Martin Gallagher?

Mr Martin Gallagher was a 29 (twenty-nine) year-old Irish farm labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on January 18, 1883, in the village of Currafarry, County Galway, Ireland, Gallagher’s story is one of bravery and sacrifice during the infamous maritime disaster.

Early Life and Background

Family Roots in Galway

Martin Gallagher came from a large Roman Catholic family in rural Ireland. His parents were:

• Patt Gallagher (born circa 1845) - a farmer
• Catherine Finnerty (born circa 1838)

The couple married on February 16, 1871, in Ahascragh, County Galway, and went on to have nine children:

1. Mary (born December 15, 1871)
2. Peter (born June 1, 1873)
3. Margaret (born June 14, 1875)
4. Kate (born August 30, 1876)
5. Thomas (born January 29, 1879)
6. Honor (born July 6, 1881)
7. Martin (born January 18, 1883)
8. Anne (born December 17, 1885)
9. Patt (born October 29, 1888)

Tragedy struck the family when Martin’s eldest brother Peter died from meningitis on April 25, 1892, at the young age of 18 (eighteen).

First Journey to America

Martin first emigrated to America around 1901, settling initially in New York City. His ambition and work ethic led him to secure a job in Rye, New York, where the 1910 census described him as a coachman. He lived with his employer, building contractor Thomas Steen and his family, at Boston Post Road, Rye.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Martin Gallagher returning to America?

Martin Gallagher had returned to Ireland to visit his family around late 1911 or early 1912. After his visit, he decided to return to America, purchasing a ticket for the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Titanic Ticket Details

• Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 36864
• Fare: £7 14s 10d
• Embarkation Point: Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland

Gallagher purchased his ticket at Ryan’s Travel Agency in Ballygar, County Galway, along with others from the Caltra parish.

Traveling Companions

Martin was not alone on his journey. He was accompanied by:

• Margaret Mannion (his sweetheart)
• Thomas Smyth
• Thomas Kilgannon
• Ellen Mockler

These individuals, all from his locality, shared the excitement and ultimately the tragedy of the Titanic’s ill-fated voyage.

The Night of the Disaster

How did Martin Gallagher react to the Titanic’s collision?

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on April 14, 1912, Martin Gallagher’s actions were nothing short of heroic. He quickly located Ellen Mockler and Margaret Mannion, along with several other Irish girls, and escorted them to lifeboat 16. After ensuring their safety, Gallagher made the fateful decision to step back onto the deck.

The last the girls remember of him was seeing him leading a group of Irish men in the recitation of the Rosary on Titanic’s sloping deck.

This poignant final image of Martin Gallagher showcases his bravery and faith in the face of impending disaster.

Legacy and Remembrance

What happened to Martin Gallagher after the sinking?

Martin Gallagher lost his life in the Titanic disaster at the age of 29 (twenty-nine). His body, if recovered, was never identified. This lack of closure added to the tragedy for his family and loved ones.

How did the tragedy affect Gallagher’s family?

The loss of Martin deeply impacted his family back in Ireland:

• His elderly parents continued to live in Currafarry.
• His father, Patt Gallagher, passed away on April 9, 1928.
• His mother, Catherine, showed remarkable resilience, living to the age of 95 (ninety-five) before her death on June 12, 1933.

Martin Gallagher’s Place in Titanic History

Martin Gallagher’s story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness displayed by many during the Titanic disaster. As a third-class passenger, his actions in helping others to safety, despite the lower chances of survival for those in steerage, highlight the human spirit in times of crisis.

His story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic tragedy, particularly those of Irish immigrants seeking a better life in America. Gallagher’s final moments, leading prayers on the deck of the sinking ship, have become an enduring image of faith and courage in the face of disaster.