A heart-wrenching scene unfolded in Cork as Brian Gallagher carried his wife Stella’s coffin at her funeral, following her tragic death in a shocking incident. Stella, a beloved 59-year-old chemical engineer, lost her life after being rushed to hospital with stab wounds on November 17. Her husband, Brian, 63, also suffered serious injuries during the attack and needed emergency neck surgery but was later discharged.
Stella’s funeral took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ballinlough, where she was remembered by friends and family as a woman of immense generosity and joy. Her brother-in-law Alan fondly recalled her love for baking, gardening, and how she brought smiles to everyone around her with her kindness and countless sweet treats. “When cooking for two people, she would cook enough for six,” he shared with the congregation.
Their son, David Gallagher, has been charged with his mother’s murder and assault causing harm to his father. He appeared in court in Cork, where the judge approved a request for urgent medical and psychiatric evaluation while he remains in remand.
As Stella rests in peace at St Michael’s Cemetery, the community is left in mourning for a life ended too soon, while grappling with the shocking circumstances surrounding this family tragedy.