By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Rev. Daniel Noel Gallagher, a devoted priest of the Diocese of Jackson, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison, Mississippi. A native of Cashel, South Curry in County Sligo, Ireland, Father Dan was born on Dec. 19, 1940. From an early age, he displayed a profound commitment to his faith, which ultimately led him to pursue the priesthood at St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny, Ireland.
Father Dan was ordained on June 6, 1965, in the hallowed halls of Kilkenny’s St. Mary Cathedral. His priestly journey, spanning six decades, brought him to the Diocese of Jackson, where he faithfully served parishes in Yazoo City, Hattiesburg, Bay St. Louis, Batesville, Rosedale, Natchez and West Point.
In 1994, Father Dan found his true calling in hospital chaplaincy. Ministering at the VA Hospital in Jackson, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Methodist Rehab Center, he provided comfort and solace to patients and their families. Known for his humility and determination, Father Dan continued his ministry despite losing much of his eyesight. Unable to drive, he often walked or took the bus to reach those in need, embodying the essence of a shepherd tirelessly seeking his flock.
Father Dan’s service extended to leadership roles in the diocese. In 2002, he was appointed Director of the Cursillo Movement, a testament to his dedication to spiritual renewal. Later, in 2007, he became the in-residence chaplain at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, where his compassionate care brought peace to the sick and their loved ones.
Even in retirement, Father Dan remained a quiet yet profound witness to God’s love. Friends and colleagues described him as a man of deep spirituality and unwavering faith. “Although Father Dan had weak vision, he had a very strong faith,” said Father Frank Cosgrove, a lifelong friend and fellow priest.
Father Cosgrove, who first met Father Dan just after their seminary days, recalled their unique bond. Raised only 30 miles apart in Ireland, they crossed paths on an airplane bound for Jackson. Their friendship deepened over the years, particularly during their days off in Batesville and Oxford, where they would ride bicycles together as young, vibrant men in their 30s.
Father Dan’s humility and resilience were perhaps most evident in how he embraced his blindness. “What always impressed me was how he accepted the gradual deterioration of his sight,” Father Cosgrove said. “He didn’t let his suffering make him bitter. It made him better.”
Father Dan’s ministry continued even at St. Catherine’s Village, where he remained a priestly presence, offering prayers and guidance to all who sought it. “Father Dan was too humble to ask for a miracle, but God gave him the grace to bear his cross patiently,” Father Cosgrove remarked.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Dec. 6, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson. As he entered into eternal rest, his friends and parishioners found solace in knowing that Father Dan, who had walked by faith, now walked by sight in the presence of God.
Father Daniel Gallagher leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and a life wholly dedicated to God’s service. May he rest in peace.
