Popular Irish musician Mike Gallagher has died after a long cancer battle.
Since the 1970s, his distinctive voice was heard at Irish hotspots all around Pittsburgh like the Harp and Fiddle in the Strip District, Riley’s Pour House in Carnegie (currently planning to rebuild after a fire late last year) and the Blarney Stone that closed back in 2004 after flooding in Etna. He was also a regular performer at the annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival.
He was honored in 2019, named the Grand Marshal of the annual Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade.
"Mike is the only musician to have performed in every Pittsburgh Irish Festival since its inception in 1991. Part of the reason he was the first recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award," Gallagher's sister-in-law Maree said.
Gallagher, a native of Sheraden, who battled cancer for eight years, died on Sunday evening, at the age of 70, after entering hospice in his Stowe Township home a few weeks ago.
Performing was in Mike’s blood. His father John used to sing on a local radio station during a program called “John Gallagher Sings Irish Songs”.
In addition, Mike and his seven brothers and sisters used to set up a stage in their parent’s house in Sheraden and perform Irish tunes and skits for the neighborhood, a tradition that was carried on by their children.
In addition to the local Irish pubs he would play, Gallagher would volunteer his time for family events like wedding, funerals, parties and more, along with several charity events like Move A Mountain Missions and Brother Andre’s Café in Downtown Pittsburgh and Bellevue.
Over his career, Gallagher released seven albums, starting with 1983’s “Allegheny…Home” and opened for Michael Keaton while the Hollywood star was in the early stages of finding success.
Gallagher is survived by his wife Marlea, four children Brendan: who works in finance, is a military veteran and guitar player himself, Dan: A Catholic high school teacher and heavily involved in Brother Andres, John Morgan: A Pittsburgh Fire Fighter and military veteran, Mary Kate: A teacher and Michael’s youngest and only daughter, and 20 grandchildren.
Michael is also survived by his siblings: John (Anna) Gallagher, Patrick (Bernice) Gallagher, Mary Keber, Sr. Kathleen Gallagher, Daniel (Maree) Gallagher, Molly (Robert) Kuntz, and Betsy (Fred) Limberg as well as his loving in-laws: Sharlene Givens, George (Patti) Givens, John (Maria) Givens, Julia (Peter) Littlefield, Maura (Steven) Booher, Edward (Diana) Givens, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
“Uncle Mike” made several appearances on KDKA Radio over the years, guitar in hand, on St. Patrick’s Day.
KDKA Radio’s Marty Griffin and Mike’s nephew Andrew remembered him shortly after news of his passing was made public, playing some of his music.
Listen to that above.
Visitation and funeral details are available here.
Those looking to honor Mike's legacy are asked to donate to either Brother Andre's Cafe or Move A Mountain Missions.
Mike's passing comes just a little over a month after his Godson, Johnny B. Gallagher died unexpectedly following a heart issue.