Andrea Macko reports for Porcupine Soup that 78-year-old Donal Gallagher, one of the East Durham's strongest Irish voices, passed away at his home in East Durham on December 10 after a long illness. Gallagher was one of the founders and past president of the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre in East Durham. He also founded Guaranteed Irish, American’s largest Irish import store, 42 years ago in East Durham. And he was married to Kitty Kelly, a famous local Irish singer. “You taught me so much in these 20 plus years and I will do my best to live the way you lived but I'm not sure how to do it without your lead, your advice, your wit, your constant support and love for me over these 20 plus years, plus your calm and gentle, loving presence,” Kelly wrote on social media on Dec. 11. “I am forever grateful God put us together. And I'm grateful we danced while we were able.” There was an outpouring of affection for Gallagher on social media. Gavin’s Country Inn described Gallagher’s passing as “a big loss to East Durham, "Irish Catskills" Community, and Gallagher family.” The Shamrock House posted, “A man with so much vision, passion, dedication and always helping others. Donal, your memory will live on in The Shamrock House and in all who were lucky enough to know you.” Funeral services have not yet been announced for Gallagher. Read more about this story at Porcupine Soup.