'Unbelievable grief' - Midlands man's body brought to family pub after 'unexpected' death

There were emotional scenes at a well known Midlands pub earlier this week as a rosary was said for young Dylan Gallagher-O'Sullivan who passed away unexpectedly last Friday. 

Dylan (22) is the grandson of Joe and Josie Gallagher, long-time proprietors of the Pull Inn pub in Pullough, Co Offaly. Tributes have been paid in recent days after his sudden death at home last Friday.

Dylan's RIP.ie death notice says: "Dylan died on March 20th 2026, unexpectedly at home. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving mother Joy, father Jimmy, brothers Billy, Tim, Alan and Matthew, grandparents Joe and Josie, aunts Barbara, Olive, Aoife and Josephine, uncles Fergal, Cormac and Joseph, girlfriend Meave, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends."

The outpouring of grief in the area culminated outside the family pub this week. Prayers were said over his coffin outside the door of the pub which has been in the family for 55 years. The community gathered together, some holding candles, as a rosary was recited.

A video of the poignant moment was shared on the Pull Inn's Facebook page. The caption read: "What at amazing village and community we have in Pullough. Dylan would be all so proud with the amount of people that guided him home tonight. Thank you to everyone for all your support the past few days. Very much appreciated by us all."

Dylan's funeral mass took place at St. Mary's Church, Pullough, on Thursday, March 26.

Dylan's first guitar was brought to the altar as a symbol of his life. It was is most prized position. Also offered were a set of darts, football gloves, a pool cue, farm overalls and a pint glass representing the family-run business he loved.

Delivering an emotional eulogy, Dylan's mother Joy spoke to the congregation about her "beautiful little boy" who she said there was "no stopping" once he got on his feet as a child.

"He kickstarted on roller blades, skateboards, anything that was dangerous, Dylan was there at all costs and at full speed."

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She said Dylan had great friendships and "truly cared about his neighbours," adding, "the Spain family were his nearest and dearest friends throughout his lifetime. Any fall he got in life, they picked him up. On his last journey, he fell into Thomas and Gerry's arms. They were the exact arms he wanted to fall into. His love for the Spain family was a true love."

Joy spoke of Dylan's love of all sports, but that his most loved was his football, even doing a stint with Offaly underage. 

"His most loved memories were playing with Pullough (Erin Rovers). That's where his heart laid, everything that was to do with Pullough, and every soul in Pullough." She said Pullough was "Dylan's happy place."

She added that Dylan loved music and singing: "For anyone around him that didn't like it, it was hard luck on you because there was no end to Dylan's singing."

Joy said her son had "a huge heart full of so much love" and that he "touched every single heart he ever met."

"That kind of a love from a young man will never fade," she added, "it remains with us quietly and powerfully. His light was so bright, it simply couldn't be dimmed. He's no longer here next to me but the incredible energy of his spirit will remain tucked safely in my heart."

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Joy concluded her words by saying: "I truly loved this young man. His kindness was beyond words. He hadn't one bad none in his body. There was always a 'thank you, mam' within Dylan. Even when he was breaking my chops, you couldn't possibly tell him off because all you got back was a smile.

"I love you so much, Dylan, and I know you're guiding me. You're within my soul guiding me through all of this. There is no goodbyes, Dylan, it's a 'see you later.' Sleep tight until we meet you again. Love from your mam."

Dylan's brother Billy said: "Dylan was the best big brother I could have got. He was so good to me and our little brother Tim. He always found a way to make me laugh, whether I was upset or happy. He always made time for me and Tim."

Billy also said Dylan taught him how to pour "a good pint, mainly for him," adding, "he taught me how to use a lot of tools, to forgive and forget," saying his big brother was the type of person who never got mad.

Billy said Dylan helped save his life three years ago when he ended up in a diabetic coma. Dylan quickly informed paramedics of the family history of diabetes, helping them act quickly to save Billy.

"Dylan helped save me that night. I remember coming home a week and a half later and Dylan gave me the tightest hug. Any time my sugars went high or low he would always give me Lucozade or insulin."

Billy concluded: "I don't know what I'm going to do without him but I know I'm always going to make him proud and keep him close with me my whole life. Rest easy, Dylan, I love you."

In recent day, friends, family and locals have also been paying tribute to Dylan, who was much-loved in the area, the pub and beyond. 

One read: "I have no words right now for Joy Gallagher and all the Gallagher family. It’s unbelievable grief in our little village. May god comfort you all and may your precious Dylan RIP."

Erin Rovers GAA Club, where Dylan was a valued player for many years, released a statement sharing their shock at his passing. 

They said: "The club is deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of our former player, loyal supporter, and dear friend, Dylan Gallagher O’Sullivan. This is a tragedy that is hard to find the words for and one that has left our entire community heartbroken. Dylan was a proud Pullough man, and he was a passionate supporter of our club both on and off the field.

"Dylan represented the club at all underage levels, lining out in goals for St. Manchan’s Gaels. He was a valued member of the Minor B Championship winning team in 2019 - an achievement he held with great pride. Dylan was also previously involved with our Junior teams, and many a Monday night, when the lotto was going on in the lounge he would often say, 'I'm coming back training!'

"For generations, The Pull Inn has been at the very heart of our community, synonymous with friendship, support and togetherness. It is the place where people came together in the good days to celebrate and in the difficult days to find comfort and support.

"Dylan was a constant and welcome presence there, whether he was behind the bar or on the far side of it. No matter where he stood, he greeted everyone with a warm smile, a kind word and was never shy about singing a song or two. Dylan will be fondly remembered for his good humour and his smile.

"The Gallagher family have been long-time sponsors and valued supporters of Erin Rovers GAA. As a club and as a community, we want them to know that we are here for them now in their time of need, just as they have always been there for so many others.

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"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Dylan’s family, his mother Joy and father Jimmy, his brothers, Billy, Tim, Alan and Matthew, grandparents Joe and Josie, aunts Barbara, Olive, Aoife and Josephine, uncles Fergal, Cormac and Joseph, girlfriend Meave, his cousins, extended family, neighbours and his wide circle of friends. Many members of our current panel were close friends of Dylan and will also feel his loss profoundly. We are thinking of you all and most importantly we are here for you all."

PICTURED: Dylan behind the bar at the Pull Inn opened by his grandfather Joe in 1971

A further tribute read: "Dylan Gallagher O'Sullivan, you will forever be remembered as the brilliant young gentleman that you were. Always a cheeky smile, full of cheer and a listening ear.
You were one of a kind!"

Another person added: "Sincere sympathy to you all on the heartbreaking loss of your beautiful Dylan. We met him recently at my sister Kathryn's wedding. He charmed us all with his lovely smile and kind ways. May he rest in eternal peace."

Dylan's funeral was livestreamed by the St.Colmcille's, St.Manchan's & St. Ciarán's YouTube channel. You can view the full mass below:

May he rest in peace.