Woman who died after knife attack hailed as loyal friend who adored gardening and choirs

"Stella Gallagher (59) was hailed as a dearly loved wife and mother whose tragic death has shocked the entire Cork community. Mrs Gallagher died at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where she had been rushed by paramedics last Monday evening after suffering critical injuries when she and her husband, Brian, were attacked by a knife-wielding man near their Shrewsbury Downs home in Ballinlough, Cork."

""It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and fellow gardener, Stella," they said. "Stella was a cherished and invaluable friend to us all in the Togher Community Garden family. Her absence will be deeply felt by everyone here. "We will especially remember her beautiful smile and the gentle person she was to everyone she met. Our garden will always hold memories of her kindness.""

Stella Gallagher, 59, suffered critical injuries in a knife attack near her Shrewsbury Downs home in Ballinlough and died at Cork University Hospital. Her husband, Brian, was seriously injured and remains in hospital recovering. Stella was a retired chemical engineer who had worked under her maiden name Griffin at Eli Lilly and was originally from Ballinspittle. She was an active volunteer at the Togher Community Garden and known for her gardening, singing, and loyal friendship. Fellow gardeners and friends expressed deep sadness, recalling her smile, gentle nature, and the lasting memories she created in the community garden.

Read at Irish Independent