Gallagher Giftware

The Pope has given his holy seal of approval to an Irish holy water dispenser invented by a Donegal entrepreneur.


Businessman Connie Gallagher with his water font
The dispenser, which outlasts other dispensers, is the brainchild of Derrybeg man Connie Gallagher.

Mr Gallagher got the idea after visiting houses and noticing that the majority of holy water fonts had dried up.

Tradesman Connie had been unemployed at the time due to the downturn in the building trade.

So he set about inventing a holy water dispenser which issues water from a hidden container once it is touched.

The average water-font lasts a number of months once filled up.

Connie has made a number of the holy water fonts with various images including Jesus, Padre Pio and the Virgin Mary.

Mr Gallagher, who makes all his fonts from bog oak remained in Donegal, decided he would send a specially-made font to The Vatican to Pope Francis.

And he was shocked when he received a personal letter back from the Holy Father blessing his gift.

A letter sent on behalf of the Pope by his Assessor, Monsignor Peter B Wells, said the Holy Father was pleased to receive the gift.

“He appreciates the devoted sentiments which prompted this thoughtful gesture.

“His Holiness, in requesting your continued prayers for himself and for his ministry as Bishop of Rome, assures you of his own prayers. He sends his blessings to you and your family,” read the letter.

Connie said he was speechless when he received the personal letter from the Pope.

“I never expected he would write back to me. I am speechless.

“You can imagine how many letters the Pope receives looking for blessings.

“But for him to take the time and to bless my little business is just remarkable,” said Connie.

Connie has a number of stockists across the country and also sells his holy water fonts on line through his website Gallagher Giftware.