Lip service pays off for charity as Cllr Michael Gallagher parts company with his famous 'tache

History was made in Muldoon's Bar in Drumconrath on Friday night last when after nearly 50 years, Cllr Michael Gallagher had his moustache shaved off.

Michael was one of 12 brave local men who shaved off their beards and moustaches to raise funds for the Ardee and District Cancer Support group.

While many of those participating had grown their facial hair as part of Movember men's health awareness campaign, some were removing facial hair of long standing, but Cllr Gallagher's was without doubt the oldest moustache to go.

In fact, Michael has had the moustache so long, neither his wife, Sheila nor his children had ever seen him without it.

"I said goodbye to my moustache for the the first time since 1974," he said.

"I was working in Navan Carpets at the time and was on a block release course in Athlone. A few of us apprentices decided to grow moustaches at the time and I've had mine since," he said.

Michael's moustache has led to him being mistaken for Willie O'Dea on several occasions. "I was in the audience at a Pat Kenny show during the financial crash and Pat saw me and said he thought I was Willie O'Dea. I've often been mistaken for him."

Michael said he was delighted to take part in the beard shave for the Ardee Cancer Support Group.

"Fair play to lads who organised it, its a great cause."

He also thanked all those who supported and sponsored him.

Twelve men were shaved on Friday night - Paddy Marry, Paddy Kilcoyne, Charlie Clarke, Jimmy Farrelly, Joe Moore, Niall Clarke, Thos Boyle, Pat Eogan, Michael Gallagher, Ross Johnson, Dermot Muldoon, and Mick Lennon.

Vinny Malone was the compère for the highly entertaining evening, Peter Farrell and the Ardee Session Musicians provided the music

Ardee and District Cancer Support was set up in 2018, to support people in Ardee and surrounding areas, who have cancer and other illnesses.

They meet regularly upstairs in Caffrey's, Ardee and in the Wheelchair Association premises, offering emotional support, practical help and advice.

They hold talks on social welfare, classes in yoga, make-up, mindfulness, sound therapy and Thai chi.