Tributes are being paid across Waterford to Martina Galgey, née Roche, who has died following a battle which those who knew her say she faced with extraordinary courage, humour and determination.
Martina, of Crescent Drive, Hillview, and formerly of Larchville, died on Friday, August 7th.
She leaves behind her loving husband John, her daughters Lyndsey and Tracey, sons Shane and Cian, mother Joan, grandson Dylan, brothers Pat, Derek (Pip) and Sean, sisters Joanne and Patricia (Trisha), and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours who are now coming to terms with her loss.
For many in Waterford, Martina was a familiar and much-loved face.
She was a woman of enormous energy and personality, someone who threw herself into life, into her family, into fitness and into the people around her.
She was passionate about CrossFit and weightlifting, becoming a CrossFit Masters athlete, an Irish weightlifting record holder and a dedicated coach and advocate for women’s participation in strength sports.
But while her achievements on the platform were considerable, those who knew Martina say her greatest strength was not measured in kilograms or medals.
It was in the way she encouraged people.
It was in the friendships she made.
And it was in the sheer joy she brought into the lives of those around her.
Weightlifting Ireland paid tribute to Martina following news of her death, describing her as a “decorated Masters athlete and dedicated coach” who had been a powerful advocate for strength sports in Ireland.
Through her work with CrossFit Waterford, the organisation said, Martina helped break down barriers and encouraged countless women to step up to the barbell with confidence.
They remembered her for her “fierce competitive spirit” but equally for the warmth and unwavering support she gave to her community.
That combination, strength and kindness is a theme running through the many tributes being shared since her death.
One close friend described Martina as a woman who was always a source of encouragement, recalling the messages she would send with words of determination and support.
She remembered Martina’s infectious laugh, her sense of fun and the years they spent together in the gym.
She also remembered a woman who could still reach out to others when they needed reassurance.
That was Martina.
Even when life was difficult for her, she found the strength to lift somebody else.
A tribute from Elite Living Nutrition captured that side of her beautifully, remembering how Martina and members of her family reached out with kindness during a difficult time for a friend who was undergoing treatment.
Martina was also a qualified beautician and ran her own salon from home, another reflection of her love of people and her natural ability to connect with others.
Those who knew her say she had a gift for making new friends and making people feel welcome.
And then there was the laugh.
One friend recalled how, years ago in the gym, Martina’s laughter could be heard before she even arrived, and once she started laughing, it was almost impossible for anyone else not to join her.
Local councillor Jason Murphy described Martina as “one of the bravest, best-humoured people you could ever meet”, saying she had been an inspiration to everyone she encountered.
He paid tribute to the battle she fought and extended his thoughts and prayers to John, her children and her beloved family.
Family members have also spoken of Martina’s extraordinary strength.
Her sister-in-law Joyce Galgey wrote that Martina, John and the family had “battled to the very end”, adding that they did so “in true Martina Glam style”.
She said Martina had been and always would be a huge part of their family.
Martina’s wishes for her final farewell are perhaps one final reflection of the personality so many people remember.
Her family has asked that mourners do not wear black, but instead wear bright and colourful clothing.
It is a request that feels entirely appropriate for someone whose life was remembered for so much colour, laughter, strength and warmth.
Martina Galgey was a formidable woman on the competition floor.
She was a record holder.
An athlete.
A coach.
A beautician.
A friend.
A wife.
A mother.
A daughter.
A sister.
A grandmother.
And, for so many people across Waterford, simply Martina, the woman they knew, laughed with, trained alongside, met through the community or called a friend.
Her passing leaves an enormous hole for those closest to her, but the memories being shared today speak of a life that touched a remarkable number of people.
Martina is survived by her husband John, her children Lyndsey, Tracey, Shane and Cian, her grandson Dylan, her mother Joan, her siblings and extended family, along with countless friends and members of the wider Waterford community.
She was predeceased by her father Martin and father-in-law Sean.
May she rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements
Martina will repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack Street, Waterford, today, Saturday August 8th, from 3pm to 5pm, with Vigil Prayers and Rosary at 4.30pm.
Her house is private at all times.
Requiem Mass will take place on Monday, August 10th, at 10am in St Paul’s Church, Lisduggan, followed by burial in Kilbarry Cemetery.
The Mass will be livestreamed at 10am on Monday.
In keeping with Martina’s wishes, mourners are asked not to wear black and instead to wear bright and colourful clothing.
The family has also expressed its heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of St James’s Hospital in Dublin for the exceptional care, kindness and compassion shown to Martina throughout her time in their care.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
