Redmond Gallagher

Redmond Gallagher (27 February 1914 – 31 October 2006) was an Irish businessman and racing driver. He was chairman of Urney Chocolates Ltd. and a noted motorsport enthusiast. Biography

Early life Redmond Gallagher was born on 27 February 1914 at Dunwiley House, Stranorlar, County Donegal. His father was Henry Thomas Gallagher, crown solicitor for County Donegal and founder of Urney Chocolates. He was educated at Belvedere College, Dublin, where he was rugby captain. He wanted to become an engineer, but at his father's behest joined the family business of Urney instead, although he did also work as a steward at the Irish Grand Prix.

In 1934 at the Leipzig industrial fair Gallagher was introduced to Adolf Hitler as he was doing the rounds. He later remarked of Hitler that he was "almost comical".

Racing career and Urney

In the years following the Second World War, Gallagher began racing his own self-built car "the Leprechaun", which was modelled on the Cooper. He entered into the 1951 Formula One season and drove the Leprechaun II for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The 1000cc Leprechaun III was most successful and won a number of speed events.