Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Thursday 12°CFriday 9°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
EntertainmentNews

Life of ‘King of Strabane’ Pat Gillespie is celebrated at the Alley Theatre

written by John November 26, 2019
ShareTweet

Well known Strabane character Pat Gillespie sadly passed away in August this year at the age of 102

KING of Strabane, Pat Gillespie, one of the town’s best-known sons, is to be remembered through a special exhibition of personal artefacts depicting the centenarian’s colourful life opening at the Alley Theatre this week.

The items have been gifted by Pat’s family, and will eventually form part of a wider exhibition focusing on the history of Strabane where Pat spent the best part of his 102 years before his death in August 2019.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, held a special reception for the Gillespie family, to convey the appreciation of the City and District and to remember Pat’s remarkable life.

Mayor Boyle said it was important to reflect on the contribution that Pat had made to the life of Strabane.

“There are few people living in Strabane who did not know Pat and even when he reached his 100th birthday he was still a familiar figure out and about on his bike, and at the head of the St Patrick’s Day parade,” she said.

“He contributed much to Strabane through his energy, his warmth and his creativity.

“It’s important that we remember Pat in a way that captures his spirit of invention, adventure and his passion for collecting and documenting local history.

“The way he filled every day with laughter and zeal, gifting so much to his local community, is a lesson to everyone.”

A favourite figure in the local media, Pat was born in 1916 and lived through two World Wars, Partition and the Troubles, leading an eventful life never far from the headlines.

There was shock and widespread revulsion in October 2017 when thieves broke into his home and robbed him.

Whether it was proudly leading the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, speed boat racing or winning table tennis championships, his zest for life was infectious and Pat earned a special place in the hearts of the people of Strabane.

A keen collector of artefacts, Pat had amassed a collection of weird and wonderful memorabilia reflecting his passion for motor sports, including a collection of cars and 32 bikes, number plates from all over the world and miniature vehicles, a double-fronted Mini Cooper and even some cars crafted from baths.

Strabane pensioner Pat Gillespie leading St Patrick’s Parade in the town

A number of these artefacts such as his bike and watch will be going on permanent display at the Alley Theatre.

As well as the items going on display from Pat’s collection, there are also plans in development for a wider exhibition on Strabane’s History & Heritage.

This will be based at the Alley Theatre from March 2020, featuring a fascinating array of items from the Council’s Strabane Collection currently housed in its Museum Store.

Life of ‘King of Strabane’ Pat Gillespie is celebrated at the Alley Theatre was last modified: November 26th, 2019 by John
John

Tags:
Derry and Strabane CouncilLife of 'King of Strabane' Pat Gillespie is celebrated at the Alley TheatreMayor Michaela BoyleSt Patrick's Day ParadestrabaneTHE ALLEY THEATRE
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Derry Chamber of Commerce elects new President

3 hours ago

Traffic & Travel: Road closed in Co...

5 hours ago

Does anyone in Derry own this jewellery?

8 hours ago

Mayor invites families to whimsical winter wonderland...

9 hours ago

Mayor performs official dedication ceremony for Felix...

10 hours ago

Fianna Fail chief lends support to SDLP...

11 hours ago

Derry Peace bridge repair work to start...

11 hours ago

‘New IRA’ claims it used tracking devices...

12 hours ago

Tech event championing women in tech to...

1 day ago

Two men released over mortar bomb murder...

1 day ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Lurgybrack Open Farm: The perfect place for family fun this Bank Holiday weekend

    July 10, 2019
  • DD Travel feature: Vibrant Verona

    May 2, 2019
  • Lurgybrack Open Farm reopening for a season of family fun!

    April 11, 2019
  • DD Travel Feature….Majestic Madeira

    March 12, 2019
  • Top award for super Silver Tassie wedding co-ordinator Georgina Howley

    January 31, 2019

Courts

  • Man who played dead after Bloody Sunday shooting awarded £250k compensation

    December 5, 2019
  • Twenty-five witnesses to be called in Soldier F murder case

    December 4, 2019
  • Prosecution in life sentence plea for child killer Liam Whoriskey

    November 29, 2019
  • Man to face Derry court over mortar bomb murder plot on police

    November 29, 2019
  • Child killer Liam Whoriskey to be sentenced today over death of Kayden McGuinness

    November 29, 2019

Donegal Daily

  • Showjumper ordered to pay Donegal businessman €11k over pony sale

    3 hours ago
  • Minister expresses condolences to family after ambulance debacle

    7 hours ago
  • Paul ‘Yank’ Boyle takes the jump….and proposes too!

    7 hours ago

Read More

  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Features
  • Business
  • Politics

Information

  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise WIth Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
Derry Daily

© 2019 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


Back To Top