Sycamore Gap tree sapling a 'fitting tribute' to Strabane man John Gallagher

A COMMEMORATIVE Sycamore tree will be planted in the town this weekend in a 'fitting tribute' to Strabane man, John Gallagher.

The sapling - one of 49 and the only one to be planted on these shores - will be planted within the site of 'the Tinnies' in memory of the local plumber whose generosity and kindness made him a pillar of the community.

The father-of-two, who had lived with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), passed away last year.

The tree has been propagated from the iconic Sycamore Gap Tree, which once stood in a dramatic dip along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland before it was illegally felled in September 2023.

The sapling is being provided by the National Trust through its Tree of Hope project which aims to keep the spirit of the iconic landmark alive, with each sapling representing a foot of the 200-year-old tree's original height.

Following a Recognition Panel in July, and a subsequent proposal during September’s Governance and Strategic Planning Committee, members of Derry City and Strabane District Council had requested the planting of the tree in honour of Mr Gallagher.

During November’s Environment and Regeneration Committee meeting, council’s Natural Environment Regeneration officer, Colin Kennedy, confirmed that the planting will take place on Saturday to align with National Tree Week.

An accompanying plaque will read: “The John Gallagher Tree of Hope (The Strabane Sycamore).

“Planted in loving memory of John Gallagher, 1972-2024, a respected member of our community who gave his time, kindness, and spirit in service of others.

“Grown from the famous Sycamore Gap Tree, this tree stands as a symbol of hope, renewal, and enduring connection – a living tribute to the strength of John, community and nature.”

Mr Kennedy noted that a number of sites were considered, including the council offices on the Derry Road and the Strathan’s Road facility, but the Tinnies was the preferred site as there is already a commemorative tree there.

He added: “Sycamore trees can grow quite large so it needs careful consideration so that in time it does not impact visually on the Tinnies sculptures.

“In addition, consideration may need to be made to relocate the tree should the A5 impact on its location.

'Iconic'

Sinn Féin councillor, Paul Boggs, noted that this was the only sapling from the Sycamore Gap Tree being planted on the island of Ireland.

He added: “Having known John and known the Gallagher family, it’s very fitting that this tree has that extra added layer of specialness.

“I think it also serves as an important reminder of the impacts of MND."

SDLP councillor, Martin Reilly, said the tree will “speak to people beyond the Strabane area”.

“In terms of this being the only location for the sapling in Northern Ireland,” he clarified.

“And the wider impact that that will have in terms of attracting people from the other regions.

“It will give a chance for MND charities to raise awareness of that awful disease, and I’m happy that this will come to fruition now in the next couple of days.”

Strabane independent councillor, Raymond Barr, brought forward the initial motion.

He described the sapling, one of only 49 taken from the Gap Tree, as “iconic”.

“It deserves an iconic site and that site is the Tinnies,” he said.

“John Gallagher was a highly valued and respected member of the Strabane community.

“It’s an iconic award from the National Trust, is internationally acclaimed and it deserves a fitting site.

“It will attract tourists, will attract schools, and will be a tremendous asset to Strabane.”

UUP Alderman, Derek Hussey, who supported councillor Barr’s initial proposal, concluded: “It was a tremendous initiative and of worldwide significance, given the spread of the saplings that will emerge from the fallen Sycamore Gap Tree, (and) a tremendous project altogether.

“I trust that when we place the tree we don’t have to move it again, that the site will not be impacted going forward, that we can have that all resolved before any such need would occur.”

Saturday's planting ceremony will take place at 2.30pm, and John's family have extended a warm welcome to members of the local community to come along and join them.