Sycamore Gap sapling will be 'fitting tribute to dad'

The family of John Gallagher say the Tree of Hope project will honour his memory following his death last year from Motor Neurone Disease

The only sapling from the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree set to be planted in Northern Ireland will honour a man who died last year with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The Sycamore Gap tree, which once stood in a dramatic dip beside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, was controversially cut down in September 2023, sparking public outcry.

The National Trust's Trees of Hope project aims to keep the spirit of the iconic landmark alive by planting 49 saplings across the UK, each representing a foot of the 200-year-old tree's original height.

John Gallagher's daughter Erin said the sapling set to be planted in Strabane, County Tyrone, is a fitting tribute to "a much-loved and sorely missed father".

Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled on 28 September 2023 - now 49 of its saplings will be planted across the UK - including one in Northern Ireland

Speaking ahead of John's anniversary Mass on Tuesday, Erin described her father as a "gentleman" who "would have done absolutely anything for anybody".

"My daddy was a plumber by trade, but what made him truly special was how good he was with people," she told BBC News NI.

"So many Christmases and holidays, when he should have been off work, he was out helping others. If someone was stuck with a frozen or burst pipe, he would be straight out to help – no questions asked."

Erin said the outpouring of love from the community of Strabane following her father's passing, aged 52, was a testament to his character.

John's wife, Debbie, became his full time carer following his MND diagnosis

John Gallagher was diagnosed with MND in July 2022 at the age of 50.

MND is a condition that affects the brain and nerves. Progression of the disease can be rapid and it can significantly shorten life expectancy.

"We knew when he got his diagnosis that sadly there was nothing that really could be done," Erin said.

"Motor Neurone Disease is different for everyone - some people may lose their speech but can still walk, but for daddy - he lost everything.

"It got to a point where he couldn't walk or move – he lost all physical ability.

"That was one of the hardest things about it because daddy never sat down; he was always out doing things, so it was incredibly hard to see."

Erin said described MND as a "horrific disease".

"My mummy actually became his full-time carer who did everything for him, and our family, my mum, Debbie, myself and Tiarnán, just used the precious little time we had left to spend it all with him."

'John meant so much to all of us'

The idea to dedicate a sapling in John's memory came after his brother-in-law, John Donaghey, learned about the Trees of Hope initiative.

Working with Martin McGrath at the Lisnafin Community Centre in Strabane, Mr Donaghey submitted an application which was ultimately successful out of hundreds of entries.

"I think it's so nice to know that there will be a place where not just friends and family but for everyone in the community can go to feel comfort and help keep his memory alive."

Mr Donaghey told BBC News NI that they put forward the application "because John meant so much to all of us".

"I think the saplings being planted are a great way of showing that the story of the Sycamore Gap tree did not simply end with its fall," he said.

"The sapling will carry with it not only the legacy of the original tree, but also the memory of a man who gave so much to so many people.

"I know the sapling will also mean a lot to his parents, Jim and Rose, aged 90 and 89 respectively, who helped to mould John into the special person he was."

The family hopes to plant the sapling next to the 'Let the Dance Begin' sculptures in Strabane, more commonly known as the Tinnies - a location supported by Independent councillor Raymond Barr.

Derry City and Strabane District Council has said no decision has been taken on the exact location of the sapling as yet, but a report is due to be brought to council's governance and strategic planning committee in September.

The National Trust said the saplings are scheduled to be planted between late October and February.

In July, two men who chopped the tree down were each jailed for four years and three months.