Sycamore Gap sapling planted in honour of Strabane man

The sapling, which is part of the National Trust's Trees of Hope project, was dedicated to the memory of Strabane man John Gallagher, who died last year, during a ceremony near the Let the Dance Begin sculptures on Saturday

A sapling from the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree has been planted in Strabane, County Tyrone, in honour of a man who died last year with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The sapling, which is part of the National Trust's Trees of Hope project, was dedicated to the memory of John Gallagher at a ceremony near the Let the Dance Begin sculptures, commonly known as the Tinnies, on Saturday.

John's daughter, Erin, who spoke at the ceremony, said the tree planting ceremony brought both comfort and pride to John's family and friends.

"We are truly delighted and deeply touched that John is being honoured in such a beautiful and meaningful way," Erin Gallagher said.

John Gallagher, who is pictured in a red woolly hat, died last year from Motor Neurone Disease. He is pictured with his family (L-R) Tiarnán, Debbie and Erin

Erin said she was blown away by the amount of people who showed up for the ceremony on Saturday, saying it shows just how highly her father was thought of by the local community.

"To have this Tree of Hope planted in his memory ensures that his life, his kindness, and his incredible spirit will have a visible and lasting legacy here in the heart of Strabane."

The sapling in County Tyrone is one of 49 planted across the UK – one for each foot of the original 200-year-old tree's height – as part of the National Trust's effort to preserve the legacy of the Sycamore Gap landmark.

The Trees of Hope initiative attracted nearly 500 applications for the saplings, which were grown from seeds rescued after the much-loved tree was cut down in September 2023.

The Sycamore Gap tree had stood for generations in a dramatic dip beside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland.

The Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled on 28 September 2023

Daniel Michael Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, both from Cumbria, were jailed for four years and three months in July after being convicted of criminal damage.

The first sapling grown from the Sycamore Gap tree was presented to King Charles III last summer and will be planted on behalf of the nation at a later date, the National Trust said.

The idea of dedicating a sapling in John Gallagher's memory came from his brother-in-law, John Donaghey, who learned about the initiative after John's death.

Working with the Lisnafin Community Centre in Strabane, Mr Donaghey submitted an application that was ultimately selected from hundreds of entries, securing the only sapling to be planted in Northern Ireland.

A plaque accompanies the tree, bears the inscription: "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."

Erin said she was blown away by the amount of people who showed up for the ceremony on Saturday, saying it shows just how highly her father was thought of by the local community.

Gregor Fulton, Trees and Woodland Adviser at the National Trust in Northern Ireland, said: "To have the Sycamore Gap tree live on through these saplings is very special and we hope they will become meaningful places for reflection, and we're looking forward to seeing them thrive.

Over the next couple of years, the saplings will start to take shape, and as sycamores are so hardy, they should be able to withstand a range of conditions.

It's a fitting tribute and a lovely way to commemorate John Gallagher, that we hope will touch many lives."

'Deserved tribute to a perfect gentleman'

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Ruairí McHugh, who spoke at the ceremony, said the sapling "is more than a memorial, it is a powerful symbol of our community's resilience and hope, mirroring the profound and positive impact John Gallagher had on all of us".

"The council is deeply proud to support this living tribute, ensuring his spirit continues to inspire Strabane for generations to come."

Independent councillor Raymond Barr, who brought forwarded the motion to plant the tree in Strabane, which was seconded by councillor Derek Hussey, described the ceremony as "emotional but happy", describing it as a fitting tribute to a local plumber "who was always prepared to go the extra mile to help anyone".

"The large turnout illustrated the esteem in which John and his family are held in Strabane, a well deserved tribute to a perfect gentleman."