AT an early age, a young Patrick Gallagher from the Rosses began work as a farm labourer, first in county Donegal and then as a potato picker in Scotland. It was this hard work, with its long hours and poor pay, that inspired him to return home and set up a cooperative movement in the Rosses.
Paddy ‘the Cope’ Gallagher was born in Cleendra just outside Dungloe on Christmas day 1871. Little did people know at that time that the birth of this young boy would in later years see the establishment of a thriving business that would not alone create much needed employment at the time but would also keep employment in the Rosses for 120 years.
A large crowd including current and former employees attended a celebration night in the Waterfront Hotel at the weekend. Former employee and board member Jimmy Durning, 92, cut the cake on the night, 45 years after his father cut it for the 75th anniversary.
Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher TD, a board member of the Cope and a grandson of Paddy ‘the Cope’, said he was delighted to be at the 120-year celebration. He told the Donegal News that he worked in the Cope when he was very young, serving in practically every department. He thanked the Cope team for their dedication and commitment under the excellent direction of Mark Sharkey, CEO.
Gerard Diver, Annette Diver, and Declan Dorrian at the Cope’s 120th anniversary gala night.
“I’m one of the few here tonight, in addition to Jimmy Durning, who remembers Paddy ‘the Cope’. It’s remarkable when one thinks that Paddy ‘the Cope’ was 35 years of age when he came back from Scotland and established the Cope. At 35 he would have lived half the average life, however, he went on until he was 95,” he said.
Deputy Gallagher described his grandfather as a man that would never take no for an answer, saying anything he ever tried was reasonably successful.
“I think one of his great achievements was the provision of electricity to Dungloe in the fifties when there was no other supplier at that time.
“He was a remarkable man,” he added.
Annagry Cope staff members, Patricia Rodgers, Leanne Dowdall, Grace Sharkey, and Margaret Hoey.
Mark Sharkey, CEO paid a glowing tribute to the staff of the Cope who he described as the heartbeat of the business.
“The Cope has never just been a business, it has always been a community effort, built by local people, for local people.
“It is carried forward year after year by the commitment, integrity, and hard work of our employees and partners. To our staff across every department – in stores, in finance, on the shop floors at the coal face, behind the scenes, thank you. Your dedication is what keeps the Cope strong. It’s not buildings, it’s not balance sheets, it’s people,” he said.
Mr Sharkey also paid tribute to the board of the Cope for their continued unwavering support. He said that during his 18 years the board has continually provided guidance and encouragement and have always supported the senior management decisions through good times and bad.
Words and photos by Eoin McGarvey
Mark Sharkey, CEO of the Cope pictured with Pat Ryan and Svitlana Iakovchuk.
Gerry O’Donnell (3rd from left) received an outstanding service award at the Cope’s 120th anniversary ball. He is pictured with, from left, Mark Sharkey, CEO, Pat the Cope Gallagher TD, board member, and Pat Dunleavy, board chairman.
Jessica, Lisa, and Brendan McGee.
Alison Duggan, Casidhe Clark, Jag Sangha, and Sadie Sweeney.
92 year old Jimmy Durning cutting the cake at the Cope’s 120th anniversary, 45 years after his father cut the cake for the 75th anniversary.
Cope board member, Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher and his wife Ann at the 120th anniversary gala night.
Long serving Cope staff member Brian Sweeney and his wife Noleen.
Emma and Martin McGarvey.
James and Anita Meehan at the Cope’s 120th anniversary ball.
