Special significance to Dungannon’s final Hooley at the Lough

HOOLEY at the Lough is set to return to Dungannon for one last dance next month in memory of its beloved co-founder, the late Sean Patterson and his wife Geraldine.

Mr Patterson, who originally founded the popular local event following the passing of his wife, passed away in August last year just weeks after their eleventh annual hooley. Over the years, Sean and the team’s ambitious efforts in promoting the annual event has seen them raise over £50,000 for NICHS (Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke). “This year will be the final year of Hooley at the Lough,” explained co-founder and secretary Folla Ferran.

“We have dubbed it ‘One Last Dance’ in memory of Sean and Geraldine and we have some fantastic entertainment and fun for all the family lined up.

“Tickets are selling well so make sure and grab yours today!”

The hooley is set to kick off on Saturday, May 10 at the ACE Coach Yard with a tractor run and classic car show from 1pm, with gates opening from 10.30am.

On Sunday, May 11, a family fun day will take place, with amusements, face painting, strong man competitions and much more.

As ever, a stunning bill of entertainment is on the cards, with performances announced so far from the Brantry Pipe Band and Dundalk Ukelele Strummers with plenty more to be announced ahead of the big weekend!

There will also be a massive raffle held on the Sunday with one of Sean’s beloved classic cars up for grabs – a classic GLS 4X4 1989 Ford Sierra.

Mr Patterson was also the founder of the Dungannon Friends of NICHS and chairman of the Dungannon Classic Car and Vehicle Club. His family also runs Ace Coach Hire in Dungannon.

Following his passing in August, tributes poured in for the charitable businessman, with a spokesperson on behalf of NICHS describing him as an ‘incredible ambassador and support’ of NICHS and a ‘pillar of the community’ who will be remembered fondly and dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

Further tributes continued, with the ACE Coach Hire team expressing their heartbreak and devastation, further stating that they had ‘big shoes to fill’.

They said, “Sean was a mentor, a friend, a rock and a father-like figure to all who came through his gates over the years and he will be sorely missed.

“Ace Coaches will continue to operate in Sean’s memory and we will try our best to make him proud.”

Oliver Conlon, a member of the Dungannon Classic Car Vehicle Club, described Mr Patterson as ‘the kindest soul’ who was “willing to help anyone in anyway despite his own health battles.”

He continued, “I have a strong faith and I have absolutely no doubt that Sean Patterson will be sitting in the best seat in Heaven tonight and giving us all the strength to get through the very difficult days, weeks, months and years head.

“Our show in Europarts Yard last month was a massive success with money raised going to local charities of which we were discussing at our last meeting a few weeks ago.

“Little did we know, or I know, as I ran his Renault 12 into the garage for him that it was the last time I would speak to him.

“Rest in Eternal Peace, Sean.

“We will never forget your kind, loving and generous spirit.”