The Letterkenny community came together last Friday to honour the legacy of late Charlie Collins Snr.
Great stories and fond memories were shared by friends and family in tribute to the well-known Letterkenny man during Community Heritage Weekend 2019.
Charlie ‘Bovril’ Collins was remembered as a man of many talents, from football to boxing, dancing and entertaining.
A leading Donegal sportsman and a legend in his own time, Charlie played for Derry City, Letterkenny Crusaders and Letterkenny Rovers. He was also a member of the Junior GAA team that reached Croke Park in the All Ireland Semi Final in 1952, bringing great pride to the town in the first time this team ever achieved this honour.
The most poignant talk and memories were recalled by Charlie’s eldest son, also named Charlie, who in the company of brothers Martin and Liam recalled happy times in Letterkenny.
Tribute event in memory of Charlie Collins Snr, Station House Hotel Letterkenny
There were tears shed and times recalled as guests listened to Evelyn Gallagher sing her Letterkenny Town. A piece of history was shown as guests watched Charlie Snr sing at a reunion dance some 25 years ago.
In the company of his sister, sons and grandchildren family and friends, guests listened to numerous speakers give their memories of Charlie and his beloved Bida.
Father Willie Mc Menamin and Letterkenny Mayor Ian Mc Garvey spoke of football days and the Summer cups and stories of a bygone era.
Tribute event in memory of Charlie Collins Snr, Station House Hotel Letterkenny
Tribute event in memory of Charlie Collins Snr, Station House Hotel Letterkenny
Tribute event in memory of Charlie Collins Snr, Station House Hotel Letterkenny
Anthony Gorman from Letterkenny Rivers and Daniel O Doherty from Derry City recalled Charlie Snr’s contribution to their clubs over the years. A great collection of pictures were shown on screen and Charlie shared a professional presentation and explanation of them all.
The night was chaired by Brian Walsh and sponsored by Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh for the Heritage group.
Pictured with Martin Collins is Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh who sponsored the night for the Letterkenny Heritage group.
Letterkenny Community Heritage Weekend 2019 was another success for the group. Another event was held on Saturday with Comhaltas Letterkenny, in appreciation of the group’s contribution to preserving and promoting traditional Irish music and culture.
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