Patrick Gallgher was the founder of the Templecrone Agricultural Co-operative society, Donegal - or 'the Cope' in 1906.

At an early age he began work as a hired boy working as a farm labourer first in Donegal and then as a potato picker in Scotland.

It was during this hard work, with its long hours and poor pay that he was later to report, inspired him to found a co-operative movement back home in Donegal.

His co-op was opposed by local vested interests and he had to buy his own boats to do his importing. He also helped to co-ordinate the local fishing and textile co-operatives allowing such workers to swap their produce for goods in his local co-operative shops.

He is grandfather of the politician Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher.

Produced and Presented by Proinsias O Conluain

First broadcast 25th September 1977

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