Pat McEntaggart was a real world beater

A CONVERSATION erupted recently about a great fundraiser from times past and I decided to do a little bit more research on a man called Pat McEntaggart, who when it came to fundraising ideas, he was unique.

In March 1981, Pat began an attempt at a new world record in the Drogheda Sports Centre, aiming to hit a punch bag for 136 hours and 20 minutes.

He trained for three months for his challenge which was aimed at raising money for local charities , Drogheda branch of the Irish Red Cross, The Drogheda Sports Centre and the Parkview Playing Pitch Development.

Pat already held the world record for standing in a barrell and claimed that it was far more easier than ball punching.

Drogheda’s other world record holders at the time Phil Taaffe and Aidan Black, who held the Badminton record, visited Pat at the sports centre and gave him all the encouragement they could. Michael Carr Sports Wear sponsored him.

Pat (23) from Shallon, Co Meath, raised €7,000 for charity within a year, his barrell effort coming in December 1980.

Pat worked as a storeman in Garvey’s Cash and Carry and after beating the punch ball record, ended up in a barrell again outside St Peter’s, this time for MS.

He stayed in the barrell through rain, wind and frost, wrapped in two tee-shirts, a track suit top, a small jacket and a big duffle coat.

His barrell was placed 45ft off the ground on scaffolding so Pat took the full force of the nasty Irish weather smack in the face. Pat was flanked for the full duration of the sit in by the Drogheda branch of the Irish Red Cross, members of his family and some friends.

Pat’s sit in was wildly publicised by one international pop radio station - Radio Luxembourg who broadcast from London. One of their disc jockey’s, Stuart Henry, suffered from Multiple Scelerosis and the station was prepared to publicise any events organised to help M.S. sufferers.