Holywood was always different – more tolerant, more together….
HE has been a familiar face on the streets of Holywood but now James Patrick is planning an easier life.
James, the town’s much-loved street sweeper, has laid down his broom for the final time. But what he leaves behind is more than clean pavements; it’s a legacy of pride, kindness and community spirit, woven through every corner of the place he’s always called home.
And tucked in among the memories? A heart-warming story he’s never shared – aHolywood was always different – more tolerant, more together.bout how Rory McIlroy’s dad played an unlikely role in helping him buy his first home.
To most, James was never just the man who kept the streets spotless – he was part of Holywood’s heartbeat. Day after day, in every season and all weathers, he’d be out before sunrise, offering a warm greeting, a kind word and a watchful eye over the town he cherished.
Born and raised on Spencer Street, James says Holywood has always been special.
“I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else in Northern Ireland,” he said. “The people, the location, the brilliant shops, and the real sense of community – that’s what I love.”
James began his role with North Down Borough Council in February 1978, after his father brought him to the depot to ask about work.
That simple visit sparked a career that would span 47 years – and a bond with Holywood that only grew stronger with time.
Recently honoured by Holywood Chamber of Commerce with a framed print of the town and a plaque marking his long service, James says he’ll treasure the gift always.
“Holywood has always been a great place to live,” he added. “It was a garrison town. Catholics and Protestants lived side by side, married each other – and nobody batted an eyelid. Yet just seven miles away, there was a war going on. Still is, I think.”
That sense of unity and belonging helped James feel grounded – and even get a foot on the property ladder early in life, thanks to an unexpected helper.
As a teenager, he bought his first house in Church View, raising the deposit in the most creative way – by collecting empty Budweiser cans from Holywood Football Club, where none other than Gerry McIlroy – father of golfing icon Rory McIlroy – was working behind the bar.
“Gerry lived just across the road from me on Pattons Lane,” James recalled. “He was a lovely man – always up for a chat. I asked him to keep the aluminium cans for me, and every Thursday, he’d open the side door of the club and hand them over. It took me about four months, but I brought them to the scrapyard in Belfast and saved £75 – enough for the deposit on my first home.”
“So really,” he laughed, “I’ve got Gerry to thank for getting me on the property ladder. In a roundabout way, Rory McIlroy’s dad helped me buy my first house. You won’t find a nicer man than Gerry.”
It’s that perfect blend of humour, humility and heart that makes James such a treasured figure in Holywood. From sweeping leaves in autumn to prepping the streets for May Day and ensuring the town sparkled for Christmas, he’s taken quiet pride in every part of the job.
Barbara Wilson, joint President of Holywood Chamber of Commerce said James represents everything that’s special about Holywood – community, kindness and quiet dedication.
“He’s one of those people who has simply always been there, rain or shine, helping to keep our town beautiful. We were honoured to recognise his service and present him with a small token of our thanks. He may be retiring, but his legacy will be felt on every street corner.”
James says he has loved every minute of working in Holywood, ‘even the 5am starts’.
And though his sweeping days are over, James isn’t going anywhere.
“I’ll still be around,” he said. “This town’s been good to me. I’ll never leave it. What to do next is the big question.”
