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One Town One Team - Sma Shot Day


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St Mirren supporters have the opportunity to own a little piece of history at tomorrow’s Sma’ Shot Day celebrations.

Paisley punters are set to come together in Abbey Square for the annual celebration of the Paisley weavers winning their dispute with the manufacturers to be paid for the Sma’ Shot – a hidden cotton thread that held the Paisley Pattern shawls together.

On Saturday, the festival kicks-off with the annual parade through the town at noon - from Brodie Park to Abbey Close.

The festival was revived in 1986, with this year marking 30 years since the parade made its return to the town.

And, by coincidence, this season marks 30 years since St Mirren got their hands on the Scottish Cup following an extra time victory over Dundee United at Hampden.

To mark the occasion, the St Mirren Fans’ Council and local artist Garry Byars have come together to commission a special painting.

Byars, who has close ties with both Sma’ Shot Day and Saints, has painted a portrait of former Saints star Tony Fitzpatrick parading the trophy around Hampden.

Byars’ work was first brought to the attention of Paisley when he was commissioned by Renfrewshire District Council in 1986 to create a replica of the Charleston Drum, the same drum that is used to lead the parade through the streets of Paisley to this day.

The painting of Fitzy, alongside another of cup-winning captain Billy Abercromby, will be auctioned off on the main stage at around 1.55pm.

The Fitzpatrick painting has been signed by the man himself, giving fans the chance to get their hands on a unique piece of St Mirren memorabilia.

Colin Haggerty, chairman of the Fans’ Council, told Express Sport: “In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sma’ Shot Day, St Mirren Fans ‘Council and renowned artist Garry Byars, a founding member of Sma’ Shot Day, decided that it was a fantastic opportunity to work together to commemorate the occasion.

“With this season marking 30 years since St Mirren’s triumph in the Scottish Cup, we felt it was a perfect chance.

“Garry has produced a stunning picture of Tony, which he has kindly signed, and we will be auctioning that off alongside a previous picture painted by Garry of Billy Abercromby which has been donated by the 1877 Club.

“These will both be auctioned off to the highest bidder on the day.”

Haggerty admits he is delighted that the club will be represented on the day as they join in among the community’s festivities.

And he revealed that there will also be a special guest roaming around throughout the afternoon.

He added: “The Paisley Panda will be mingling with those who come down and there will be plenty of opportunities for photographs.

“Right from the beginning the Fans’ Council wanted to get involved and I think it is brilliant and really important that the club is represented at these events.

“We really do subscribe to the ‘one team, one town’ motto and when I heard Garry’s story I just felt like it was a great opportunity.”

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