New Documentary Chronicles Journey of Raphoe’s “Texas Ollie”

A new documentary titled “Texas Ollie” will unveil the extraordinary journey of Ollie Hepburn, a native of Raphoe, who transformed his childhood dreams of becoming a cowboy into reality. This film captures the life of Hepburn, also known as “Texas Ollie,” who gained recognition as a cowboy and musician long after his formative years in the 1950s.

Growing up in Raphoe, Ollie was captivated by the wild west films that graced the big screen, particularly those featuring his idol, Roy Rogers. His passion for the cowboy lifestyle led him to join the Spirit of the Horse travelling show and perform at Dude Ranches in Texas and Germany. Hepburn’s journey into this world began unexpectedly during a trip to a horse fair in Enniskillen, where he encountered a spirited horse named Silver.

“I went to the horse fair just for a run; I didn’t take my trailer, didn’t take any money… ended up buying Silver. I dunno why because I didn’t want the horse… I said he hypnotised me and he will till my dying day,” Hepburn recalls. This impulsive decision marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership.

Initially, Silver proved challenging to train, leading Ollie to contemplate selling the horse. Yet, their bond deepened when Silver demonstrated his unique talent by picking up a hat from the ground. This moment rekindled Ollie’s childhood memories and inspired a series of cowboy tricks that became their signature performance. Together, they showcased their skills in venues across Ireland, the UK, and Dubai, fulfilling Ollie’s lifelong fantasy before enthusiastic audiences.

The documentary not only highlights the friendship between Ollie and Silver but also embodies themes of hope, resilience, and the power of imagination. Today, Hepburn resides on a small ranch outside Glenties with his retired trick horses, JoJo and Rubio. Although Silver has passed away, his legacy remains alive in the lessons of their extraordinary friendship.

Filmmaker Emmet Harte expressed his admiration for Ollie’s enduring spirit. “Ollie still has a passion for life and refuses to ride off into the sunset,” Harte stated. He added, “When I met Ollie while working on a programme for RTÉ, I remembered him from my own childhood in Raphoe. Over twelve months of filming, what shone through was Ollie’s authentic character, his love for his horses, and his belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”

The premiere of “Texas Ollie” is scheduled for November 15, 2023, at 7 PM in The Volt House, Raphoe. This heartwarming film promises to resonate with audiences, offering a poignant reminder that some dreams never fade, no matter the time it takes to achieve them.