Offaly-based Deadpool memorabilia collector to appear on Nationwide tonight

Offaly-based Gareth Peter Pahliney who owns the largest collection of Deadpool film and comic book memorabilia in the world will appear on tonight's episode of Nationwide at 7pm on RTÉ One.

Gareth, who is originally from Pretoria in South Africa, but moved to Cloghan with his family about two and a half years ago holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Deadpool film and comic book memorabilia with a total of 2,250 items. He first started collecting comics when he was just five years old and became more interested in the Deadpool character about 16 years ago.

He hosted a pop-up exhibition for three months last summer to showcase his memorabilia at Cloghan Service Station which was very successful. Gareth said that visitors were "blown away" by the pop-up.

One of Gareth's favourite pieces from his collection is a bust of Ryan Reynolds' face which was used to sculpt his mask for the first film in the Deadpool franchise and was signed by comic book writer and producer Stan Lee and Ryan. Gareth said: “There were only 50 of those made worldwide so it's very rare and I was able to get that.” He also has a poster which was signed by the whole Deadpool cast and one of the original storyboards which was given to him by Twentieth Century Fox after he cosplayed as Deadpool for the premiere of the first film. “I think every item in the collection has a special meaning to me because it represents a time in my life when I bought it.” Another piece in the collection he highlighted as a favourite was a figurine of Deadpool holding a rubber chicken which his aunt was able to get for him.

The South African native also has his own YouTube channel called Gaz's Comic Cave and films a weekly show every Sunday where he provides a quick roundup of all the latest things happening in the comic book and entertainment industry. He often will also take an item from his collection and talk about what makes it special and who made it.

Gareth can be found on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube by searching for Gareth Peter Pahliney or Gaz's Comic Cave.

Deadpool is a popular character depicted in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the alter ego of Wade Wilson, a Canadian mercenary, with superhuman regenerative healing abilities known for his tendency to joke a lot and break the fourth wall for humorous effect.