The late Mickey McGuinness.
Tributes are being paid to well-known Derry man, Michael McGuinness, who died earlier today after a short illness. He was 78.
A renowned local historian Mickey, as he was affectionately known, was a former history officer with Derry City Council.
Born and raised in the Phillip Street area, he was a successful footballer with Sligo and Derry Celtic (he had actually been scouted by West Ham at one stage).
Mickey was also an accomplished singer from a musical family.
A gifted story-teller, he had also penned countless historical articles for the media and was, until his death, chairman of Guildhall Press publishers.
Mickey had edited, written and contributed to many local publications, including “Creggan: More than a History,” “City of Music: Derry’s Music Heritage” and “Discover Derry.’’
He was one of the leading lights of the Christian Brothers Choir, which toured America on a number of occasions in the 1990s and 2000s.
Among those who have paid tribute is SDLP MLA Colum Eastwood who he said he was deeply saddened by Mickey’s passing.
He added: “Mickey McGuinness was a family man, sportsman, historian, music lover, connector of people and places – and a proud son of Derry.”
Mickey is survived by his wife Detta (nee Quigg), sons Donal, Michael and Brian, and daughters, Deirdre, Aine, Una, Maeve and Kathleen.
He was a brother of Danny and sisters Maureen Hegarty (the well-known Derry singer), Sheila McClean, Pat Duffy, Caroline Parkes, Sadie Townsend and the late Grace Doherty.
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