(Photo – Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)
MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Elisha McCallion has opened a Book of Condolence at the Guildhall today, following the death of veteran civil rights activist Paddy “Bogside” Doherty.
Extending her heartfelt sympathy to the Doherty family circle, the Mayor said she was deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
“Paddy Bogside was a true Derry man who loved his city and its people.
“On a personal level, Paddy played a major part in my life, he inspired me to become involved in politics and was a dear family friend.
“I will never forget the positive work he has done for the city, he leaves behind a real legacy that will have lasting benefits for future generations.
“Paddy is one of Derry’s best known figures, not only for his involvement in the civil rights movement, but for his involvement in redeveloping and rebuilding the city.
“A former vice chairman of the Derry Citizens Defence Association, Paddy was also heavily involved in the establishment of the credit union movement in Derry.
“He had a vision for a better future for Derry and worked to establish the North West Centre for Learning Development in the 1970’s to help tackle unemployment.
“This later became the Inner City Trust, which not only revitalised and rebuilt the city centre, but helped establish a wide range of educational projects aimed at providing people with new skills to help bring them back to work.
“Paddy Bogside was a fantastic person and a superb ambassador for Derry and the entire North West region. He was a real character who left a lasting impression on everyone who met him.
“He worked tirelessly throughout his life to improve the life of others and to showcase all that is good about Derry. An extremely proud Derry man, he will be greatly missed and his name will go down in the history books as the man who made Derry the city that it is today.
“On behalf of the people of the city and district I would like to extend our sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of this true Derry legend who did his best for the city he loved so well.”
The Mayor said she felt it was important local people were afforded the opportunity to share their memories of Paddy and express their sympathies to the Doherty family.
“It is important that Paddy’s achievements in life are acknowledged and that the local community shows its support and solidarity at this time of loss for his family and I would encourage as many people as possible to sign the Book of Condolence in the Guildhall,” she added.
