James McClean’s wife Erin and children Allie-Mae (age 3) and Junior McClean (age 1) today at the launch of Derry legends bus
REPUBLIC of Ireland star James McClean has been named as one of three “living legends” to have their faces featured on Derry buses.
Following a public vote, the footballer was nominated as one of three local people along with Phil Coulter and Roma Downey were chosen.
Translink unveiled the double decker to the public at a ceremony today in Guildhall Square and Phil Coulter and members of James McClean’s family – his wife Eirinn and two children were at the big reveal in the Guildhall Square.
When told of the honour, Creggan-born James McClean said: “I was completely overwhelmed with pride when I was told I was chosen by the people of my home town to receive this honour.
“I am so proud of where I come from and I truly believe Derry is the best place in the world. I am delighted to be considered in the same company as Roma Downey and Phil Coulter who I have great admiration for.”
Hundreds of people nominated and voted for their favourite Derry stars throughout the Foyle Legends campaign.
Phil Coulter, who was in attendance at the unveiling, said: “As a kid growing up in Derry, one of the most common insults was ‘You have a face like the back of a bus’.
“Little did I think that one day my face would be ON a bus! I am genuinely thrilled and grateful that my own people have voted for me as a legend and I’m happy to be sharing the honour with a Hollywood star and a soccer hero.
“Does this mean that I get to travel on the bus for free?”
James is a Premier League footballer who plays for West Bromwich Albion and the Republic of Ireland national team.
A former Derry City star, James played at UEFA Euro 2012 and UEFA Euro 2016 James is also known for his charity work and acts of kindness in Derry, including a donation to The House in the Wells and Foyle Valley House.
Phil Coulter is a Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter whose songs have been recorded by superstars like Elvis Presley and Sinead O’Connor.
He received the Gold Badge from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors in 2009 and he co-wrote the winning song for the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967.
Roma Downey is a major player in Hollywood, known for both her acting and producing talents.
Best known for her role on ‘Touched by an Angel’, Roma also produced the Emmy-nominated miniseries ‘The Bible’.
Roma has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and she can often be found on lists such as Variety’s ‘100 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood’.
