Donaghey remembered

Several hundred people attended a ceremony in the Bogside on Sunday morning to mark the 40th anniversary of the killing of Gerard Donaghey.

The teenager was one of 13 people shot dead on Bloody Sunday on January 30th 1972. A fourteenth man was to die later from his wounds.

At Sunday’s event, a presentation was made to his niece and nephew, Geraldine and Denis Doherty, by the Bogside and Brandywell Monument Committee.

Gerard Donaghey was a member of Na Fianna Éireann and his name is included on the monument at Lecky Road dedicated to republicans from the area who were killed during the Troubles.

Speaking at the commemoration, Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney said: “I would like to welcome everyone here today to mark the 40th Anniversary of the murder of Gerard Donaghey.

“We are here today to remember with dignity and pride the memory of Gerard and stand in solidarity with Geraldine and the wider family circle.

“What the families achieved in “setting the truth free,” in consigning Widgery to the dustbin of history inflicted a heavy defeat on the British political, military and judicial establishments. June 15th 2010 did not bring an end to the journey where many more truths have yet to be set free.”

Chairperson of Ógra in Derry Eamon McGinley, who read a short biography of Gerard, said: “I would like to assure everyone here today that the name of Gerard Donaghey will not be forgotten and is remembered at every commemoration that takes place at this monument and we will ensure that this torch is passed onto future generations.” Sarah McSheffrey laid flowers at the monument on behalf of the Brandywell and Bogside Monument Committee.

Scottish singer Gary Óg brought proceedings to a close with a rendition of “Something Inside So Strong.”