The Derry Journal was there to capture these events for posterity.
Here is a selection of photographs from October 1997.
9. Presidential candidate Mary McAleese chats to workers at Fruit of the Loom in Buncrana.
Presidential candidate Mary McAleese chats to workers at Fruit of the Loom in Buncrana. Photo: Archive
10. Presidential candidate Mary McAleese on walkabout in Fruit of the Loom, Buncrana.
Presidential candidate Mary McAleese on walkabout in Fruit of the Loom, Buncrana. Photo: archive
11. Presidential candidate Mary McAleese meets Bid McLaughlin at Fruit of the Loom
Presidential candidate Mary McAleese meets Bid McLaughlin at Fruit of the Loom Photo: archive
12. Alex Ferguson in Derry.
Alex Ferguson in Derry. Photo: archive