Derry factory workers' rights campaigner Sarah Doherty honoured

The plaque recognises Sarah Doherty's significant contribution to workers' rights, trade unionism and social justice during her lifetime, a transformative period in the city's history.

Born in 1884, Sarah worked in the shirt-making industry and became one of the most prominent voices advocating for improved working conditions and fair treatment for women workers. Her determined campaigning on behalf of shirt factory employees helped highlight the challenges faced by many working women and secured her place as an important figure in labour and social history.

Following the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday, guests were invited to the Tower Museum to hear historian Daisy Mules deliver a talk on Sarah’s life and achievements.

Speaking after the unveiling, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said: "Sarah Doherty was a remarkable woman whose courage and commitment to social justice left a lasting mark on our city and beyond. She stood up for some of the most vulnerable workers in society and championed the rights of women at a time when their voices were too often overlooked.

“It’s fitting that we honour her contribution through the installation of this Blue Plaque, ensuring that future generations can learn about her achievements and the important role she played in shaping a fairer society."

The Blue Plaque has been commissioned by the Ulster History Circle, which works to recognise and celebrate individuals who have made an important contribution to the history and cultural heritage of Ulster.

Dr Eibhlín Mhic Aoidh, Vice Chair of the Ulster History Circle, added: "Sarah Doherty worked to improve the conditions of the workers in the Derry shirt factory industry through the trade union movement from 1913 until her death in 1947. We in the Ulster History Circle are delighted to be able to recognise her legacy thanks to our partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, the support of the Inner City Trust and the family of Sarah Doherty."

Sarah Doherty was the third daughter in a family of 13 children. She went to work in the shirt factory at the age of 14. Her father was Manasses Doherty, her mother was Sarah (neé McDaid). They lived at 9 Wellington Street in the Bogside.

She got involved in trade union activity around the time of the shirtcutters’ strike in 1913, and campaigned for better pay and working conditions for women, who were paid at a lower rate than men and less than in similar trades in England.

Tens of thousands of women across Derry, Donegal and Tyrone worked in the region’s shirt factories over successive generations and many more were employed in the cottage industries and satellite operations that were a central part of making the north west a world-renowned shirt manufacturer.

Shirts made locally were dispatched across the globe and the women who powered that industry were often the bread winners for their families and were collectively instrumental in making the city an industrial powerhouse.

The Blue Plaque can be viewed on display at 16-18 Shipquay Street.