'A very sad day for Derry' as Bloody Sunday justice campaigner John Kelly passes away
Tributes have been paid to Bloody Sunday campaigner John Kelly following his passing.
Mr Kelly passed away peacefully at his Westway home on Saturday and will be laid to rest on Monday.
A former Chair of The Bloody Sunday Campaign, and Honorary Chair of The Bloody Sunday Trust, Mr Kelly was a prominent spokespeople for the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday. His brother Michael, aged just 17, was among those murdered in the Bogside area of the city on January 30, 1972.
Mr Kelly had fought tirelessly or truth, justice and accountability and to overturn the Widgery Tribunal whitewash alongside the other relatives of the dead and the wounded.
SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said on Saturday that this was “a very sad day for Derry”.
“John Kelly was a familiar face across our city for decades and someone who knew and connected with people from all walks of life. As one of the leading campaigners in the fight for justice for Bloody Sunday, his work and his determination were recognised and respected far beyond Derry.
“Along with the other Bloody Sunday families, John spent many years fighting for truth and justice, not just for his own family and those who lost loved ones on Bloody Sunday, but for the people of this city. He repeatedly faced down the might of the British establishment and refused to allow the truth about what happened on the streets of Derry in January 1972 to be buried. He did his brother Michael proud.”
Mr Eastwood added: “John was determined that the story of Bloody Sunday would never be forgotten. Through his work with the Bloody Sunday Trust and the Museum of Free Derry, he helped keep the memory of those who were killed alive and ensured that their stories continued to be told. He also used that experience to stand alongside others facing oppression around the world. His example will inspire others to carry that work forward.
“John was a man of quiet dignity who carried himself with the confidence of someone who knew he was just in his cause. Whether meeting governments and dignitaries or simply stopping for a chat on the street, he was always the same. His passing is a huge loss to Derry. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the other Bloody Sunday families at this very difficult time. I hope they can take some comfort from the contribution John made to this city and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.”
Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy expressed his deepest condolences on the passing of John Kelly. The Foyle MLA said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Kelly. “John epitomised the Derry spirit. He dedicated his life to challenging injustice and standing up for what was right, showing remarkable courage, dignity and resilience. “Through his tireless campaigning for truth and justice, he worked relentlessly to ensure that his brother Michael, and all those murdered and injured on Bloody Sunday, were finally declared innocent. “My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with John’s children, grandchildren and the wider Kelly family circle at this very difficult time. “John’s life was dedicated to seeking justice and he will be remembered across Ireland and internationally as a man who challenged the status quo. “As a man who took on the might of the British state and won. “Through his campaigning and his outreach role within the Museum of Free Derry, John taught my generation what it means to stand up for justice. “To be a champion for equality. To never give up, no matter how big the obstacle. “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Sinn Féin councillor Aisling Hutton said John had been ‘a true friend to us all’.
He was courageous. He was dignified. He was relentless in his pursuit of truth and justice for his brother Michael and for all those murdered and injured on Bloody Sunday.
"He inspired generations to stand up for what is right and never give up. His contribution will never be forgotten, and he will be sorely missed.
"My heartfelt condolences to John’s children, grandchildren and the entire Kelly family.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
John Kelly was the beloved husband of the late Margaret, loving father of John, Michael, Emmett, Mark, Niall and Martin, devoted grandfather to Sean, Ruari, Mollie, Luke, Aedan, Nathan, Ava, Thomas and Eve, dear father-in-law of Deirdre, Adelle, Caitlin and Sinead, darling son of the late John and Kathleen, brother of Via, Ka, Philomena, Peggy, Martin, Christine and the late Jean, JoJo, Marian, Terry and Michael.
John will be reposing at his home on Saturday from 1:00pm. Family time please from 9:00pm to 11:00am.
Funeral will be leaving his home on Monday , November 9 at 9:20am to St. Mary’s Church, Creggan for Requiem Mass at 10:00am. Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if wished, to Foyle Hospice, 61 Culmore Road, Derry, BT48 8JE or City Friends of Marie Curie, 29G Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh, BT78 5EJ.