Derry Journal Review of The Year 2025: Dana awarded Lifetime Achievement at Derry Journal awards
June
June seen The Derry Journal celebrate the achievements of Derry, Donegal and Strabane folk who have achieved the extraordinary.
1970 Eurovision Song Contest winner Dana Rosemary Scallon was awarded the Life Achievement.
Dana received a standing ovation as she was presented with the 2025 accolade by Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Ruairí McHugh during the ceremony at the Everglades Hotel.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dana said: "This award means so much to me as I love Derry; I love Donegal.”
There was another standing ovation as the prestigious Ambassador Award on the night was awarded posthumously to Sister Clare Crockett.
Sister Clare’s sisters Megan Nicell and Shauna Gill were presented with the award by Derry Journal Editor Brendan McDaid.
Shipquay street also turned red in support of Gaza, Protesters gathered to walk from Bishop’s Gate to Shipquay Street, where they unfurled a giant red line of fabric in protest over the genocide being committed in Gaza.
A security alert was called at Derry Primary school in June. The security operation, centred on a suspicious object found in the grounds of Sacred Heart Primary School.
The incident resulted in schoolchildren and staff having to be evacuated during their final week of term, along with residents and staff and customers at shops located nearby.
Sinn Féin Councillor Christopher Jackson said: “Those behind such reckless actions have caused a great deal of distress, disruption and concern to young children who should have been enjoying a day preparing for their summer break.”