John Hume grave a ‘place of pilgrimage’

People from across Ireland and further afield have been visiting the Derry politician’s final resting place in the weeks since his funeral.

A small wooden cross, enscribed with his name, marks the grave in the lower section of the cemetery.

It overlooks Brandywell Stadium where Mr Hume (pictured) could often be found cheering on Derry City FC.

One of the visitors to the grave this week was Claire Keane, from Co. Cork, who hailed the former SDLP leader as “Ireland’s Greatest”.

“We’ve been visiting friends in Co. Donegal and I insisted that, as we were up this far, we would pay our respects to John Hume by visiting his grave. In a way, it’s a bit of a pilgrimage for me. He did so much for Ireland and peace here. His contribution should never be forgotten.”

Sean Phelan, from Co. Down, was another visitor to the graveside.

He said: “Without John Hume, we would not have peace in Ireland. Granted, we’ve had our ups and downs but, without his efforts all those years ago, we would never have had the ceasefires or the Good Friday Agreement.

“He was an immense man and I am humbled to be standing by his graveside.”