Vox Pop: Who is your favourite Derry legend?

Derry is a cradle for the stage having produced stars in industries such as sport, music and film. The word ‘Legenderry’ is often used by locals to describe the unique sense of character and raw talent ingrained within the city's fabric. I went along to the city centre and asked some of the people of Derry who they think deserve the legendary status.
By Conor McClean
Published 2nd Feb 2024, 10:10 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Macrea Clarke said: “I would have to say Charlie Nash. I saw him in the Stardust, which was behind the Credit Union in the Bog. I went to see him boxing on my birthday. I was about eight years old, and he was building his way through as a contender for the European Championships at that time.”

Ryan Doherty said: “If I had to choose mine, it would be Nadine Coyle. A wee mural of her would be sweet.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Breda Keenan said: “I always admired John Hume. When I was growing up, the Troubles were going on, and I agreed with everything he said, and he was very fair in all he tried to do. I would like to see a statue of him somewhere. It would be nice in the Guildhall because everyone could see it.”

Top row l-r: Danny McGilloway, Gerry McKeever and Breda Keenan. Bottom row left to right: Ryan Doherty, Macrae Clarke and Danny McGinley. Photos: George Sweeney.Top row l-r: Danny McGilloway, Gerry McKeever and Breda Keenan. Bottom row left to right: Ryan Doherty, Macrae Clarke and Danny McGinley. Photos: George Sweeney.
Top row l-r: Danny McGilloway, Gerry McKeever and Breda Keenan. Bottom row left to right: Ryan Doherty, Macrae Clarke and Danny McGinley. Photos: George Sweeney.

Danny McGilloway said: “Jobby Crossan would’ve been my idol back in those days. I was very privileged when I was younger as I went to see N.Ireland play Scotland in Windsor Park for the Four Nations tournament . It is reputed to be the best match that George Best ever played for NI, but Jobby Crossan was in the same team that day. You want to see the balls he was playing. He made George Best that day.”

Gerry McKeever said: “It would have to be Phil Coulter. At my age, Phil was something you grew up with, and being a Derry man with the ‘Town I love so Well.’”

Danny McGinley said: “Mine would be Martin McGuinness for his beliefs, and especially for what he did for Derry. I knew Martin well, and John Hume too. There should be something done, or dedicated to them; down in the Bog somewhere.”

Related topics:DerryMartin McGuinnessJohn Hume