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A motion tabled by Sinn Féin Councillors Patricia Logue and Emma McGinley, on behalf of the Longtower Youth Club Youth Committee, to rename the Brandywell Park in honour of the late Derry man passed unanimously at this month's full Council meeting.

Speaking on the proposal, Councillor Logue said: "All councillors in the Moor DEA were contacted by the Youth Committee at Longtower Youth Club to ask for help and advice on how they could get the Brandywell Park renamed in honour of Brian McMenamin.

"I knew Brian personally, and he was a stalwart of community activism and alongside others he was integral in developing the youth and community services here in the Brandywell.

The play park will be renamed in memory of Brian

Nothing was a barrier to participation for young people when it came to Brian, and I think the youth committee's proposal is a fitting one to remember Brian."

Councillor Mc Ginley said: "I think it's really important that our young people are a part of democratic processes and have an avenue for having their views heard and represented.

“This motion came from the youth at Longtower Youth Club, as they wanted to pay tribute to Brian McMenamin, and we're delighted that it has passed with unanimous support across the chamber and can now move to the next stages of the processes.

We will continue to work with the Youth Committee and Council officers to ensure this progresses forward."

2021: A mural dedicated to the late Brian McMenamin, a Youth Worker for over 40 years was unveiled at the Long Tower Youth Club. Pictured from left are Judi Logue, Paul McMenamin, Michelle McMenamin, Noah Gibson, Patricia McMenamin, Paddy Doherty, mural artist and Monica Jarvis, Long Tower Youth Club. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2145GS – 061

Mr McMenamin passed away in August 2020. Last year a mural was unveiled to him at Long Tower youth club.

Speaking at the time, then Foyle MLA Karen Mullan said: “Brian was synonymous with the Long Tower Youth and Community Centre for forty years and was dedicated to helping and supporting young people and the local community.”

Ms. Mullan said the late Mr. McMenamin had been committed to improving the lives of young people in the Brandywell and Bogside throughout his life.

“I knew Brian from attending the club myself and later through working with him and his commitment, dedication and enthusiasm shone through in everything he did."

Fitting tribute as play park to be renamed for Derry community stalwart Brian McMenamin