Popular Derry City fan and 'loving father' Hugh Curran laid to rest

Dressed in the colours of his beloved Derry City, at Hugh's request, members of Brandywell Pride Supporters Club flanked the hearse as his funeral procession made its way from his family home in Rathlin Gardens to St Mary's Church, Creggan.

His coffin was draped in a Derry City flag and a wreath shaped as a red and white Derry football shirt was on display as the funeral cortege was led into the chapel to the sounds of the familiar drum Hugh played on matchdays.

Derry City manager Declan Devine, who described Hugh as 'irreplaceable', was among those who carried his remains into the chapel while ex-players and club officials also gathered to pay their respects to the former supporters' liaison officer - a role he fulfilled with great pride.

'Big Hugh', as he was affectionately known, died peacefully at his sister's home on Monday, aged 64, following a short illness.

Rev. Joe Gormley described his death as 'premature in terms of his age' and said his battle with Motor Neurone Disease had been 'rapid'.

Father Gormley added that it had been a 'privilege' to visit Hugh who had helped 'bring light in the middle of darkness to those in anguish and those in their families' through his charitable work with Foyle Search and Rescue and most recently through his work with adults with learning difficulties.

He added that Hugh was 'always available to help others'.

"I was privileged a number of weeks ago to visit Hugh for a short time as these restrictions allow," said the priest. "Hugh knew his time wasn't going to be long.

"He grew up in a house of faith with his parents Willie and Betty and in a sense it was poignant that he died at home in the house he grew up in,

"He's a loving father to Lisa, Elaine, Sean Paul and of course little baby Hugh Patrick.

"And he's a dear brother to Brid, Betty, Suzanne and Marie and grandfather and great grandfather.

"When you come into the presence of someone suffering, particularly with that disease, Motor Neurone Disease, and it is a very difficult disease for anybody to contract and I know he received great care at home, we pray for the presence of Christ.

"Christ comes to us in those moments where we've reached out to care for others in our lives. And Hugh had many jobs in his life but I'm told the job he probably most enjoyed was his last job which was that of transporting adults with learning difficulties on day trips. He really missed doing that recently.

"Hugh was also one of the first volunteers in Foyle Search and Rescue and we know in our city what that service has done a lot to bring light in the middle of darkness and the presence of Christ to those in anguish and those in their families."

Such was his love for Derry City, Hugh, who fulfilled several roles at the club through the years, even climbed a ladder so he could still watch his team play at the Brandywell last August when the coronavirus restrictions meant fans were not permitted inside the stadium.

Father Gormley acknowledged his love for his hometown club.

"On a lighter note we all know that Hugh allowed the joy of light to be seen in him particularly in his love of Derry City.

"He was held in great affection by the club where he was a liaison officer for the supporters and would often be driving up and down the country. And no greater tribute to him has been paid in that regard recently in the local media.

"He loved quizzes. He loved taking his children out to see the wonder about things of nature and he was always available to help others."

Earlier this week, City manager Devine said Hugh 'epitomised everything that Derry City F.C. stands for'.

Finn Harps, Waterford FC and Drogheda United were among the League of Ireland clubs who paid their respects this week while former Derry players, including ex-Ireland goalkeeper, David Forde and former club captain, Barry Molloy, also paid tribute on social media.

Tributes

David Forde: "Very sad to hear of Hugh’s passing Baz. May he rest in peace."

Rory Patterson: "Sad news about Hugh Curran today,a true fan who would do anything for his club and supported them through good and bad, thoughts with his family R.I.P. pal."

Barry Molloy: "So so sad to hear of this man's passing. Derry City through and through. Unbelievable supporter to any Derry team/ myself since I signed for the club. Absolute gentleman. RIP big Hugh. Brandywell won't be the same without you."

Stephen O'Flynn: "Very sad news. Big Hugh a true Gentleman and will be sorely missed by all at @derrycityfc #RIP #RAWA."

Eamon Zayed: "Rest In Peace, a true gent and a true one club man @derrycityfc

Tam McManus: "A true gentleman who followed Derry City everywhere. Sad news but glad his suffering is now over. RIP big man."

Derry City: "All at Derry City Football Club would like to express our condolences to the friends and family of Hugh Curran. A supporter, a valued volunteer and a gentleman. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Finn Harps: "Everyone at Finn Park offers their sincerest condolences to Hugh's family and friends, and the wider Derry City FC family. RIP Hugh.

Waterford: "Deepest condolences to Hugh’s family and friends and to all at the Ryan McBride Brandywell."

Drogheda United: "Rest in peace Hugh. Our sincere condolences to Hugh's family and friends at this difficult time."