Tributes paid to Derry City's 'Pride of Northside' Hugh McMonagle

The former local Civil Rights leader and co-founder of Northside SC sadly passed away today (Thursday) after a short illness, aged 75.

Hugh was a familiar face at Derry City games both home and away since the club entered the League of Ireland back in 1985.

Mr. Kerrigan who travelled the length and breath of Ireland with his good friend said he was ‘devastated’ and expressed his sympathy to Hugh’s wife, Bridie and family.

He shared driving responsibilities with Hugh on Derry City away trips and described him as a ‘great entertainer’ who ‘had red and white running through his body.’

“He’s in a better place now,” said Mr Kerrigan. “We were visiting him last night, myself and a couple of friends, and we were looking at photographs of our annual end of season trips over the years and he loved it.

“He said last night, pointing to me, ‘That man always said money couldn’t buy those memories and he was right!’ Those are memories we will always cherish.

“He played a big part in the Shantallow Community and starred in the pantomimes. He was an absolute colossus in terms of his community work.

“Hugh was a big character," he continued. "He was very funny, witty and a great entertainer. He always had a smile on his face.

“He was a founder member of the club. He was a big, big part of it all and was the treasurer for many years.

“Hugh was involved from ‘85 with our group right up until this season. As kindly and thoughtful a person as you could have met.”

Mr Kerrigan said the next away trip just won’t be the same without him.

“Number one, he was one of my best friends and he was for most of the group. Personally speaking, his presence around the club and on the trips was greatly felt and he missed very few. He was always boisterous and would do the quizzes.

“His last match was the Bohemians match and you would never have thought it would be his last. It’s devastating. He will be sadly missed.”

Hugh was also well known in the city for the role he played on Bloody Sunday in 1972 as he carried the body of teenager Jackie Duddy through the city centre, with Bishop Edward Daly in front of them, carrying a blood-stained hankerchief in that iconic image from that fateful day.

A tribute on the Northside Supporters Club read as follows: “It with a heavy heart that I write this . Hugh (Hughie) McMonagle has gained his wings.

"Hugh McMonagle was a gentleman as co-founder off The Pride off Northside. Hughie had red and white running through his body.

"Hughie loved his Derry City team, he travelled north, south, east and west off the country. Hugh made everyone his friend and everyone loved to be in his company.

"Our condolences are to Bridie, his daughter, son and grandkids at this time, and to his wider family.

"We have lost one off the best. From our supporters club he will be sadly missed.

"The backbone, the driver, the educator Hughie had it all. His passion for football was something else.

"We will miss you Hughie. Fly high with the Angels and watch over us all. Until we meet again."

His passing will be a significant loss to the Brandywell club who also mourn the loss of Supporters’ Liaison Officer and longtime fan, Hugh Curran who died on Monday.