Memorial day set to take place to mark tenth anniversary of the death of Co Derry man

A memorial day has been organised to mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Claudy man Conall Kerrigan. 

Conall (25) was reported missing back in August 2015 after a night out celebrating with friends in Derry city centre. 

His body was later found between the city walls and the Millennium Forum. 

The popular young man, who was affectionately known as ‘Gaz’, had just returned home from England and had been working towards setting up his own plumbing business. 

Reflecting on his brother’s life and character, Paul Kerrigan said he ‘was the kind of lad that lit up the room’. 

“You would hear him before you would see him. He would’ve chatted to anyone and done anything for anybody,” said Paul. 

“He loved his cars and football. Liverpool was his team. They have a stone built into the pathway in his memory outside Anfield now.  That is there forever. He would have loved that.”

A memorial day will be held in Claudy this Sunday, August 24 and among the events organised to take place are a 7-a-side tournament and entertainment in a local bar.

Funds raised on the day will go towards local charity Foyle Search and Rescue. 

“The fundraiser is a good way to give back to the Foyle Search and Rescue for their help. When Conall was missing they were out searching for him. They are a great charity and the memorial day will be going towards a good cause,” Paul continued. 

“A friend of Conall's, Aaron O’Kane, came up with the idea for the fundraiser in his memory. It is coming up to ten years since Conall’s passing and this was a good way to mark it. He was big into the Gaelic and the local club in Claudy. The day will be a day’s craic in his memory.” 

The community are encouraged to come along and remember Conall and his love of family, friends, cars, football, mischief and laughter. 

The memorial day will take place this Sunday at Claudy GAA pitch. There will be a 7-a-side tournament from 10.30am to 4pm with a BBQ between 2pm and 4pm. There will be eight teams consisting of the housing sites/townlands in the Claudy area. The teams are open to all male and female, aged 18+. 

If you wish to take part in the 7’s tournament contact Aaron on 07594 095770 (WhatsApp). 

In the evening there will be music in The Glen Bar (Peoples’) The music will start with a trad session by Brady Music Trad Group at 6.30pm, and from 8pm there will be food and refreshments and at 9.30pm there will be more music from ‘Tis Not Easy’.