Derry Death Notices - Wednesday, January 7, 2026

The following deaths have occurred:-

• Elizabeth (Beth) Holmes (née McClay), Portstewart

• Margaret Hughes, Portrush

• Sean O'Neill, 16 Lever Park, Portstewart

• Mervyn Critchley Stewart, 9 Breda Park, Drumahoe

• Michael Sweeney, 29 Drumleck Drive, Shantallow, Derry

Elizabeth (Beth) Holmes (née McClay), Portstewart

It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Elizabeth Holmes (née McClay), January 5 2026, peacefully at Causeway Hospital, late of Madelayne Court Care Home and 15 Woodvale Road, Portstewart. Dearly loved wife of Tom, loving mother of Gavan and Lesley, mother-in-law of Siobhan and Gareth, much loved granny of Thom, Emily, Meg and Ozzy and dear sister of the late Walter. House private. Service of Thanksgiving in Burnside Presbyterian Church, Portstewart (https://burnsidechurch.weebly.com/services.html) on Monday, January 12 2026 at 11.00am followed by interment in Portstewart Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if wished, for Pipal Tree c/o Hugh Wade and Son, 3 Upper Abbey Street, Coleraine, BT52 1BF or online at https://pipaltree.info/beth. Lovingly remembered by all her family and friends.

Margaret Hughes, Portrush

The death has taken place of the late Margaret Hughes, January 3 2026, peacefully at her home. Dearly loved sister of Patricia and Dorothy; much loved aunt of Michael, Amanda, Duncan, Desmond and Rachel. Service of Thanksgiving in Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Belfast, on Friday at 11.00am, followed by interment in Ballywillan Cemetery, Portrush, at 2.30pm. No flowers please. Lovingly remembered by all her family, church family and friends.

Sean O'Neill, 16 Lever Park, Portstewart

The death has occurred of the late Sean O'Neill, January 5 2026, peacefully at hospital, 16 Lever Park, Portstewart. Dearly beloved son of Bernard and Dorothy, brother of Christina, Patrick and Brendan and a much loved uncle to Leah. House strictly private. Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, Portstewart on Thursday at 12.00noon, followed by interment in Portstewart Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if wished, for NI Chest, Heart and Stroke, c/o Hugh Wade and Son, 3 Upper Abbey Street, Coleraine, BT52 1BF or online at www.hughwadefuneraldirectors.com. Lovingly remembered by all his family and friends.

Mervyn Critchley Stewart, 9 Breda Park, Drumahoe

The death has taken place of Mervyn Critchley Stewart, January 4 2026, Peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital (surrounded by his loving family in his 90th year) much loved husband of Joyce, devoted dad of Clodagh, Ciara, Neil and Sinead, loving father-in-law of Trevor, Joanne and Stevie, adored grandad of Lauren, Naomi, Andrew and Jessica. Funeral leaving his late home, 9 Breda Park, Drumahoe on Thursday, January 8 at 1.00pm followed by a Service of Thanksgiving for his life in Glendermott Parish Church at 1.30pm, burial afterwards in the adjoining churchyard. Family flowers only, donations in lieu if desired (cheques made payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care c/o 34, Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JQ. You are welcome to pay your respects at the family home on Wednesday from 1.30pm to 5.00pm. Very deeply regretted and will be lovingly remembered by his entire family circle. “I thank my God for every remembrance”

Michael Sweeney, 29 Drumleck Drive, Shantallow, Derry

It is with deep sorrow and great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Sweeney, peacefully at Culmore Manor Care Home on January 5 2026. Late of 29 Drumleck Drive, Shantallow. May he rest in peace. Beloved son of the late Michael and Bridget. Loving brother of Mary, Margaret, Bridie, Kathleen and the late Phyliss, Lily, Eileen and Madge. A much loved uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by all of his wider family circle and friends. Reposing at his sister Kathleen’s home, 154 Hatmore Park, funeral leaving from there on Wednesday, January 7 at 9:20am for 10.00am Requiem Mass in St. Eugenes Cathedral. Burial will take place afterwards in the City Cemetery. Michael’s Requiem Mass can be viewed via the link: https://www.churchservices.tv/derrysteugenes. Our Lady of Lourdes Intercede For Him. All Enquiries to Mr. Kieran Connor, McClafferty Funeral Directors, 02871262823.