Derry man first to receive Centenary Bond

Lifelong Derry republican Bobby Kelly has become the first in the city to receive the new Centenary Bond to commemorate the 1916 Rising

Speaking at a presentation event, senior Sinn Fein representative paid tribute to Mr Kelly.

He said: "I have known Bobby Kelly for over 40 years.

“For all that time I have known him to be a loyal supporter and activist.

“In fact, I know that Bobby has been a republican for all of his adult life, at 80 years of age that's a long time to give to the pursuit of Irish freedom.

“It is people like Bobby Kelly that's has made the Republican movement what it is, he is an example to the generations that have followed him"

Local Sinn Fein Cllr Tony Hassan also paid tribute.

He said: “Bobby has been stallworth in this area for many years and we felt we wanted to do something special for him on his 80th birthday.

“After the weekly Cumann meeting family and friends gathered for the surprise presentation and we were please Martin was able to make it, to do the presentation of the Centenary Bond.” Bonds cost £100 and the buyer gets a prize draw ticket, with a top prize of a trip for two to New York with €5,000, a letter of authenticity and the framed personalised Centenary Bond.

The Bond is issued by Ireland 1916 Commemorations Ltd, a non-profit company and has no redeemable value.

The prize draw takes place 3 April next year.

Contact any local Sinn Féin activist or Sinn Féin Office in Derry