Tributes pour in for Foyle Harps and local football legend Gerry 'Doc'

The local footballing community in Derry and beyond has united in tribute to the great Gerry 'Doc' Doherty following his passing. 

A giant of the game, Gerry spent over 50 years of his life giving to football, helping to develop and create career paths for countless young players, some of whom even went on to play at the highest level and even international football. 

A statement from Foyle Harps read: "Everyone at the club is devastated to learn of the passing of our beloved chairman, Gerry 'Doc' Doherty. Gerry has been the heartbeat of our club for decades and we are simply heartbroken. We ask you all to pray for Gerry and his family at this time."

SDLP MLA for Foyle, Mark H Durkan, posted:

"Very saddened to learn of the passing of local soccer legend, Gerry 'Doc' Doherty.

"For over four decades, Doc has been at the forefront of football in the city and has been the heartbeat of Foyle Harps YFC. He recognised that true success in sport wasn't about winning trophies (though there was no shortage of them!) but about bringing people together and bringing people on. He was a real champion in that regard.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Doherty family, all at Foyle Harps and the wider football fraternity in Derry."

Gerry, whose impact in football was recognised with a Mayoral reception at the Guildhall back in January, was always passionate in his belief that young footballers be given the best opportunities to succeed.

In Gerry's own words, from Foyle Harps' 75th anniversary celebrations in 1992: "Youth football is not about winning, it gives the boys who played some great memories, good friends and a sense of discipline. A lot of nonsense is talked about the youth of today, but I have found they are no different from the boys of my own youth, if people take an interest and spend some of their time on them."

A death notice stated: "Died peacefully at his home after a short illness, formerly of Southend Park, beloved husband of the late Bernadette, loving father of Malachy, Damian, Carmel, Sean, Ursula and the late Gerald, a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, dear brother of the late Kathleen and a much loved uncle. Gerry’s remains will be reposing in his home, 82 Moyola Drive, from 1.00pm on Monday.

"Funeral from there on Wednesday at 12.30pm for 1o’clock Requiem Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown. Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul."