Review of the Year - September 2022

September saw the return of the Legenderry Motorshow for its 10th year running. 

Held at Derry's St Columb's Park, all money raised was donated to the charity, Kidney Care UK; a charity which helps local kidney patients here in the city both emotionally and financially.
Their 10th Anniversary year was held in memory of the show's organiser Richard Gillespie's uncle, Given Gillespie.

As well as the show being in memory of Richard's beloved late uncle, it was also dedicated to Derry man, Kieran Doherty. 

Kieran sadly passed away on April 10 this year at just 36 years old.  

Kieran was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus and had numerous health issues. He used a wheelchair but didn’t let that hold him back. His mum said he didn’t let his disability influence his life. 

 The Legenderry Motorshow organisers hoped to raise as much money as they could for the charity which supported Kieran, his family and so many others.  

All types of cars, bikes, vans, tractors, trucks, bikes, mopeds and scooters turned up to support the show and raise funds for a vital cause.

It was also September when popular Derry restaurant, BRØN, scooped Best Cafe in Ulster at the All Ireland Final of Irish Restaurant awards 2022.

The awards took place in the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) with almost 900 restaurant and hospitality business owners and staff celebrating their hard work and achievements at the Awards Event, which saw many well-known restaurateurs, hospitality business and staff turn out to see if they had won one of the prestigious awards.

BRØN scooped the top award for Best Cafe in Ulster after only being open two years. BRØN is a popular Derry spot, situated on Bishop Street in the heart of Derry City. 

September also sadly saw the loss of some Derry greats. Derry barman, "one in a million" Garvan "Hen" Henderson, sadly passed away suddenly whilst holidaying in Portugal.

The popular Derry man, who worked as a barman at city-centre pub and restaurant, The Bentley Bar, died on September 4.

The 50 year old's unexpected passing sent shockwaves through the community as tributes have flooded in.

The last man to live in the gable house in Derry's Bogside which became famous as Free Derry Corner also sadly passed away, aged 82.

John (Johnny McKane), of Lisfannon Park, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Altnagelvin Hospital on September 13. 

Mr McKane originally lived at 33 Lecky Road where three generations of his family had lived. 

The houses on Lecky Road and Fahan Street were subsequently demolished, but the gable wall was retained. 

Johnny moved out just before the iconic words: “You Are Now Entering Free Derry” were painted onto his house on the night of January 5 1969; the night the family home became a global historical landmark.

Now known to the world as a monument to civil rights, the McKane's family home marked the boundary of what became known as Free Derry; an area declared as an autonomous nationalist area and unoccupied by The British Army.

Mr McKane spent his life continuing to campaign for civil rights and his beloved Derry.

There was also an outpouring of grief in Derry and beyond at the sudden death of prominent Derry Republican, Donncha Mac Niallais.

Donncha, a former Blanketman and chairperson of the Bogside Residents’ Group, which was established to negotiate an end to contentious parades in the city with the Apprentice Boys of Derry, passed away suddenly on September 9. 

Countless tributes were paid to Donncha as news of his death spread.

Also in the month of September, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died at 96 years old as a book of condolences was opened in Derry's Guildhall. 

Her death brought to a close a reign that spanned seven decades- the longest of any British Monarch- and made her the most recognised woman in the world.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following the news of her passing. 

Councillor Sandra Duffy said: "It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
"I wish to send my sincerest condolences and sympathies to the Queen's family at this sad and difficult time.

"My thoughts and sympathies are with the many people in our city and district, especially people from the unionist tradition and the people of Britain, who will feel her loss deeply.

"I would like to also acknowledge the contribution Queen Elizabeth made towards building the peace here, reaching out the hand and helping to advance reconciliation and build relationships. I am hopeful that this will be a lasting legacy."