Tributes pour in for late Dermie McClenahan

Tributes have poured in for civil rights veteran and socialist activist, Dermie McClenahan, as news broke of his death on Thursday night.

Dermie McClenahan was at the forefront of the Derry Housing Action Committee and the infamous Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association rally held in Derry on October 5, 1968. Following that seismic event, he became a founder member of Derry Citizens Action Committee and a community activist in the city and beyond. 

His lifelong friend Eamonn McCann described Mr McClenaghan "was a constant presence" in the civil rights movement.
 
Mr McCann told BBC Radio Foyle that he and Mr McClenaghan had been friends for 60 years.

He added: "It is a long time to be close friends with somebody, Dermie enveloped you in benignity.

"People would say of him that there wasn't a bad bone in his body - that was absolutely the case."

The two had spent time together on Thursday afternoon, sharing a Christmas drink in a city centre pub.

"I said goodbye to him around half past six," said Mr McCann. "I am pleased we met in that context and with friends around, that we had a hug, that we said goodbye before he died - that was a blessing."

John O'Neill said: "It is with a heavy heart that I pass on the news that our beloved friend Dermie McClenaghan left us last night. His likes will never be seen again.

"Dermie will be waked at his home, 35 Glenmore Park, Trench Road, Waterside from 12 noon tomorrow (December 24) until 10pm. Funeral arrangements to follow.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said he was sad to hear that Dermie McClenaghan has passed.

He said: "A true socialist, a real rebel and probably, the nicest person I have ever met. He was there at the beginning. We’ll miss him."

An online tribute from Museum of Free Derry and The Bloody Sunday Trust said: "We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Dermie McClenaghan.

"Dermie was a strong advocate of truth, justice, and equality. Also, Dermie’s wife Pauline was a director of the Trust for a number of years.

"Rest in peace, our thoughts are with Dermie’s family and friends."

Derry Anti War coalition posted a photograph from February 15, 2003: "Millions on the streets worldwide against the war in Iraq. Dermie McClenaghan leading the charge in Belfast.Derry has lost one of the best. RIP Dermie.

Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor of Derry, Sandra Duffy said: "Our city has lost one of its longest standing and most popular champions of civil rights and equality, Dermie McClenaghan. Thoughts and prayers with all Dermie’s family and friends at this sad time."

The Bloody Sunday March group said: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Civil Rights activist Dermie McClenaghan.

"Throughout his life Dermie has been a champion for Civil rights and social justice both nationally and internationally, as well as in his home town of Derry.

"Our sincerest love and solidarity goes to his partner Pauline and to Dermie’s immediate family, friends and comrades at this time."

John Patton said: "Goodbye Dermie and thank you.

"Dermie McClenaghan will be mourned throughout Derry and beyond;he had a gift for sizing up situations and quietly determining appropriate responses, never seeking glory from any outcome.

"His death last night, I think, reduces the original, Derry Action Committee on civil rights to two, Michael Canavan and I. We mourn the loss of them all but particularly, at this time, Dermie.

"Our thoughts are with Pauline and all his close friends."

Journalist Paul McFadden said in a poignant post: 

"Photography is often about moments, being there and capturing something special. Like on May 6th, 2016 when Eamonn McCann was elected for the first time (to the Assembly).

"His longtime friend and comrade, the late Dermie McClenaghan, arrived at the count centre to congratulate McCann and share the achievement with him. I still feel emotional looking at this.

"I don't believe either of them was interested in scaling summits; they preferred the foothills. It's because of men like them that boys - and girls - like us got a chance."