Derry bids a sad farewell to 'Paddy Bogside'

Over 1,000 people have attended the funeral of veteran Derry civil rights activist, Paddy “Bogside” Doherty. Hundreds gathered in the rain outside his home on Westland Street to accompany his remains on its final journey through the Bogside. His coffin, draped in the green flag of the Irish Republic, paused briefly at Free Derry Corner before making its way to an already packed St Eugene’s Cathedral for 12.30pm Requiem Mass. Among the symbols presented during during the service was a family photograph, in recognition of his family - “his greatest passion in life,” mourners were told. Mr Doherty was one of 11 children and along with his wife, Eileen, had 13 children, 43 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also presented was his autobiography, “Paddy Bogside” and a Derry Credit Union book in recognition of him being a founder member of the organisation in the city, the first transaction of which took place in the living room of his home at 10 Westland Street. An El Salvadorian cross was also presented in recognition of his work overseas, working with disadvantaged people in numerous countries throughout the world. Among the mourners were Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Mitchel McLaughlin, the former Speaker of the Stormont Assembly, and retired Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, James Mehaffey. See tomorrow's Derry News for extensive coverage of today's service.