The official blog of Féile Derry, where we document the events, productions and activities that we’re involved in.
Over the last few days, students from Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit and St. John’s Primary School have been working with Dafe, writer and rapper from Tebi Rex, to create their own new tracks. We can’t wait to let you hear the results of this collaboration!
A Communities In Transition project supported by The Executive Office.
EASTER BONNET PARADE!
Our parade of Primary 5 pupils from the Urban Village areas were led by In Your Space Circus from the Verbal Arts Centre, through the Derry Walls and down to the Guildhall to show off their fantastic own Easter Bonnets creations, which they all worked very hard on!
Thank you to Long Tower Primary School, St Eugene’s Primary School, Nazareth House Primary School and Nursery Unit and Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir for participating – we hope you had a great time!
In partnership with Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum
Photos by Jim McCafferty.
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
Féile would like to say congratulations and well done to all the schools who competed in the Anthony Hegarty 1KM race this morning!
Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit
Nazareth House Primary School and Nursery Unit
Every school put in such a great effort, especially getting up that big hill at the end! You should all be really proud of yourselves, and of course, congratulations to St Anne’s for being the school with the fastest time and to Jay Gallagher for completing the race with the fastest time of 3 minutes 17 seconds!
See every individual time for each pupil below:
1 St Anne’s PS, Jay Gallagher – 03:17
2 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Cahir Mc Ginley – 03:21
3 St John’s PS, Aodhan Doherty – 03:21
4 St Anne’s PS, Rian Black – 03:23
5 St John’s PS, Clodagh Murphy – 03:25
6 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Oisin Mc Gowan – 03:28
7 St Anne’s PS, Conor Mc Caul – 03:29
8 St John’s PS, Jack Luby – 03:29
9 St John’s PS, Lorcan Duffy – 03:29
10 St Anne’s PS, Oisin Lafferty – 03:30
11 Nazareth House, Jayden Mc Veigh – 03:32
12 St Anne’s PS, Emmet Mzinba – 03:32
13 Nazareth House, Reuben Layherryoling – 03:33
14 St Anne’s PS, Conor Ward – 03:34
15 Longtower NS, Sean Cuan Harris – 03:35
16 Longtower NS, Charlie Thompson – 03:38
17 St Anne’s PS, Ryan Curran – 03:41
18 St John’s PS, Maddison Ryan – 03:41
19 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Caleb Mc Bay – 03:42
20 St Anne’s PS, Cillian Mc Cabe – 03:42
21 Longtower NS, Cian Mc Loone – 03:43
22 St John’s PS, Kian Toner – 03:43
23 Nazareth House, Timothy Doherty – 03:45
24 Nazareth House, Lilly Mae Mead – 03:46
25 St John’s PS, Caiden Deery – 03:46
26 St Eugene’s PS, Cillian Murphy – 03:49
27 St John’s PS, Faye Kelly – 03:49
28 St Anne’s PS, Georgia Mc Intryre – 03:50
29 Nazareth House, Tiarnan Houston – 03:51
30 St Eugene’s PS, Oran Lynch – 03:54
31 Nazareth House, Aodhan O’ Donnell – 03:54
32 St John’s PS, Leah Mc Feely – 03:56
33 St John’s PS, Myles Jeerasoo – 03:56
34 Longtower NS, Jayden Kelly – 03:57
35 Nazareth House, Grace Mahon – 03:57
36 Holy Child PS, Caiden Wright – 03:57
37 Nazareth House, Adam Adhmed Brown – 04:01
38 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Grainne Lockhart – 04:01
39 St Anne’s PS, Aoife Mc Namara – 04:01
40 Holy Child PS, Shane Cresy – 04:01
41 Longtower NS, Reece Ferguson – 04:03
42 Nazareth House, Clara Harkin Devine – 04:03
43 St Eugene’s PS, Sean O’ Loughlin – 04:04
44 Holy Child PS, Hannah O’ Corlann – 04:04
45 Nazareth House, Eve Courtney – 04:06
46 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Oisin Gillespie – 04:06
47 Longtower NS, Maisie Kate Nixton – 04:13
48 St Eugene’s PS, Mia Mc Guinness – 04:14
49 St Eugene’s PS, Aoife Bryce – 04:16
50 Longtower NS, Nicole Macari – 04:16
51 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Isla Ramsey – 04:16
52 Nazareth House, Jack Condren – 04:17
53 Holy Child PS, Kian Canning – 04:21
54 Nazareth House, Odhran Mc Erlean – 04:24
55 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Duatla Mc Guinness – 04:24
56 St Eugene’s PS, Shra Mc Elhinney – 04:26
57 Gaelscoil Eadain Choir, Seamus Gielty – 04:26
58 Holy Child PS, Katie Lee Taupe – 04:26
59 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Annie Doherty – 04:30
60 St Eugene’s PS, Daniel Odumukwu – 04:32
61 Longtower NS, Ava Mc Keever – 04:35
62 St Eugene’s PS, Ellie Mailey – 04:41
63 St Eugene’s PS, Rex Ogoko – 04:48
64 Longtower NS, Roise Mc Gowan – 04:50
65 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Fiachra Mc Monagle – 04:52
66 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Shea Ryan – 04:53
67 Holy Child PS, Odin Dentith – 04:56
68 Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Ellidh Mc Gurk – 04:58
69 Holy Child PS, Finn Friel – 04:58
70 St Eugene’s PS, Mary Sulaiman – 05:09
71 Holy Child PS, Ava Mc Grory – 06:11
72 Holy Child PS, Faith Collins – 06:33
73 Holy Child PS, Lily Mc Donnell – 06:33
Thank you so much to everyone who participated and to our partners Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum for helping to make this happen. Big thank you as well to the Hegarty family and to Malcolm McCausland for telling us more about Anthony’s life and achievements.
Anthony Hegarty’s Story
Anton Hegarty was born on 14th December 1892 at 36 Nailors Row just below Derry’s walls, above the Bogside. A real running machine he was famous for racing a pony in the Brandywell over a mile. Some say he won the race, others disagreed.
Shortly after leaving school Anton joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. While stationed in India his talent at running came to the fore, but the start of the first World war put an abrupt end to athletics. In August 1915, Anton was badly wounded at Sulva bay in the battle for Gallipoli and was declared medically unfit for future service, and discharged from the Army.
Undaunted Anton was soon back in his spikes, and was instrumental in founding the famous City of Derry Harriers. In that year he won both Ulster Junior and Senior cross country titles with ease. In International cross-country tests he was the automatic choice for Ireland and always led the team home.
He was without doubt the greatest runner produced in Derry- his long stride and perfect carriage being the subject of universal admiration. He capped his career by appearing at the Olympic Games at Antwerp in 1920 where he was first man home for the British team, securing a silver medal, the first Derry man to do so.
Little is known of Anton’s career after 1920. He moved to Rugby in England. Anton was cycling to work in Rugby when he was knocked down and killed by an RAF lorry in August 1944.
Féile’s film about Anthony Hegarty, “Lion for A Day”, can be viewed at the link below:
Féile was delighted to partner with In Your Space Circus this week to deliver storytelling in schools as part of World Storytelling Day which took place on Wednesday 20th March.
5 schools from the Urban Village area were lucky enough to receive a visit from Granny D and her little friend Steve (and her bubbles!)
Thank you to Long Tower Primary SchoolNazareth House Primary School and Nursery UnitSt Eugene’s Primary SchoolFountain Primary School and Nursery Unit and Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir for taking part!
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
As part of our Equinox project, acclaimed photographer Megan Doherty worked with local schools, sports clubs, youth clubs and community groups to create a new exhibition, Genesis, which celebrates many of the great young people of Creggan.
Thanks to Sean Dolans Gac, Stmarys Youthclub, St Mary’s Scouts, Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit, St. John’s Primary School, St Joseph’s Boys’ School, St Cecilia’s College, Derry, Oakleaf Boxing Club, Rath Mor Warriors – K1/Kickboxing & Fitness Gym..
The exhibition is currently on display at Bishop’s Field in Creggan. A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
Thanks to everyone who took part in our first ever Equinox celebrations in Creggan today. Whether it was sharing a story, dancing, singing, playing, taking part in The Big Dander or the spring clean of the community or just celebrating the return of the light, we thank you all.
Thanks to all our partners whose support made this event possible including SureStart Edenballymore, Stmarys Youthclub. St Mary’s Scouts, Creggan Countrypark, Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership, DEEDS – Dementia Engaged and Empowered in Derry & Strabane, OLT HLC, Sean Dolans Gac, Trojans YCG, Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit, St Joseph’s Boys’ School, St Cecilia’s College, Derry, St. John’s Primary School, Community Restorative Justice, Triax – Neighbourhood Management Team, Rath Mor Warriors – K1/Kickboxing & Fitness Gym., North-West Carnival Initiative, Volunteer Investment Project, Creggan Library, Allegri and Hive Cancer Support.
Photos by Jim McCafferty.
A Communities In Transition project supported by The Executive Office.
Here’s what people had to say about Féile’s latest stage production, City Til I Die!
The play follows Derry City fanatic Tony Gillespie, played by Pat Lynch, as he tries to persuade his grandson Oisin, played by Michael O’Doherty, to be a Derry City supporter. The play examined what it truly means to be a Derry City supporter and how being a supporter enhances the lives of so many. The play celebrates the club’s history and the positive contribution the club and its fans make to the city.
And if you missed the chance to see the play, it has been recorded and will be premiered online on our YouTube/Facebook channels in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out!
City Til I Die is A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
Remembering Roisin Barton
The finale of our International Women’s Day programme took place today in the Maldron Hotel. The room was filled with laughter, tears and fond memories as Roisin’s family, friends, neighbours and the wider community gathered to celebrate Roisin Barton’s contribution to the Women of the city.
Roisin was an extraordinary individual who touched the lives of so many in our community. Her unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of social justice, togetherness, compassion, and unity has left an indelible mark on the fabric of our community.
She embodied the spirit of selflessness and empathy. She possessed a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her, consistently going above and beyond to lend a helping hand. Her dedication to our community was unparalleled, and she was always at the forefront of initiatives aimed at uplifting others.
In memory of Roisin’s legacy, local women were presented recognition awards at the event for their contribution to the community. Entertainment provided by Flair. Compere by Muire McCallion.
A special thanks from Féile to the Barton family.
IWD 2024 #InspireInclusion
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages
Come Celebrate Our Local Inspirational Women! #InspireInclusion
The International Women’s Day programme was launched at Meenan Square today with an outdoor photographic exhibition ‘Celebrating Local Inspirational Women’. The exhibition features photographic portraits by Jim McCafferty and artwork of inspirational women from the area both past and present. Among the women celebrated are well known residents and community workers Jeanette Warke, Eileen Allen, Kathleen Simpson, Mary Nelis, Martina Anderson and Tina McLaughlin.
The launch of the exhibition brought floods of residents from the Bogside, Brandywell and Fountain into the Meenan Square area to view the exhibition. The exhibition will run from 4th – 18th March 2024.
A Streets Alive Project funded by The Executive Office’s Urban Villages programme.
Remembering Roisin Barton
Friday 8th March
12pm – 2pm, The Maldron Hotel, Derry
This International Women’s Day on Friday 8th March, we would be delighted if you could join Féile for a special event remembering the much missed community activist Roisin Barton.
Roisin was always involved in something. An activist all her life, from her childhood running “messages” for her mother Nancy Keenan in the 1950s, to her last project, Forgotten Women, highlighting the role of Derry Republican women in the 1940s.
Republicanism, prisoner support, women’s rights and community activism marked her life and Derry is a better place for it.
We will be remembering Roisin’s achievements and the impact she left in our communities on International Women’s Day, Friday 8th March from 12pm – 2pm in The Maldron Hotel.
Tickets are limited and are available here: https://bit.ly/3uTBBod