EVENTS have been planned over the next week to mark the first anniversary of Martin McGuinness’s death.
The writer and academic Jude Collins will be his launching book ‘Martin McGuinness: The Man I Knew’ tomorrow, Wednesday, March 21 at 6 pm at the Eason’s store in Foyleside.
Published my Mercier Press, the book, which features a total of 27 interviews with the Sinn Fein leader’s friends, opponents and government leaders, will be launched by Fr Michael Canny.
That evening there will be a Mass to mark a year since the former deputy first minister’s passing at Longtower Chapel, at 7.30 pm.
This Saturday, March 24, around 200 children are expected to take part in the first ‘Chieftain’s Gaelic Games’ at Celtic Park.
Organiser Brian O’Donnell said: “It was important to organise Gaelic Games as part of the tribute to Martin McGuinness on his anniversary, Martin was a great friend of Derry GAA in particular and the GAA in general. He was a frequent visitor to Celtic Park to cheer on the county team and it is fitting that the blitz will be held at Celtic Park.
“Around 200 children are expected to take part in the Gaelic games blitz with Under 10 and Under 12 teams from Sean Dolans, Doire Trasna, Doire Colmcille, Steelstown, Ardmore, Culmore, Slaughtmanus, Glack all taking part with the first games due to start at 11am on Saturday 24 Marchand run to around 3.00pm.
“I would like to thank all the teams for participating in the blitz. I would like to encourage clubs, parents and GAA supporters to come along in their club colours – show support to all the children taking part and pay tribute to a great Gael Martin McGuinness.
This Sunday, March 25, hundreds of people are expected to take part in the first Chieftain’s Walk from Glenowen to Grianan.
The walk will raise money for the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin.
And next Monday night, March 26, the public are invited to a major event being held in the Millennium Forum to celebrate Mr McGuinness’s life.
The event, ‘Remembering The Chieftain’ will feature contributions from the late Derry man’s friends, including Gerry Adams and Raymond McCartney. It gets underway at the Forum at 7.30pm on Monday March 26.
Elisha McCallion MP said: “From the 1970s, Martin and Gerry shared many memories, both joyous and poignant and Gerry will be reflecting on their friendship, which was set to the backdrop of unprecedented political change in Ireland.
“His unique insight of Martin, is that of a friend, whom he knew for over 40 years and it will undoubtedly be an emotional and uplifting recollection. It is open to the public and admission is free so I would urge people to come along.”
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