Mayor Brenda Stevenson handing over Books of Condolence to Sharon McCrossan. Seated, on left, Christina McCrossan, and, on right, Charlene McCrossan. Also included are family and friends of the late Martin McCrossan, staff from City Tours. (Photo – Tom Heaney, nwpresspics).
The Mayor of Derry Brenda Stevenson, has presented the family of well known tourism ambassador Martin McCrossan with special Books of Condolence including thousands of well wishes from people far and wide in his memory.
Mayor Stevenson also made a donation on his behalf from the Mayor’s Comfort Fund to Mr McCrossan’s two chosen charities, Foyle Search and Rescue and the Foyle Hospice.
The local community was shocked when the popular businessman died suddenly last month, and the community rallied to call for a permanent memorial in his name acknowledging the many years he dedicated as an ambassador for the city.
Speaking after the event Mayor Stevenson paid tribute to Mr McCrossan and his family. “I am delighted to be able to make this gesture on behalf of the city and I know the books will be treasured by Sharon and the rest of Martin’s family,” she declared.
“Over the years they have shared Martin with Derry, and his passion for this city and its people inspired him to channel what seemed like an endless amount of energy into the campaign to establish the North West as the ideal visitor destination. He will be much missed by everyone, and I would like to thank Martin’s family for their relentless support of his work over the years, which has had a major impact on the city’s profile.
“I am also delighted to be able to make this presentation to Martin’s two chosen charities Foyle Search and Rescue and the Foyle Hospice, as a small gesture on behalf of Derry City Council and the citizens of this city whom he championed throughout his life.”
Mayor Brenda Stevenson handing over Books of Condolence to Sharon McCrossan. On left, is Christina McCrossan, and on right, Charlene McCrossan, daughters. (Photo – Tom Heaney, nwpresspics).
Mr McCrossan ran the highly popular City Tours which he established in the mid-90’s dedicated to telling the story of Derry to tens of thousands of tourists over the years, winning several industry awards along the way. Tributes to the businessman flooded media outlets following his untimely death, including words from Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Foyle MP Mark Durkan.
It has been agreed by members of Derry City Council that a plaque honouring Mr McCrossan and his work will now be placed at a central location in the city.
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