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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

Tributes to Derry man Johnny McKane- a 'stalwart' of the Civil Rights movement

Tributes have been paid to a 'stalwart' of the Civil Rights movement in Derry after he was laid to rest on Friday morning (September 16).

Johnny McKane, who is originally from the Lecky Road, was the last surviving resident of the house which gable wall, now forms Free Derry Corner.

Mr McKane died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Altnagelvin Hospital on September 13th.

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Following his death, tributes poured in memory of the 'lifelong campaigner'.

Former Derry City and Strabane District Councillor, Mary Durkan, said his passing was the 'end of an era'.

She said: "He and his family were the last residents at 33 Lecky Road (the iconic Free Derry Corner wall). [He was] a lifelong campaigner for a Derry university, having participated in the famous cavalcade to Stormont in February 1965 in protest of the Lockwood's recommendations to locate the North’s second university in Coleraine rather than Derry.

"Comhbhrón ó chroí to the McKane family and to all who knew and loved Johnny."

The Museum of Free Derry said: "[The] Bloody Sunday Trust/Museum of Free Derry are saddened at the passing of Johnny McKane, the last resident of 33 Lecky Road, now Free Derry Corner.

"He saved the blood-stained banner on Bloody Sunday, one of the key historical items in Ireland. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Local Gaelic Football club, Doire Transa also paid tribute to the Mc'Kane family. They said: "We would like to extend our condolences to the McKane family on the loss of their father and grandfather John (Johnny) who was laid to rest today.

"Our thoughts are with our members Eamon, Branna, Cara, Pauric and Cathal and the wider McKane family at this sad time. Suaimhneas síoraí."

Former SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey wrote: "I have just learned of the passing of Johnny McKane from Lisfannon Park. My sincere condolences to all the McKane family at the loss of one of life’s characters and the ultimate gentleman."

"Johnny is well known in the Bogside and wider areas loved and respected by all who knew him, I grew up and was reared in the Bogside along with his family.

"Our thoughts and prayers with all his family at this most difficult time Rest In Peace Ever Faithful Servant."

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