Sadness as popular Derry man Kevin Doherty laid to rest

There was profound sadness in Derry as popular taxi driver, Kevin Doherty was laid to rest.

Mr Doherty passed away on August 1, following a three-car collision near the Altnagelvin roundabout in the Waterside area of the city, four days earlier.

The Shantallow man was the loving father of Christine, Donna, Kevin, Megan and Chloe, a devoted grandfather, beloved partner of Tanya and dear brother of Christine, Maxine, Paddy and the late Lorraine.

Mr Doherty’s Requiem Mass took place on Saturday morning in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown.

During his homily, which followed the readings by Christine and Courtney, Parish priest Fr John McDevitt said it was with faith everyone had gathered in Our Lady’s Lourdes Church to pray for Kevin.

Fr Mc Devitt added: “Kevin’s life journey began here in Shantallow, where he was born the third child of the late Geraldine and Harry Doherty. He was raised with his sisters and brother in Meenaleck Walk. He himself was blessed with five children and he raised them also here in Shantallow, in Carranbane Walk.

“He was always particularly proud of his children and grandchildren. Kevin was a man who worked hard to support his family, as a coalman for many years, and more recently, as a taximan.

“I believe Kevin was an animal lover and had various animals down the years, from sheep, goats and donkeys, to name a few. I believe his favourite was Bella the goat.

“The children remember fondly how he convinced them to give up the dummy when they were young. If there was a lamb that had to be cared for during the winter, it was in their home and Kevin encouraged them to stop taking the dummy and, of course, give it to the lamb. Kevin is remembered as a man who was content, who was sociable and who was helpful and considerate by nature.

“The last number of years he has been building his house in Eglinton, no doubt to give him more space for his animals. Sadly, he did not get time to complete it. He also had plans with Tanya and sadly this has all been stopped by the tragic accident on Friday.

“His sudden and unexpected death on Friday has left his family and friends in shock and disbelief. It is difficult to take in what has happened. We can only imagine what you have all suffered in these last few days.

“You have your own precious memories of Kevin which you will always cherish and our faith reminds us today that death is not the end of his journey.

“Like us all, Kevin was marked out as a child of God in Baptism and his lasting home is in Heaven.

“Like us all he had his failings, and in this Mass today, we pray that the lord Jesus may forgive him for any of his failings and unite him with his parents, with Lorraine and God’s family in Heaven.

“Our faith in the Resurrection may bring us comfort and hope on a day like this but it does not lessen the human pain of loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his children, grandchildren, his siblings, Tanya and the family circle.

“Kevin has died a relatively young man and he will be greatly missed by you.

“With you today, we give thanks for Kevin and all he has brought to you, as you continue your journey of life, we pray you will be consoled and draw hope that one day you will be reunited with Kevin and the faithful departed in Heaven.”

The Offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Lola and Faye, as the hymn ,Ag Críost an Síol’ was sung.
Following Requiem Mass, Mr Doherty’s remains were carried from Our Lady of Lourdes Church as the hymn ‘Our Lady of Knock’ was sung.

In a poignant social media post on Tuesday, Kevin’s partner, Tanya, thanked the two members of the public and the two student nurses who had administered first aid to Kevin immediately after his accident.

Tanya added: “My darling passed but he will be donating his organs to help others, with the consent of his family. This is the type of person my darling was.”