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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Eamonn Lynch's 'The Derry Yank' celebrates homecoming at St Columb's Hall.
Keeping it simple, Eamonn Lynch is gearing up for the premiere of his latest production, ‘The Derry Yank,’ a poignant exploration of homecoming and reconciliation set against the backdrop of Derry City.
Derry Author and playwright Eamonn Lynch.
In an exclusive interview, Lynch shared his inspirations, challenges, and hopes for the play, emphasising the significance of St. Columb's Hall as the chosen venue.
Drawing from personal experiences and a conversation between his brother Pat and friend Martin Walsh, that Martin later mentioned to Lynch, saw his creative journey begin, with a simple idea: to craft a comedy featuring the renowned actor, Gerry Doherty.
However, as discussions unfolded, the narrative evolved into a heartfelt story centred around Gerry’s character Martin Duffy's return to Derry after 45 years in America.
Reflecting on the themes of friendship, betrayal, and renewal woven throughout ‘The Derry Yank,’ Eamonn remarked, “The spine of the play lies in the complexities of Martin and Kieran McGowen’s (another character) relationship. It's about confronting the past, making amends, and finding forgiveness.”
Addressing the significance of the title, Eamonn explained, “The term 'Derry Yank' encapsulates a sense of identity and nostalgia, highlighting Martin's journey as he navigates the complexities of returning to his hometown after leaving in the 70s on a moonlight flit.” Quite the Derryism!
St. Columb's Hall, a cherished landmark in Derry, holds a special place in Lynch's heart.
He reminisced: “St. Columb's Hall was my first choice of venue. It's a symbol of resilience, rising like a phoenix from the ashes. It's where I danced Irish dance during the Derry Feis, where I went on my first date, where I attended the pictures and concerts. It's the backdrop to countless memories. I give great thanks to Ann Marie Gallagher, the heroine she is!”
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