Family donates Christine McIvor Perpetual Cup to Derry Feis

The September morning we heard Christine McIvor had died there was shock, profound sadness and a realisation of the fragility of life.

Christine (née McCann) was the beloved wife of Liam; loving mother of Liam Jr (Bethany), Aaron (Catherine) and Cailléne (Ryan); daughter of the late George and Frances; dear sister of Frank, George, Sean, Min, Ciaran, Julie and the late Michael and Paul; and fond daughter-in-law of Marian and John.

In a poignant interview with the County Derry Post, Liam spoke movingly about the couple’s 40 years together and how Christine’s family would be honouring her memory at this year’s Derry Feis (Feis Dhoire Cholmcille) and future Feiseanna.

Liam and Christine McIvor.

“I was so proud of Liam Jr, Aaron and Cailléne and how they conducted themselves over the harrowing days of their mum's wake and funeral,” said Liam, “especially having the strength to stand on the altar and deliver their beautiful eulogy for their mum,” said Liam.

“Aaron spoke first,” added Liam. “He said: ‘On behalf of our family, the McCanns and the McIvors, we want to thank everyone for being here today. Your presence means the world to us. These last days have moved so quickly, and yet now, time feels still.

“‘The Foyle Festival Queen - the city girl who turned the countryside into her home. For forty years together with Dad, Mum created a world where we could flourish. No ask was ever too big; Mum devoted herself completely to us.

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“‘Mum loved Dad fully, they were each other's cornerstone and together as a team they built a life full of adventures. Mum was Dad’s biggest supporter, from the estate agency here to their life in Turkey and all their cruises. They faced it all, together, head-on. Their relationship was built on respect, laughter, hard-work and an unshakeable bond. Watching them together taught us all what it means to be equals in love and how beautiful life can be when two people bring out the very best in one another.’

“Liam Jr then described his mum as ‘selfless to her core,’” added Liam.

At the World Championships - Christine back row, 4th on right.

“He said: ‘She gave her time and her heart to so many. Through the Women’s Centre, the Derry Feis, the school PTAs, and especially the Playgroup, which she gave more than 20 years, Mum passionately volunteered in the community for the betterment of others. That was Mum all over: if she could help, she would. Mum didn’t know the word no. And it’s so comforting to see so many of her friends here today, people she loved and who loved her back.

“‘When we were old enough to throw house parties, and no taxi would come out that far for our friends, Mum would be up to two or three in the morning, driving them home, being that safety net.

“‘On the rare occasion when we were bold and threatened with the wooden spoon, she’d send us to our rooms - only to appear a minute later with tea and toast. All was forgiven. That was Mum.

“‘Her faith was a quiet constant, guiding her through every day. She immersed herself in Church life, and in more recent years she was always tuned in to online Mass - whether from Derry, Tipperary, or anywhere in between. Faith was her anchor.’

“Cailléne said her mummy was ‘warm and funny - with a smile that opened hearts,’” said Liam.

“She added: ‘And that laugh, that filled every room. And she could talk for Ireland. A simple drive into Derry for rugby or Irish Dancing - she’d begin a story, head off into three or four tangents, each one funnier and less related than the last… and somehow, she’d never finish the first. Her voice, her stories, her laughter - they were the soundtrack to our journeys.

“‘She loved to dance and sing, care-free. At every party, she was the soul of it. And we were always the last to leave. She lived life to the fullest

“Mummy was the rose in each of our lives - beautiful, strong, and full of love. We are so blessed to call her our Mummy. We will miss her beyond words, but we will carry her with us every day ahead.’”

An accomplished Irish Dancer, Derry Feis was a huge part of Christine’s life.

Encouraged by Noel McCaul, with whom she worked in the Lee Factory in Springtown, Christine joined the Feis Committee.

Noel also enlisted Martin McNamee to the Feis finance team and in later years, Christine and he became joint Treasurers.

Meeting Bishop Donald Wuehl in Ohio in 1990.

“I don’t know how I will get through this year’s Feis without her, but I am sure that she will be watching over all of us,” Martin told the County Derry Post.

“We both knew the system so well and worked in tandem so that we always knew what each other was doing,” he added.

“We both loved the Feis, that is what kept us going through all the years, that and working together. We became great friends and were always able to bounce things off each other and most of all, we were able to laugh together many times during each Feis week.

“Christine had an infectious smile and always had a kind word for everyone no matter what the situation. This endeared Christine to many people and she was always held in the highest esteem by anyone who knew her both inside and outside of Feis circles.

I was so saddened last year to learn of Christine’s sudden illness and quick passing. There was no time for last words or goodbyes.

Christine’s name will always be remembered and perpetuated in Derry Feis but our lives will be poorer without her. May she rest in peace,” said Martin.

The Christine McIvor Perpetual Cup.

Cailléne took after her mother and was also an Irish dancer.

“Christine was very happy about that,” said Liam, “and would have travelled all round, getting dresses for Cailléne and so on.

“So it was a case of trying to do something to remember her by and make her proud. She always wanted to help young people to get on, her own and others,” he added.

Christine was all the time helping others, so our family donating The Christine McIvor perpetual cup, which will have a bursary of £200, to Derry Feis, as well as the £500 Christine McIvor bursary to the winner of the Fr Mullan Champion of Champions competition, is our way of honouring her memory now and long into the future.”