Derry's year in review: July 2023
New look council elects Mayor, Ebrington Square events controversy kicks off, end of an era for McLaughlin's Hardware
In early July a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor were elected for the Derry and Strabane District. The 40 newly elected and returned councillors elected Mayor Patricia Logue (Sinn Féin) and Deputy Mayor Jason Barr (SDLP) to the top positions at Council’s AGM.
On 20 July the controversy around Ebrington square began, with original reports casting doubt over the four concerts that were scheduled for August.
During the Foyle Cup an incredible story emerged of a young Derry boy who underwent major brain surgery in 2021 then went on to score in a quarter final at the Foyle Cup.
Young Caleb Toland (7) scored for Maiden City Colts as his emotional mum and dad, Ritchie and Aine, who previously wondered if he would ever play football again, cheered on from the sidelines.
Ritchie said his ‘eyes just started to fill up' when the ball hit the back of the net.
Towards the end of the month, Derry institution McLaughlin's Hardware announced it was up for sale after 110 years in the McLaughlin family so they could enjoy retirement.
It was also revealed in July that a quarter of all adults in Derry are on antidepressants, the highest level in the North.
A total of 35,434 people in the district received antidepressants in 2022/23, 23.4% of the population, compared to 19.9% of the North's population overall. The figure increased from 22.5% in 2021/22.