Hundreds bid sad farewell to city tour guide Martin McCrossan

Hundreds of mourners packed St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry this morning to bid a sad farewell to one of the city’s best-known and much-loved sons, tour guide Martin McCrossan.

Known as “Mr Derry,” Mr McCrossan (pictured above) passed away in the Royal Victoria Hospital on Friday last following a short illness.

Speaking during Requiem Mass, Fr Paul Farren said Mr McCrossan’s death had left a sense of “shock and sadness” throughout the city.

Describing, him as a “devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather,” Fr Farren said he had images that Mr McCrossan had “already started tours in Heaven for the newly arrived.”

Fr Farren added: “He was loved by this city and if you could compare or say that Derry was one single house then Martin was the man of the house who welcomed the visitors and told them the stories.

“He was so full of energy and so full of life. He knew the dignity of work, he always worked and he could never be lazy. It was his drive and his passion that enabled him to do what he did.”

Bishop of Derry Most Rev Dr McKeown and the city’s Mayor, Cllr Brenda Stevenson, were among those who attended.

Dean William Morton, from St Columb’s Church of Ireland, and a number of representatives from other denominations  were also present.

Singing was provided by Derry’s internationally-renowned opera singer Margaret Keys.

Mr McCrossan was laid to rest in the City Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters Christina and Charlene, son-in-laws Lorne and Jason and grandchildren Baine and Tate.

His family had asked that donations be made to Foyle Hospice or Chest, Heart and Stroke in lieu of flowers.