The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council has paid tribute to local athlete Danny Quigley at a civic reception held in his honour, recognising his extraordinary achievement in completing the 200-mile Sahara Challenge in support of local mental health services. Danny’s feat, which saw him endure extreme physical conditions and mental strain across one of the world’s harshest environments, was undertaken to raise awareness and vital funds for mental health support within the local community. Mayor of DCSDC, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, praised Danny’s determination, resilience, and selflessness, noting that his challenge highlighted both the importance of mental wellbeing and the power of individual action to drive positive change. “The city and district is incredibly proud of Danny’s accomplishment, which stands as a powerful example of courage, resilience, and commitment,” said Mayor McHugh. “What he has achieved in completing the 200-mile Sahara Challenge is truly inspiring, and it reflects the very best of our community spirit. On behalf of the entire city, I want to congratulate Danny and sincerely thank him for his dedication. His efforts have not only raised vital support for local mental health services but have also helped shine a light on an issue that affects so many. This is an achievement that will have a lasting and positive impact,” he added. PICTURED BELOW: The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairi McHugh presenting a civic gift to Danny Quigley and Tomas McCloskey, run support team. We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go

placeholder image — The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council has paid tribute to local athlete Danny Quigley at a civic reception held in his honour, recognising his extraordinary achievement in completing the 200-mile Sahara Challenge in support of local mental health services. Danny’s feat, which saw him endure extreme physical conditions and mental strain across one of the world’s harshest environments, was undertaken to raise awareness and vital funds for mental health support within the local community. Mayor of DCSDC, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, praised Danny’s determination, resilience, and selflessness, noting that his challenge highlighted both the importance of mental wellbeing and the power of individual action to drive positive change. “The city and district is incredibly proud of Danny’s accomplishment, which stands as a powerful example of courage, resilience, and commitment,” said Mayor McHugh. “What he has achieved in completing the 200-mile Sahara Challenge is truly inspiring, and it reflects the very best of our community spirit. On behalf of the entire city, I want to congratulate Danny and sincerely thank him for his dedication. His efforts have not only raised vital support for local mental health services but have also helped shine a light on an issue that affects so many. This is an achievement that will have a lasting and positive impact,” he added. PICTURED BELOW: The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairi McHugh presenting a civic gift to Danny Quigley and Tomas McCloskey, run support team. We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go

IN PICTURES: Civic reception for Derry mental health champion Danny Quigley

Published 8th Jan 2026, 13:33 GMT

Local athlete Danny Quigley was honoured following his recent achievement in the Sahara

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The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairi McHugh presenting a civic gift to Danny Quigley. Included are at front are Danny's children Jack (12), Malachy (6) and Abigael (4) and partner Ciara McElhinney, Back, from left are Denise Quigley, Darren McCay, Councillor Aisling Hutton, and Tomas McCloskey, run support team. (Photos: Lorcan Doherty)

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The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairi McHugh presenting a civic gift to Danny Quigley. Included is Danny's mum Denise.

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We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY For more information scan the QR code below.

IN PICTURES: Civic reception for Derry mental health champion Danny Quigley

Local athlete Danny Quigley was honoured following his recent achievement in the Sahara

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