Irish President Catherine Connolly has visited the Museum of Free Derry where she viewed the exhibition on Bloody Sunday and met some survivors and their families. Tony Doherty, chairman of the Bloody Sunday Trust, said it was “very heartening to see that the President was very keen to meet us and to share with us her solidarity”. Mr Doherty’s father Patrick Doherty was one of the victims of Bloody Sunday, shot in the back at the age of 32 while attempting to assist others, leaving behind a wife and six children. Mr Doherty said: “Catherine Connolly is a very popular woman, not just for those who voted for, but for those who couldn’t vote. And what we actually did say is that hopefully, in the not too distant future, that some of us will actually canvas for the future president of Ireland on our own streets. So we were very glad to have her with us. The visit went swimmingly well. We’re very pleased to see her and she was very pleased to see us.” He added: “Bloody Sunday has made its own imprint on the history of the city and in response, ourselves, as families, have made our own imprint in terms of addressing the injustice of what has happened on that day and for decades subsequently. So we’re very happy that she’s referenced us and the way that she has it’s, I suppose, a sign of maturity as well that the President’s office isn’t reticent or afraid to address sort of core issues.” PICTURED BELOW: President Connolly at the The Museum Of Free Derry with Chair, Tony Doherty. (Photo: Tony Maxwell / Maxwells) 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

placeholder image — Irish President Catherine Connolly has visited the Museum of Free Derry where she viewed the exhibition on Bloody Sunday and met some survivors and their families. Tony Doherty, chairman of the Bloody Sunday Trust, said it was “very heartening to see that the President was very keen to meet us and to share with us her solidarity”. Mr Doherty’s father Patrick Doherty was one of the victims of Bloody Sunday, shot in the back at the age of 32 while attempting to assist others, leaving behind a wife and six children. Mr Doherty said: “Catherine Connolly is a very popular woman, not just for those who voted for, but for those who couldn’t vote. And what we actually did say is that hopefully, in the not too distant future, that some of us will actually canvas for the future president of Ireland on our own streets. So we were very glad to have her with us. The visit went swimmingly well. We’re very pleased to see her and she was very pleased to see us.” He added: “Bloody Sunday has made its own imprint on the history of the city and in response, ourselves, as families, have made our own imprint in terms of addressing the injustice of what has happened on that day and for decades subsequently. So we’re very happy that she’s referenced us and the way that she has it’s, I suppose, a sign of maturity as well that the President’s office isn’t reticent or afraid to address sort of core issues.” PICTURED BELOW: President Connolly at the The Museum Of Free Derry with Chair, Tony Doherty. (Photo: Tony Maxwell / Maxwells) 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

IN PICTURES: President Connolly meets Bloody Sunday families at Museum of Free Derry

By Reporter

Published 5th Feb 2026, 16:33 GMT

The President held a private meeting with approximately 50 relatives and survivors of those killed and injured during Bloody Sunday in 1972

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President Connolly at the The Museum Of Free Derry with relatives and touring staff. (Photo: Tony Maxwell / Maxwells)

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Tony Doherty speaking on behalf of the Bloody Sunday families at a Press Conference following the visit of President Catherine Connolly to the Museum of Free Derry. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

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Tony Doherty speaking on behalf of the Bloody Sunday families at a Press Conference following the visit of President Catherine Connolly to the Museum of Free Derry. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

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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: President Connolly meets Bloody Sunday families at Museum of Free Derry

The President held a private meeting with approximately 50 relatives and survivors of those killed and injured during Bloody Sunday in 1972

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