Day of Reflection

Sinn Féin Mayor of Derry Gerry Ó hEára at the unveiling ceremony

Sinn Féin Mayor of Derry Gerry Ó hEára described the Day of Reflection remembrance ceremony held in Derry last Friday as a resounding success.

Hundreds of people took part in the 30-minute commemoration event in the city's Guildhall Square, which saw Ó hEára unveil a plaque in memory of "those who lost their lives as a result of war and conflict from within the city and district".

Four of the party's other mayors and chairs in the Six Counties — Jarlath McNulty (Strabane), Seán Clarke (Omagh), Gerry McHugh (Fermanagh) and Patsy Groogan (Magherafelt), hosted similar events in their districts on the day.

Since the idea to hold the civic remembrance ceremonies was announced, unionists, particularly the DUP's Gregory Campbell in Derry, heaped scorn on the notion. However, speaking after Friday's event, Ó hEára said he was overwhelmed by the number of people who thanked him for organising the event.