Artists praise First Derry Minister

Before going on stage in First Derry Presbyterian Church to a packed auditorium that spilled out onto the street the ‘star turns’ took time out to outline how they felt about the show and to praise the vision of First Derry Minister, Rev Dr David Latimer.

JJ Gilmore, writer of George Best stage show Dancing Shoes, said to was “a great thing” to be a part of the celebrations.

“We have been having some extreme trouble in Scotland with Neil Lennon. I left Scotland for sectarian reasons when I as 17 and never went back. For 27 years I have lived in different parts of the world because I hated the sectarian side of it and I think sometimes just walking on eggshells to get to the other side is the thing to do and you have to tread carefully where there is any division between communities. It is a great thing that David has undertaken,” he said, reflecting on how many had not believed the Berlin Wall would come down or that Nelson Mandela would be released, before adding: “I think this has been a very brave step. I am delighted to be here.”

Singer and songwriter Phil Coulter said: “Whatever else I am, I am a Derry man first and foremost. It is great to be able to come back and celebrate and to pay my respects.”

Describing Rev Dr Latimer as “very Brave” and “courageous”, the international star added: “I am happy to roll in behind him”.

Meanwhile, Paul Casey, a native of Carnhill, said he “just jumped at the chance” to perform in First Derry when asked by the show’s director, Liam Bradley, to sign up for the event.

He said that as he walked to the church he became deeply aware of the history of the city.

“There is such a rich history in Derry. It is everywhere and this town is steeped in history, and to be a part of this night it is just great to be here,” he said.

The trio better known as ‘The Priests’ like the other musical guests, were given a rapturous welcome to the church and next to Phil Coulter were the most popular act of the night.

Prior to going on stage Fr David Delargy said the celebrations as “all about our two traditions coming together”.

Stressing that he believed their role was to help in the process of bringing people together, he said his message for the people living here was: “I would just encourage people not to feel trapped by the past. There are so many people here working to create a happy future for the children of every family in this city. People would achieve more by co-operating with each other and reaching out the hand of friendship. So much has been achieved that way.”

Brothers Fr Eugene and Fr Martin O’Hagan, also added their support to the aim of the evening.

Fr Eugene said it was “a huge honour” to take part and to rub shoulders with the other stars on the bill.

“They are all local people and we are greatly honoured to be with them, on stage with them and making music together. All three of us have been greatly encouraged in our music by our own side of the house, and equally so from the congregations of different Christian traditions. We would not be where we are without that kind of encouragement and support from the Protestant people. It is huge proof, if it were needed, that music and the love of music is not linked to politics and is not restricted to a particular faith. It is shared.”

He said he had been impressed with the location, and referring to the City of Culture celebrations in 2013, he added: “Derry has got so much potential that has yet to be tapped into and realised. We would like to see Derry become all that it can be. You will never get another chance, run with it.”

His brother, Fr Martin, added: “It is a wonderful opportunity, the City of Culture, and I would encourage everybody to embrace it.”

Commenting on the continued steps towards peace, he described the work being done as “a wonderful opportunity” for people and said the concert was a “wonderful example” of what could be achieved.