Shock at death of Martin McCrossan

One of the most recent photographs taken of the late Martin McCrossan during a tour of the city he gave to Rose of Trale, Maria Walsh, from Philadelphia when she visited Derry last month.

A family member confirmed to The Derry Journal that Mr. McCrossan passed away with his family at his bedside in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast early on Friday afternoon.

Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, knew Mr. McCrossan well and told The Derry Journal that his thoughts and prayers were with Mr. McCrossan’s wife, Sharon and the rest of his family at this time.

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Martin McCrossan,” said Mr. McGuinness.

“Martin was the driving force behind the tour industry in Derry. Through his innovative, informative tours which made a lasting impression on all who took part in them Martin promoted Derry throughout the world.

“A familar face to anyone who frequented the city centre Martin always had a smile and a positive word for those he met.

“Of course his loss will be felt greatest by his wife Sharon, his immediate family and work colleagues in the tourism industry. I extend my sincerest condolences and those of my party to them at this very sad time.”

Mr. McCrossan founded Derry City Tours in Derry over 20 years and the newsagents on the Carlisle Road was synonomous with Mr. McCrossan’s tours.

Mr. McCrossan was extremely well known in Derry and throughout the island of Ireland and his contribution towards business and tourism in the city was considerable.

Throughout the years, Mr. McCrossan had given tours to everyday visitors to Derry, Hollywood movie star Will Ferrell, comedian Tommy Tiernan, U.S. President Bill Clinton, the son of Martin Luther King Jnr as well as many more.