Memorial to be erected in dedication to the late 'Mr.Derry'

by Gráinne Connolly

A planning commitee in Derry-Londonderry has backed plans to erect a memorial dedicated to one of the city's late tour guides, Martin McCrossan.

Martin was a well known figure in the North West who was often seen leading large tour groups around the city's sights. 

The man known as 'Mr Derry' sadly died suddenly in February 2015. 

Q Radio's been talking to Martin's daughter Charlene who says she is "so grateful" her dad gets to be honoured in this way: 

SDLP Councillor John Boyle proposed the idea of a erecting a memorial monument for Mr McCrossan shortly after his death.

He says he wanted to commemorate not only Martin's work as a tour operator but also "as someone who was very much involved in raising money for charity and was a very great charity campaigner.

He also told us that the Derry City and Strabane District Council were very supportive of the idea. 

The memorial is going to be a plint on a plaque to honour Martin, located on Bridge Street where there's already a small plaque in his memory. 

Councillor John Boyle says:

"The location is perfect, it's exactly where Martin would have started his walking tour along our city walls. 

"Martin was exemplary in his commitment to Derry and he was a very true visionary and recognised the tourism potential of our city, even as we were emerging from the troubles."