‘Strength, compassion, and solidarity’ at Carndonagh vigil for Amy Doherty

More than 150 people have attended a vigil in Carndonagh in memory of murdered young Derry woman Amy Doherty.

Thirty balloons were released at the event, organised by Lifeline Inishowen, to represent the 30 women killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.

The event on Friday night coincided with a vigil in Derry that was attended by thousands of people.

Lifeline Inishowen thanked “everyone who braved the cold and the hailstones” to show solidarity with Amy and her family.
“Thank you to Eleanor, our wonderful chairperson, for speaking on numerous occasions this week,” the group posted.

“To Councillor Joy Beard, for her support and touching words tonight. To everyone who took the opportunity to use their voice. To Roisin McGrory for the beautiful music. And to the Party Shop in Carndonagh, for their generosity with the balloons.

“Tonight was a sad event. Many hearts are broken at this tragic death. But thank you all for attending, we are overwhelmed at the many people who joined us. Your presence was appreciated more than we can ever say.”

Group pictured at the vigil in Carndonagh to remember Amy Doherty Photo: Kerrie Quinn,NW Presspics

Cllr Joy Beard said the community had come together “in strength, compassion, and solidarity”.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and to Lifeline Inishowen for organising the vigil and for the amazing work they do in our community.

“The turnout spoke volumes. It showed that people care, that people are listening, and that together we are saying clearly that violence has no place in our communities.

“We stood to remember the women and girls whose lives have been taken far too soon. We stood for those who are living through violence today, many in silence and fear.

“To remember Amy Doherty and all victims of violence,” she said.

“The balloons we released tonight were a moment of reflection, of remembrance, and of unity. A quiet but powerful statement that we will not ignore this, we will not accept it, and we will continue to stand up and speak out.

“To anyone experiencing violence, you are not alone. There is support, and there are people who care.
“Let tonight not be the end of the conversation, but the beginning of continued awareness, support, and action.”

At her funeral on Thursday, Ms Doherty was described as a “dedicated” care worker and a person with a “magnetic personality” who drew people to her.

Her death and other high-profile cases have prompted discussions on women’s and girls’ safety in Northern Ireland.

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Earlier on Friday, a man appeared in court charged with the murder of Ms Doherty at the weekend.

Connor McNamee, 30, of Summer Meadow Mews in Derry, was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon, a kitchen knife, and possession of a class A controlled drug, cocaine.

Court papers said the murder charge was aggravated by reason of involving domestic abuse.

He appeared at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court on Friday via videolink.

There was no application for bail and he was remanded in custody until April 23.

Police launched a murder investigation after officers were called to a property in the Summer Meadows Mews area of Derry on Saturday and found 28-year-old Ms Doherty badly injured.

She was taken to hospital where she later died.