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In Londonderry city centre, a large gathering took place to honor the memory of Amy Doherty, a 28-year-old woman who tragically lost her life last weekend. Amy was discovered injured at a residence in Summer Meadows Mews early on Saturday and subsequently passed away in hospital. The community’s response was profound, drawing hundreds to a vigil held in Guildhall Square where many clutched candles and posters bearing her image.
At the vigil, Amy’s mother, Sharon Doherty, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came out to remember her daughter. She poignantly described Amy as someone who had been “brutally taken from us and her babies.” Sharon emphasized the urgency of achieving justice. “I don’t want Amy and the other 29 women’s murders to be in vain,” she stated firmly, adding that there must be systemic changes to confront the high rates of violence targeting women and girls.
Bethany Moore, who organized the vigil, reflected on the ongoing epidemic of violence against women, calling it “relentless, a relentless horror.” She recalled previous vigils held at the same location, including those for Aisling Murphy in 2022 and Montserrat Elias in 2024, both from the same city. “And we stand here again in 2026 to mark the loss of Amy Doherty,” Moore said. She expressed hope that future gatherings like these would not be necessary, highlighting the urgent need for meaningful change.
Friends and community members shared their grief and memories of Amy. Chris McMonagle, a close friend, described feeling “numb, sadness and shock” after her death. He remembered Amy as “bubbly, caring and honest,” noting her kindness extended to her children, the elderly, and her work in healthcare. “It is our job now to carry on her legacy,” he said. The vigil also served to commemorate all women killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, with many in attendance holding flowers and candles, standing in solidarity with their memories.
Foyle SDLP MP Colum Eastwood spoke at the event, underscoring the unity the vigil represented for the city and the Doherty family. He highlighted the broader social issue, saying the vigil recognized “countless women who have been subjected to violence in our society.” Eastwood stressed the importance of confronting this problem collectively. “It is an issue for all of us and it’s an issue particularly I think for men to face up to, to stand up to, to call out,” he remarked
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