Northern Ireland

Derry rocks the boat and breaks Guinness world record

The colourful fundraiser was for mayor’s charities – Foyle Hospice and Ryan McBride Foundation

The Mayor, Patricia and her husband James lead the way in Saturday's Rock The Boat Challenge.
Mayor Patricia Logue and her husband James lead the way in Saturday's Rock the Boat challenge PICTURE: JIM MCCAFFERTY
By Catherine McGinty

Derry people turned out in their hundreds to `rock the boat’ and set a world record - in aid of two deserving local charities.

A colourful spectacle was created down Shipquay Street on Saturday as a verified 1,888 people took part in the dance for mayor Patricia Logue’s chosen charities - Foyle Hospice and Ryan McBride Foundation. Hundreds more spectators lined the pavements.

Derry succeeded in breaking the current record of 1,809 people, set in Salthill Promenade in Galway in 2019.

Following the event, Ms Logue said she was “overwhelmed with joy and pride”.

Some of the participants pictured before taking part in Saturday's world record attempt. (PHOTO: JIM MCCAFFERTY PHOTOGRAPHY)
Some of the participants pictured before taking part in Saturday's world record attempt

She added: “From the bottom of my heart thank you to each and every one of the 1,888 people who took part on Shipquay Street and the hundreds more who spectated.

“You have raised thousands of pounds for my charities the Foyle Hospice and The Ryan McBride Foundation and created an unbelievable spectacle that I will never forget.

Derry rocking the boat in aid of Foyle Hospice and Ryan McBride Foundation (PHOTO: JIM MCCAFFERTY)
Derry rocking the boat in aid of Foyle Hospice and Ryan McBride Foundation PICTURE: JIM MCCAFFERTY

A link is available on council’s website to donate to the mayor’s charities at https://www.derrystrabane.com/about-council/mayor/mayor-s-charity