PHIL Coulter has described the bestowing of the freedom of Derry on him as special because it came from his own people and his own place.
Mr Coulter (80) was formally granted the honour at the city’s Guildhall yesterday in recognition of his contribution to music and culture.
One of Ireland’s most successful song writers, he has a string of hits to his credit and has won fame in particular as the composer of Derry’s anthem, The Town I Love So Well.
Following the formal granting of the honour by mayor, Sandra Duffy yesterday, Mr Coulter said the award was particularly special.
"Whatever else I am, an Irish man, a Northern Irish man, I am a Derry man; it’s always been to the forefront of my thinking. I owe a great debt to Derry and, as someone mentioned, I often say that my first smart move was being born in Derry.
"Derry has made me what I am as a person, as a man and as a musician. The benefit of growing up in this city has meant a lot to me."
He also recalled the significance of the Guildhall in his life, from his earliest days when it was a venue for Feis Dhoire Cholmcille to some of the darkest days. Mr Coulter recalled a particular concert he gave during the Troubles.
While playing, a bomb went off at the back of the Guildhall. When a second incendiary device exploded and there were reports of shooting, he decided to shelter under the piano.
“I saw this guy making his way through the centre aisle, on his belly, commando-style like John Wayne used to do in war movies. He came up in front of us, still on his belly and he joined me under the piano.
“From his inside pocket, he produced a piece of paper and a pen and - with that classic Derry combination of being overly familiar and letting you know you’re not as important as you think you are – he said ‘Yes Phil, any chance you can get me Billy Connolly’s autograph’. Pure Derry."
Proposing the award, Aontú councillor, Emmet Doyle said Mr Coulter was a “proud Derry man and one of the city’s finest sons”.
Ms Duffy listed all his successes and paid tribute to his work with the Lough Swilly Lifeboat organisation.
"You may have gone far but you never left us. Indeed, I am drawn to a specific line you penned on reflection of your home city. Drawn from your beautifully entitled, The Town I Love So Well, it is the song that resonates with us all, just as powerfully now as when you first shared it with the world," she said.
"For deep inside was a burning pride in the town I love so well. That sentiment is very much reciprocated by this city and its citizens."
