John Kelly Obituary: Derry Mourns Bloody Sunday Justice Campaigner Who Dedicated His Life to Truth

John Kelly, a leading Bloody Sunday campaigner from Derry, has died following a long illness. Remembered for decades of activism, he helped preserve the stories of victims and their families.

John Kelly Dies After Decades of Campaigning for Justice

The community of Derry is mourning John Kelly, a prominent campaigner who spent more than five decades seeking truth and justice for the victims of Bloody Sunday. Kelly died peacefully at his home on November 7, 2026, following a long illness, according to statements from the Bloody Sunday Trust and local news reports.

His death has prompted tributes from fellow campaigners, political representatives and organizations that worked alongside him. He was widely respected for his determination to ensure that the events of January 30, 1972, and the experiences of the victims and their families would not be forgotten.

A Personal Loss That Became a Lifelong Campaign

Kelly’s commitment to justice was rooted in personal tragedy. His younger brother, Michael Kelly, was just 17 when he was shot dead by British soldiers during Bloody Sunday in Derry.

John was present during the events and witnessed the violence. According to the Bloody Sunday Trust, he carried his brother’s body to an ambulance and accompanied him to hospital, where Michael was pronounced dead.

The experience shaped the course of his life. Kelly became one of the most recognizable voices representing the families of those killed and injured, insisting that their experiences receive proper recognition and accountability.

His Work With the Bloody Sunday Trust and Museum of Free Derry

Kelly was a founder of the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign in 1992 and later served as chair of the campaign and honorary chair of the Bloody Sunday Trust.

He began working with the Trust in 1997 as a family liaison officer, supporting relatives through the long process of seeking answers. When the Museum of Free Derry opened in 2006, he became involved in education and outreach, helping visitors understand Bloody Sunday and the wider history surrounding it.

He continued that work until his retirement in 2024. His contribution included helping preserve the experiences of victims and ensuring that younger generations could learn about the events and their lasting impact.

Family and Community Pay Tribute

Kelly was born in Creggan, Derry, in 1949. He was married to the late Margaret, and they had six sons: John, Michael, Emmett, Mark, Niall and Martin. He also leaves behind grandchildren, extended family members and many friends.

Bloody Sunday Trust chair Tony Doherty described Kelly as a close friend and an inspirational figure whose advice and support had helped many families and campaigners.

Political representatives also paid tribute to his courage, dignity and commitment to justice. Their messages reflected the regard in which he was held in Derry and beyond.

Funeral Arrangements for John Kelly

According to the published death notice, Kelly’s funeral will take place on Monday, November 9, 2026. His funeral procession is scheduled to leave his home at 9:20 a.m. for Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Creggan, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the City Cemetery.

The family has requested family flowers only, with donations, if desired, directed to Foyle Hospice or City Friends of Marie Curie.

Disclaimer

The biographical details, family information, cause-of-death description and funeral arrangements in this article are drawn from statements by the Bloody Sunday Trust, published tributes and the family’s death notice. Reports describe Kelly as having died following a long illness; a specific medical diagnosis has not been publicly disclosed.

John Kelly’s contribution to the campaign for Bloody Sunday justice remains an important part of Derry’s history. His work helped ensure that the experiences of his brother and the other victims continued to be heard and remembered.Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.