Trust demands new "lease of life" for historic Derry hall

THERE have been calls to find a new use for a Derry venue that has played host to suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, former President Eamon De Valera and some of the biggest names in entertainment in the last 120 years.

Built by the Catholic church in the centre of Derry, St Columb's Hall was for decades the mainstay of live entertainment.

As a venue for concerts, political meetings and feiseanna, it was part of the fabric of the city.

In a new book published by Derry's Foyle Civic Trust, the hall's “unique history” is outlined. Written by the trust's chairman, Peter Tracey and funded by the Department for Communities (DfC), the publication traces the history of the hall from its inception and building to the present day.

Built in 1886, the hall stands adjacent to Derry's walls and beside the Millennium Forum. It has been at the heart of many of the main political developments in the city. In 1889, Eleanor Marx, daughter of political theorist, Karl Marx, spoke at a meeting in the hall organised to recruit workers to the trade union movement.

It was the venue in 1910 for a visit by suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst during a campaign for the women's right to vote. It featured again at a major political rally in 1924, when the meeting was addressed by Eamon De Valera.

Among the many stars to grace its stage have been Irish tenor, Count John McCormick, Roy Orbison, Jim Reeves and Val Doonican.

Mr Tracey said the hall was often called “the people's hall” and is now a Grade A listed building.

“Since its opening in 1888, the hall has played a major role in the lives of over three generations of the people of this city," he said.

“As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, it is imperative for the city that this architecturally and socially important building finds a new sustainable lease of life for the next 100 years."

DfC director, Iain Greenway said the new publication gave an insight into the history of one of Derry's most important listed buildings.

“This will help to ensure that as the building is developed in future years, decisions will be based upon a clear understanding of its unique history,” Mr Greenway said.

The new publication is available at saintcolumbshall.com/history.