Mayor Ruairí McHugh of Derry City and Strabane District Council hosted a civic reception at the Guildhall this week. The event marked five years of work by the Celtic FC Foundation in Derry and Ireland.

Representatives from the foundation attended, including Chief Executive Tony Hamilton and Head of Programmes Donna-Marie Henry. Former Celtic players Bobby Petta and John Hartson also joined.

The foundation serves as the charitable arm of Celtic Football Club. It has run initiatives against poverty, inequality and social exclusion in the area over the past five years.

McHugh welcomed the guests and noted the foundation's support for local communities. He praised its partnership approach and use of football to engage residents.

At the Guildhall, McHugh also joined the Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation to announce plans for a permanent memorial to the late Derry republican Martin McGuinness.

Aidan McAteer of the foundation stated the project aims to honour McGuinness's contributions. The monument remains in early development stages with plans for unveiling in 2027, marking the tenth anniversary of his death from amyloidosis at age 66.

McAteer said the foundation will consult others and launch a fundraising campaign in coming months.