Giles Doherty, a former principal of Slievemore Primary School and long-serving chair of Feis Dhoire Cholmcille, has died at Deanfield Nursing Home.

Mr Doherty served as principal at the Galliagh school, later known as St Paul’s, during the 1980s and 1990s. He had previously taught at Rosemount Boys Primary School.

He chaired Feis Dhoire Cholmcille from 1996 until 2016, having earlier served as deputy chair. He first became involved as a competitor in his youth and later worked as a stage steward and piano accompanist.

In a 2022 interview marking the Feis centenary, Mr Doherty said the event had a massive impact on the city and that visiting adjudicators had noted the distinctive atmosphere during Feis week.

He described a world without music as a dire place.

The Feis Dhoire Cholmcille committee expressed condolences to his wife Josephine and family. Former pupils also paid tribute, describing him as one of life’s gentlemen and an absolute legend.

Mr Doherty’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 3 June, with requiem mass at St Patrick’s Church, Pennyburn, followed by burial in the City Cemetery. Family flowers only; donations are requested for Children In Crossfire.