Bloody Sunday campaigner John Kelly dies after long illness

John Kelly, a leading figure in the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign, died earlier today after a long battle with illness.

Kelly, whose brother Michael was the youngest victim of Bloody Sunday, began his activism as a toolmaker before joining the Bloody Sunday Trust as a Family Liaison Officer in 1997, assisting families through the Saville Inquiry. He later became the Museum of Free Derry’s Education and Outreach Officer in 2006, a post he held until his retirement in 2024.

The Bloody Sunday Trust said Kelly’s personal knowledge and storytelling were central to the museum’s mission, helping visitors understand the campaign’s history. Trust Chairperson Tony Doherty described Kelly as “at the forefront” of the fight for justice and praised his calm, supportive determination.

Doherty recalled Kelly’s iconic image on 15 June 2010, when he raised his fist in celebration of the report that vindicated the campaign, calling it a cherished memory. He added that Kelly’s guidance benefited many other campaigns and families across Ireland.

The Trust extended condolences to Kelly’s sons, grandchildren, sisters and brother, noting his lasting impact on the museum and the broader justice movement.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Mochammad Algi / Pexels.