VINNY COYLE, DERRY . Civil Rights.IRELAND

vinny coyle.
Civil Rights, Derry.
IT WAS with profound shock and sadness that the people of the Bogside district, and much further afield, learnt of the death of Mr. Vincent Coyle.

He was a self-professed socialist, who became one of the best known and extremely popular figures of the civil rights movement from the mid-1960s, including and beyond the tragic events of Bloody Sunday. Following the unwarranted massacre of peaceful civil rights marchers, in January 1972, his home became an international newsroom and local information centre.

Vinny, as he was popularly known, was born in January 1929. He was one of nine children born to John and Angela Coyle of Ann Street, off Rossville Street. He believed in Derry like he believed in God. He provided tools and assisted in building the first barricade outside his own home in Rossville Street, in 1968. Although to many people he was just an ordinary docker, as was his father before him, to many more he was a symbol of determination and hope for the city.

True Friend

Vinny will best be remembered as a highly effective civil rights steward at many historic marches and mass meetings. His six-foot muscular frame maintained more law and order during the trial of fellow civil rights leaders at the citys Magistrates Court than three lorry loads of RUC. None of us could ever forget how, with outstretched hands and words of wisdom, he calmed that, and many more volatile situations, throughout many stormy years. Often, alongside him stood two of his brothers, the late Joe and Johnny Coyle. Joe tragically lost his life with two other adults and two children in an explosion in the early 1970s at the home of a republican comrade who resided in the Creggan district of the city.

From the days of the Housing Action Committee, and from being a rank and file member of the Derry Citizens Action Committee, Vincent worked his way through the ranks of the civil rights movement to become one of its most well known figures and spokespersons. He was on first name terms with local journalists, but also leading media personalities across the globe.

On 5th October 1968 Vinny took part in the demonstration as a marcher but was so impressed by the actions of the stewards, who were led that day by veteran Rosemount republican, Sean Gallagher, that he joined the body and soon became deputy chief steward.

As well as stewarding marches and demonstrations and protecting civil rights leaders, Vinny also took a keen interest in political affairs and seconded John Humes nomination to run as an election candidate.

When the British Labour leader, Jim Callaghan, came to Derry in August 1969, anxious civil rights leaders worried about his safety and held a hastily organised meeting at Free Derry Corner to discuss the situation.

Vinny arrived at the scene, quickly realised the problem, and with no instruction necessary, set off to find Mr. Callaghan. When he located him, he reappeared, proud as punch, declaring to the Labour leader, These are my friends, Mr. John Hume and Mr. Ivan Copper.

Mr. Callaghan reportedly later enquired, Who is that marvellous man with the bushy moustache and large brimmed hat. He was like Moses himself, at the parting of the Red Sea. We were at the edge of the massive welcoming crowd, feeling somewhat lost and abandoned. He became our saviour. Everybody knew him. The multitude parted with a mere wave of his hand until we got to our promised location.

Vinny told journalists once at the City Hotel, which acted as a de-facto headquarters for the civil rights association; Through my example I hope to communicate to people my tolerance of everyone. If they see me taking it they will learn to be obedient at the demonstrations. My aims are for all the people of Derry to get what they are entitled to.

He worked at a multitude of jobs, including chef, ice cream salesman, lathe-turner, gas worker and builders labourer.

He summed up his involvement and socialist outlook as follows: We are in this for our children and for everybodys children, that they can obtain civil rights to grow up with all the doors of opportunity wide open for them.

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[bebejohnston]

Rest In Peace vinny a great neighbour,friend and heart of gold

[cctv11111]

thank u bebe

[mishmai]

where did you get the music? its a great rendition

[vinnyhoags]

class.

[CREGGANMAN1]

A moving tribute to a true Irishman.

[niernlad]

Amazing!

[Daisyproof]

R.I.P Mr Coyle . Thank you for helping me to believe in peace. You treated me as one of your family. I will always remember you. Kim

[blacksheep11oo]

my grandad im Luke Coyle R.I.P

[SuZiEcOyLeX215]

RIP Vinny no one will fill your shoes S. Coyle United States Philadelphia

[Duci66]

R.I.P from Germany / Berlin

[Duci66]

R.I.P from Germany/ Berlin