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‘Legendary’ photographer who chronicled Troubles dies at 85

Larry Doherty was laid to rest this morning.A “legendary” chief photographer regarded as the “eyes” of the newspaper he worked at for 50 years has died aged 85.

Tributes have been paid to Larry Doherty, pictured left, whose five decade stint at the Derry Journal saw him cover events including the Bloody Sunday tragedy in 1972, in which 26 unarmed protesters were shot by British soldiers.

His worked during the Troubles in Northern Ireland became so well-known that it was published in several American magazines.

Larry, a father of seven, passed away on 4 March after a long illness and his funeral took place last week.

His career began at the Journal in 1945, where he stayed until he retired as chief photographer in 1995, when his son Lorcan succeeded him in that role.

Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, shared his sadness at Larry’s death via a post on his Twitter account.

In a tribute piece for the Journal, Erin Hutcheon wrote that Larry was “the eyes” of the newspaper.

She added: “Larry was so well known he once revealed that someone had once posted him a Christmas card with no address but marked simply with the name ‘Larry Doherty’ – and he got it.

“Larry would often joke that he coined the phrase – Happy as… (Larry).

“He was widely regarded as one of the finest photographers in Ireland and his work is known as the best in chronicling the Troubles.”

Larry outlived his wife Grace and is survived by his children Lorcan, Grainne, Ciaran, Moira, Phelim, Dara and Ronan.