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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Anna McAree

Special tribute to late Derry businessman in his 'favourite place'

The family of a late Derry businessowner recently attended the unveiling of a memorial bench in honour of their loved one.

Danny Cooley established D Cooley Jewellers on Butcher Street in 1979 and another on Shipquay Street in 1980.

Since it's establishment, the jewellery store has been kept in the family and is now in its third generation.

Read more: Family run Derry jewellers looks back on 42 years of being part of milestone moments

The Cooley family suffered a massive loss when Danny passed away in November last year, but his legacy has lived on through his 'History of Derry' ring and jewellery collection established in 2004 alongside the late Michael McGuinness.

Now, the family have been honoured with a memorial bench in one of Danny's favourite places, the North West Golf Club.

Danny's daughter's Catherine, Brenda and Annette attended the unveiling of their father's memorial bench.

In a post on social media, the family said: "The unveiling of a bench at North West Golf Club in memory of our daddy and grandfather Danny. It is now in place at the first tee looking out over Lough Swilly, his favourite place to be (after his beloved shop of course).

Danny Cooley's daughters Catherine, Brenda and Annette and friends gather for the unveiling of his memorial bench at North West Golf Club (Gerard Gormley Photography)

"A huge thank you to Augusta Neff for organising everything for us the last few months including the gold tournament in his memory which took place in July, Gerard Gormley Photography for taking these photos, John Gormley for joining us a forever friend and golf buddy of Danny's.

D Cooley Jewellers has been a part of personal memories for the people of Derry throughout the generations. Danny's granddaughter Erin Kearney previously spoke to MyDerry about the feeling of being at the centre of life-changing moments.

She said: "This is my favourite part of my job. We love hearing everyone’s stories.

"The people of Derry have always been crucial for the success of D Cooley Jewellers, and we can’t thank them enough.

"We love seeing our regulars coming through the doors and having a nice chat and getting to know them on a personal level which we feel is very important.

"We have noticed in the last few years a younger generation supporting us with is great to see as they are our future regulars.

"We hope to continue to as we are and with the continuous support of everyone from the town and afar we hope to still be here for another 42 years and keep the family business running."

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