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This year marks the 130th anniversary of Cecil Frances Alexander's death: born in Eccles Street Dublin and spending the last 27 years of her amazing life in this city being buried in the City Cemetery in 1895.
As a tribute to her we have taken a line from her hymn 'All things bright and beautiful' where she describes God's care for all of us and His creation and wrote of - 'The River Running By.' It reminds us to consider the need for water for our survival and the huge part the river has played in the history, culture, and heritage of our city.
The River Foyle winds its way to the lough passing many historic sites, from the
• Viking encampment at Dunnalong
• Departure from our shores of St Columba and in later times citizens leaving for the new world.
• The epic events at Boomhall with the breaking of the Boom and the story of the Boom Stone that formed part of the Boom.
• The U-boat surrender at Lisahally in World War ll, the role of Sea Eagle, and the American bases in various parts of the city, the story of the airmen who lost their lives in Spitfires along the shore.
• Those who live and work on the river from boats, fishing, and growing oysters.
• The engineers who designed bridges to cross our river and create unique railway transport links.
• Those who protect our lives, including Foyle Search and Rescue, the Harbour Commissioners, and those who guard and protect the river environment and our birds.
Inside the Cathedral the displays in the 'River Running By' Festival remind us of all these things, and we hope to remind you of how much we have to be thankful.
