Translink on the hunt for 'Foyle Legends'

Translink is on the hunt for local legends to be celebrated and showcased on the city’s first ever Bus of Legends.

The new ‘Foyle Legends’ campaign will honour local heroes who have excelled in their industry with a legendary bus wrap.

The bus will be the second in Translink’s Legends series, following on from the success of the Metro Legends bus unveiled in Belfast last year, which saw the public vote for rugby star Rory Best and actor Jamie Dornan.

Nominations will remain open until March 19^th before the judging panel creates a shortlist for the final public vote.

The Foyle Legends judging panel is comprised of Garvan O'Doherty, owner of the Garvan O'Doherty Group, Odhrán Dunne, General Manager of Visit Derry,Paul McFadden, Commentator and partner in Leapfrog Communications and Sinead McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Derry~Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.

Professor of Social Policy and Political Commentator, Deirdre Heenan will chair the panel.

“Foyle Legends is an exciting opportunity for the people of Derry~Londonderry to celebrate two local people who have touched our hearts and minds”, she said.

“I would encourage absolutely everyone to get involved! If someone has inspired you or generally shone the spotlight on this city for all the right reasons, nominate them today!”

Help us celebrate two local living #Derry - #Londonderry heros by nominating your #FoyleLegends https://t.co/YJtmP0v7Ti pic.twitter.com/QE0gE5xcvb

— Translink (@Translink_NI) March 6, 2017

Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive, Translink said:

“The city of Derry~Londonderry is home to some of the most talented men and women in Northern Ireland, and indeed the world. Ulsterbus has proudly connected people in this area for generations and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate top local talent than this unique Foyle Legends Double Decker.

“As it travels across the city, the bus will pay tribute to these inspirational individuals and remind us of the incredible wealth of local talent. Perhaps it’s a sporting hero, an acclaimed actor or a musical genius – if they inspire you, we want to hear about it!”

To be shortlisted, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Legends must have made a positive impact in their field of expertise (e.g. Arts, Sport, Science/Business Innovation).
• Legends must have a strong association with Derry~Londonderry (born in Derry~Londonderry AND/OR have lived in Derry~Londonderry at some point).
• Legends must be alive.
• Legends must be non-political.
• Once the shortlist is announced the public will have the chance to vote online for the final two Foyle Legends. The Foyle Legends bus will be unveiled during Bus and Train Week, 5 – 11 June 2017.

The two successful legends will be unveiled on June 5^th during Translink’s Bus and Train Week.

You can vote for your local hero here.