Crests Traditions of Derry City F.C.

the city s coat of arms, used club crest prior introduction of unique club crest in 1986, seen in decoration on craigavon bridge.



derry city s first exclusive crest, introduced in 1986 , replaced in 1997.

although club did not traditionally sport crest on club jersey concept had not yet become popularised (probably due complications , vast time-consumption involved in mass-producing intricate designs before greater technological advancement occurred), throughout years playing in irish league - , of first season in league of ireland - derry city used coat of arms of city, rather having exclusive crest of own. crest appeared on club memorabilia such scarves, hats , badges. symbols on derry s arms were, , still are, skeleton, three-towered castle, red st. george s cross , sword. sword , cross devices of city of london and, along irish harp embedded within cross, demonstrated link between 2 cities (the city s official name under uk law is, of course, londonderry), in particular, association honourable irish society had been granted lands in , around city in past. castle thought relate 13th or 14th century keep belonging local native chieftains. there many theories skeleton; popular being of norman de burca knight starved death in castle dungeons in 1332. accompanied latin motto, vita, veritas, victoria , meaning life, truth, victory.

in april 1986, under year after senior rebirth of club , entry league of ireland, dcfc ran competition in local schools design new club crest. winning entry john devlin, fourth-year student @ st columb s college, , made début on 5 may 1986 when derry city entertained nottingham forest @ brandywell stadium friendly match. crest depicted simplified version of city s foyle bridge, had opened 18 months previously, traditional red , white candy-stripes associated shirt of club bordered thin black lines , year in derry city established club, football in centre representing fact club footballing entity. club s name featured in impact font. crest lasted until july 1997, when current crest unveiled @ lansdowne road when derry city played celtic in pre-season tournament. modernised crest, once again, featured centred football, club s name , year of founding. famous red white candy-stripes present along red mass of colour filling left half of crest, separated right white stripe. known cultural landmarks or items associated city absent badge. origins of crest not known , reason change in 1997 has never been explained club, although club wished develop fresher, more contemporary image minimalist design , because foyle bridge no longer novel, trendy or innovative feature in mid-to-late 1980s.