May they all rest in peace.
The funerals for the first victims of the tragedy that occurred as a result of an explosion at a service station in Donegal last Friday (7 October) are set to take place on Tuesday.
10 people were sadly killed in the village of Creeslough after emergency services were rushed to the scene.
The separate funerals of 24-year-old Jessica Gallagher and 49-year-old Martin McGill will be held at St Michael’s church in Creeslough on Tuesday morning and afternoon.
Following candlelit vigils on Monday night in Donegal and Derry, books of condolence have been opened in towns across the country.
The other eight victims of the tragedy were named by Gardaí as 50-year-old Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe, 48-year-old James O’Flaherty; 14-year-old Leona Harper, 39-year-old Catherine O’Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; 59-year-old Hugh Kelly, and 49-year-old Martina Martin.
James O’Flaherty’s funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg on Wednesday morning with a joint service being held for Catherine O’Donnell and her son James Monaghan at St Michael’s in Creeslough on Wednesday afternoon.
Leona Harper’s funeral is due to take place at St Mary’s Church, Ramelton on Thursday, while Martina Martin’s funeral will take place in St Michael’s Church, Creeslough on the same day.
The funeral details of Robert Garwe, Shauna Flanagan Garwe and Hugh Kelly have yet to be confirmed by family.
The community of Creeslough is “full of grief” following the tragedy, with heads of state sending their condolences to the families affected.
On Monday, King Charles III expressed his “immense sadness” when offering his condolences with President Michael D Higgins, giving his sympathies from himself and the Queen Consort, Camilla.
“My wife and I were filled with immense sadness when we heard of that appallingly tragic explosion at Creeslough, County Donegal,” said Charles.
“We remember with the greatest fondness meeting people from across Donegal when we visited in 2016 and the strongest sense of community that exists there.
“However inadequate this may be under such shattering circumstances, we wanted you to know that our most heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences are with those families and friends who have lost their loved ones in this devastating tragedy, together with yourself and the people of Ireland.”
Pope Francis also extended his condolences as Archbishop Eamon Martin visited the village.
Fundraisers have been set up to help those affected. An Post will accept donations from the public at all of its 920 branches throughout the country, while a GoFundMe campaign started by a Donegal man living in Australia has managed to raised over €330,000 as of Tuesday morning.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
