Updated: 3pm
Ukrainian families in Donegal gathered in large numbers last night to hold a vigil in solidarity with Creeslough.
Two poignant events were held in Letterkenny last night, with members from local communities joining together in prayer in a number of locations.
Refugees met on the grounds of Loreto Convent to express their sense of pain and loss for their newfound friends in Donegal.
“Ukraine is crying with you” was the message sent from the community to the village of Creeslough and wider Donegal during this time of heartache and loss.
Together with local residents of Donegal, Ukrainians met to bow their heads in joint prayer to the memory of the ten victims of the explosion in Creeslough. Prayers were said in both English and Ukrainian and sorrowful Ukrainian folk songs rang out through the town centre.
Adults and children from Ukraine later joined Letterkenny’s annual prayer service and procession for Our Lady of Fatima, which took place from the Market Square to the Grotto at the Letterkenny Workhouse Famine Cemetery.
Vigil for Creeslough by the Ukrainian community in Letterkenny
Prayers to Our Lady of Fatima at the Grotto in Letterkenny
The Our Lady Of Fatima procession at Market Square
Prayers were said to Saint Fatima for all the fallen people of Creeslough and for peace.
Oksana Ivanova, a member of the Ukrainian community living in Letterkenny, said “We feel your pain like no one else in the world and share with you your sorrow and sadness. We know how painful to lose young lives, and we pray with you.
“Ukraine is crying together with you, our dear Irish friends!”
With thanks to Oksana Ivanova for the photos from both events.
The Our Lady Of Fatima procession at Market Square
The Our Lady Of Fatima procession in Letterkenny, 13th October
The Our Lady Of Fatima procession in Letterkenny, 13th October
