President praises courage and strength of students after Creeslough tragedy

President Michael D Higgins has paid a special visit to a Co Donegal school which was struck deeply by the Creeslough tragedy.

Mulroy College in Milford lost pupils James Monaghan and Leona Harper in the blast while Catherine O’Donnell and Martina Martin, the mothers of students at the school also died.

The President today visited the secondary school and praised students for their strength and courage since the terrible tragedy which claimed ten lives on October 7th last.

He said “May I pay tribute to each and every one of you for the tenacity, the courage, the determination, the resilience, the resolve, and the strength that each of you have shown over the past few months.

“Events like this change us all in different ways. For some of us here today, the tragedy has changed the paths of your lives in a very real and tangible way.

“For others, the changes may be more subtle, but nonetheless profound. However, all of you are unified in your strength and togetherness, the resilience that you have shown, and the sense of community that has been so evident.”

The President also spoke to students about the threat of global hunger, food security and his recent meetings in Senegal with African leaders.

He was welcomed to the school by Principal Ms Fiona Temple.

Ms Temple said the President’s visit had reassured pupils and their families that they had not been forgotten.

She said “It is an incredible honour for us in Mulroy College to welcome President Higgins here today. As a school community we have suffered great loss and heartache and we continue to remember each day those we have lost.

“We thank you, President Higgins, for your presence here today. By visiting us you are acknowledging that we have not been forgotten, that we are not alone.

“You have given us great hope and strength to continue to move forward.

“This is an extremely uplifting day for everyone in our community and we are very proud of our school and of our students and we are very proud to welcome you to Mulroy College today.”

President Higgins also took time to speak with groups of students from the Student Council and the Green School Committee.

The Student Council informed the President of the work they are currently doing in the school, their commitment to ensuring the school community continues to progress forward and their concerns for young people as a result of restrictions of Covid and the increased trend in young people vaping in Ireland.

The Green School Committee outlined the work they completed last year promoting Biodiversity and their current work under the theme of Global Citizenship, Litter and Waste.

The President met with the rest of the Senior Management Team, Mr Sean Mc Fadden and Ms Amanda Quinn as well as the Senior Student Leadership team.

Ms Temple then led President Higgins through the school where the Art Department also showcased some Art pieces from senior classes and student prefects formed a guard of honour.

A guard of honour representative of the many class groups affected by the tragedy led President Higgins as he concluded his visit.

See full picture special by Clive Wasson below.