A community group in Inishowen has reached out to all those hurt, injured and left frightened by a stabbing attack in Dublin yesterday.
Buncrana For All was set up to welcome all visitors to the town.
A statement from the group said they share widespread shock at the horrific knife attack on innocent school children and their teachers outside Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square in Dublin.
The statement adds “Our thoughts are with these young children, their families and teachers at this difficult time.
“In particular the little girl, who is from an ethnic minority background, who is still in hospital.
We hope everyone has a full and speedy recovery.
“We commend the courage of passers-by, both immigrant and Irish, who put themselves at risk by stepping in to try to protect those children. They are heroes one and all.”
The group then went on to condemn the violence shown towards Gardai and the emergency services who were attacked while carrying out their work.
“The shameful scenes in Dublin last night had nothing to do with protecting women and children. The horrific knife attack was seized upon by well known actors in Dublin and online who whipped up a mob.
“They destroyed the crime scene, attacked emergency workers, attacked ethnic minority passers-by and transport workers.
“They burned cars, buses and a Luas and terrorised decent working people in their places of work or on their way home.”
The group finished by reaching out the hand of friendship to anyone living in Buncrana who is not native to the town but who may be scared following yesterday’s events.
The group added “We are also thinking of everyone in Buncrana who may not be native to the town watching events unfold. We know some of you are anxious and worried.
“Be assured that we, like the vast majority of people in Buncrana and the surrounding areas, stand with you in love and solidarity.
“Please do reach out to us if you are concerned in any way or need any support.
“We are appealing to every decent person, not to allow these events and the people orchestrating them to divide us.
“We must be wise to the manipulators and opportunists who are working to their own agenda, an agenda that benefits nobody but themselves.
“We cannot and will not allow this brilliant, welcoming and friendly community to be divided by an atmosphere of fear and hysteria.
“Buncrana is, Buncrana always was and Buncrana always WILL be, for all.”
