At 3.17pm on 7th October 2022, lives were forever changed in Creeslough and beyond.
Today, at the exact same time, the village fell silent to remember the victims and send prayers of comfort to the families who are grieving their loved ones.
The names of the 10 victims were read aloud at the site of the disaster, remembering Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe, Catherine O’Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan, Jessica Gallagher, Martin McGill, James O’Flaherty, Martina Martin, Hugh Kelly, and 14-year-old Leona Harper.
Father John Joe Duffy has guided the parish in faith and healing since that devastating day two years ago. Today, he led them again in prayer for the families of those who died and for those injured both physically and emotionally.
In the October afternoon sunshine, a bright yellow wreath was laid on behalf of the parish by Reverend Skuce and Father Doohan. As hazy rays of sun shone over Muckish, minds were cast back to the darkest of days.
Fr John Joe Duffy, Fr Paddy Dunne, Rev David Skuce and Fr Martin Doohan with a wreath during the memorial ceremony to mark the second anniversary of the Creeslough Disaster. (North West Newspix)
(North West Newspix)
Taoiseach Simon Harris said that the second anniversary today is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
Sending his thoughts to the Creeslough community, the bereaved and the injured, Mr Harris said: “The people of Donegal and indeed the entire country will never forget the shock and sadness that emerged on what can only be described as one of the darkest days for our country.
“We also remember the rescue workers responding that day and in the aftermath and the whole community coming together to support each other.”
Majella McFadden of Creeslough Community Association laying a wreath at the site of the Creeslough Disaster. (North West Newspix)
The Creeslough community will gather again this evening for a prayer service in St Michael’s Church at 7pm.
Following the service, there will be a gathering at the Creeslough Community Hub for refreshments, where people are invited to meet, share memories and support one another.
