Creeslough Parish Priest Fr John Joe Duffy has said that he has gone back to counselling services.
Two years on from the Creeslough explosion, Fr Duffy is urging people affected by the tragedy to be gentle with themselves and to talk.
“I encourage you to do as I have done and seek help,” Fr Duffy told people at a packed prayer service in St. Michael’s Church on Monday.
“People are now in some cases only able to speak about their feelings around the tragedy.
“I myself went through the GP service for counselling. I have a very good counsellor and then for a good three quarters of a year I did not go to her. I did not feel the need.
“But in the last number of months I have entered again into counselling with the counsellor through the GP service.
“It is good to have someone you can talk to, not that you have to bare your soul or anything, but good to have people to talk to.”
Monday’s service reminded bereaved families that they are always in the hearts and prayers of the community.
Fr Duffy acknowledged that there will be less difficult days but there will also be difficult times and days ahead for all people affected by the events of 7th October 2022, in which 10 people lost their lives.
“I encourage you, the families and all who responded to be gentle with yourselves on the journey,” Fr Duffy said.
“Be caring for yourselves and let us all be caring towards each other.”
Messages of prayer and support were shared from President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD and other leaders.
A list of support services is available below from the Creeslough Community Newsletter:
