A prayer vigil will be held later today in Buncrana, in memory of the two teens tragically killed in a swimming tragedy there yesterday.
The vigil will be held for the two teenagers at St Mary’s Oratory at 4pm.
Everyone is invited to come along and pay their respects to the young teens, and show support to their families and friends.
It’s understood that the two tragic boys were both non-Irish nationals who had been living in Buncrana for some time.
Local Councillor Fionán Bradley helped to organise today’s vigil.
He says that the entire town has felt the impact of the tragedy, and has paid tribute to both of the boys and their grieving families and communities.
“Everybody is stunned by it, it really is incomprehensible to think that what was a beautiful day, and such a big day in Donegal with so much happiness and joy could just turn so quickly to become so sad and so tragic. It really is unimaginable.”
Cllr Bradley also shared how he knew one of the victims through his work as a teacher in Buncrana.
“I would have taught him in the school and known him… he was just a real gentleman and everybody just loved him. He was a big, quiet gentle giant.”
“Myself and the parish priest organised (the vigil) late last night. There was this burning desire to do something to pull the community in together, and pull the refugee community in and show them that we are all supporting them the best that we possibly can through this terrible, terrible tragedy.”
“I would absolutely encourage everybody to come along, so we can all support each other and support the communities that are in Buncrana and that have made it their home.”
The Exchange Inishowen community centre has also paid tribute to the two teens, saying that they were heartbroken following the news.
“This morning our hearts are broken at the loss of two beautiful children in such tragic circumstances, on what should have been just another sunny carefree day,” they said on social media.
“Here at The Exchange, we were lucky enough to know these boys and their families well. As we support them now in their darkest hour, we ask you to keep them in your prayers, and also the emergency services who tried so hard to save and recover them, as well as the local boat owners who joined in the search.”
“We send love and prayers to their friend who is still in hospital and coming to terms with the loss of his two friends.”
“May the boys rest in peace, and their families find the strength to face each day ahead.”
