A Creeslough native has said the tragedy which took the lives of 10 people in the village has “ripped the soul” from the community.
Speaking to SIN, Jessica Redmond, who grew up in Creeslough and now lives in Milltown, spoke openly of how the County Donegal village has been affected by the accident.
“I lived in Creeslough for 12 years, it is my home. I know people that were affected by the tragedy. I know people who were first on the scene. It is very hard to describe the effect it’s had on our wee town.
“My stepdad just came back from the funeral of his cousins Catherine and James. It’s like the heart has been taken out of the town.”
Jessica said people in Creeslough are “in a daze” of attending wakes and funerals. She added that a key amenity for the village has also been taken away from local people.
“That shop housed a post office, a butcher’s, and a petrol station. Villagers have no petrol, or access to any post office, butcher’s, or shop at the moment.
“The local priest Father John Joe Duffy has been on hand continuously since the incident and has held the community together. His work over the last few days has been unprecedented,” she said.
She said it would take “a long time” for the community to recover from this tragedy.
Members of the University of Galway and wider Galway community have also been paying tribute to the people who tragically lost their lives.
A multi-faith Vigil of Remembrance in the college chapel was organised by students and staff, many of them from Donegal, who led a candlelight procession in tribute to the victims.
Co-officiant Chaplain Fr. Ben Hughes spoke of the “spirit of friendship” that was felt at the service.
“The incredible outpouring of kindness and compassion emerging from this tragedy was acknowledged as a significant source of optimism. Our hope is that those who are suffering loss and pain will find what they need as they navigate their way through.”
Crowds from the local Galway community also attended a remembrance ceremony in Eyre Square this week which was organised by natives of Creeslough.
Speaking at the memorial, Mayor Cllr. Clodagh Higgins said: “Since the news unfolded on Friday, I’ve been unable to think of anything else. I’d like to extend my heartfelt good wishes to all of those who have been injured as a result of this terrible tragedy also.”
Mayor Higgins has also opened a Book of Condolences in Galway for locals to pay their respects to the people of Creeslough.
It is open for signatures in the City Hall, and is also available online.
