REPUBLIC OF IRELAND CAPTAIN Seamus Coleman offered his thoughts and prayers to the families affected by the Creeslough disaster.
Last weekend an explosion occurred at Creeslough in Donegal. The blast happened at an Applegreen petrol station last Friday in the small village of around 400 people shortly after 3pm. Adjacent buildings and apartments were also caught in the blast.
Several emergency service vehicles remained at the scene on Friday evening while a Coastguard helicopter airlifted some of those injured in the explosion from Letterkenny University Hospital in Dublin.
The Northern Air Ambulance has also been deployed, as have fire crews and land ambulances.
As of Tuesday, the reported death toll stood at 10 people. The youngest a five-year-old girl; the oldest a 59-year-old man.
Many personalities and sports bodies have offered their condolences to the families affected. Irish football captain Coleman, who hails from Donegal himself, paid tribute via a statement on Everton’s website
He wrote: ‘I would like to offer my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones in the devastating tragedy in Creeslough, Co Donegal,’ the Killybegs native said.
A message from our Captain Seamus Coleman following the tragic death of 10 people following a petrol station explosion in County Donegal. pic.twitter.com/Phrq3393yP
—Everton (@Everton) October 10, 2022
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families, the injured and the whole community.
“Being born and raised in the county, I know firsthand how tight the communities are.
“The immediate response of emergency services, local residents and passers-by who stepped up to help others is an example of the spirit and togetherness of the entire county.
“May the 10 people who lost their lives rest in peace: Shauna Flanagan Garwe, Robert Garwe, Leonar Harper, Hugh Kelly, Jessica Gallagher, Martin McGill, James O’Flaherty, Martina Martin, Catherin O’Donnell, James Monaghan.
Today two funerals of victims of the disaster took place and will take place. One took place at 11 p.m., while another is expected to take place at 2 p.m.
The funeral of Jessica Gallagher, 24, took place at 11am at St Michael’s Church in the village, while at 2pm the funeral of Martin McGill, 49, will take place at the same church.
Ms Gallagher was a fashion designer who was due to start her new job in Belfast yesterday.
Mr McGill was caring for his elderly mother and had entered the garage to use the ATM when he was caught in the blast.
President Michael D Higgins is expected to have attended the first service and is expected to attend the second later today.
10 beautiful precious lives.
No words. 💔 #Creeslough pic.twitter.com/wwChu4LaCz
— Reverend Karen Sethuraman (@KarenSethuraman) October 9, 2022
