Hundreds gather for charity walk to remember victims of Buncrana Pier Tragedy

Before Sunday’s remembrance walk to mark the 10th anniversary of the Buncrana Pier Tragedy, Louise James said she knew her family would bring the sunshine.

It was never in any doubt.

While rain was forecast for the day, not one drop fell on the many hundreds of people who joined with Louise and her little girl, Rioghnach, to remember and honour their loved ones.

As the walk made its way from Buncrana Play Park, along beautiful views of Lough Swilly, the grey clouds in the sky parted and the sun shone brightly.

The numbers taking part in the walk were so vast, that those at the start were well over Castle Bridge while those at the back were still making their way to the Stone Jug.

Ruth, Sean, Jodie, Mark and Evan, who sadly lost their lives in these waters 10 years ago, were at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

A minute’s silence was held before the walk began, before host Mickey Doherty said a beautiful prayer.

Louise told those gathered that while the day was ‘very tough,’ the event was being held to celebrate her loved ones’ lives and thanked everyone for their help and support.

The well-known Laura Keogh, who is from Derry and a teacher in Buncrana, also sang ‘Your Love has Lifted Me Higher’ to begin the walk.

While the loss of five much-adored family members was greatly felt, the event was also one of celebration – of their lives, their love and the legacy they have left behind.

At the end point of Ned’s Point and the RNLI station, which will benefit from the monies raised from the event, there was lively music and much chat.

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Hundreds of people, many dressed in red as Louise had asked, gathered together in the warm sun, to have some refreshments and a rest.

Family and friends shared memories and people embraced as they reunited with familiar faces.

Once again, as they have many times before, the communities of Derry and Donegal mingled together to show support to each other and to Louise and Rioghnach.

That support was their way of metaphorically wrapping their arms around Louise and Rioghnach and, with every step, they showed them that Ruth, Sean, Jodie, Mark and Evan, will never, ever be forgotten.