Stunning total confirmed from 'Trucking For Creeslough' fundraiser

The 'Trucking For Creeslough' fundraiser has gathered a stunning €117,000 for the victims of the Creeslough explosion.

On February 4, a convoy of 432 trucks travelled from Ballybofey to Creeslough and onwards to an auction night at the Silver Tassie Hotel.

The proceeds have been counted and €117,000 will now be donated to the GoFundMe page set up by Creeslough native Gerard McFadden in the wake of the tragedy on October 7 which claimed 10 lives.

“The money will go to the families of the deceased and the injured,” says Colin Kilpatrick. “Realistically, it's €100,000 more than we expected to get. The money is going where we want it, to the families of the people affected.”

The St Johnston man, who drives for Bernard Long & Son Transport, was one of the first on the scene on the day of the explosion.

Colin led the convoy, accompanied by Hamish O'Flaherty, the 12-year-old whose father James lost his life in the tragedy. At the site of the explosion, Colin placed a wreath.

Colin Kilpatrick with Hamish O'Flaherty at the Trucking For Creeslough event

The horns had tooted through the various towns and villages, but in Creeslough they were silent.

“It was the right call,” he says. “The reception we got everywhere, but especially in Creeslough, was brilliant. We had five lorries at the front – me, Muckish, Boyle Transport, Homeland and Post Office – and we had black ribbons on those.

“We came into Creeslough in silence, you could hear people clapping and crying.”

Colin was aided by Bernard and Patrick Long and Dean McLaughlin to put the event together.

The goodwill and generosity staggered them.

“No-one said no,” Colin says. “Anyone rang to ask for help, for a donation or to take part in the lorry run, everyone wanted to do what they could. That made it a lot easier. You need that if you're going to organise a big event.

“Gerard (McFadden) has been very helpful and has done brilliant with the GoFundMe page.”

Trucks make their way into Creeslough

Over 800 people gathered at the Silver Tassie for the auction, which saw 125 lots go under the hammer.

A Honda 50 and a rally experience with former Irish Tarmac Rally champion Garry Jennings were among the top money spinners.

“No-one got a bargain and people were just there to help,” Colin says. “Everything we got was donated. It was a big undertaking, but it was very successful.”