'Today is a small step on a multi-step path to healing'

The opening of the Creeslough Community Association Links Hub is another step towards healing, local curate Fr John Joe Duffy said at its official opening.

The project was undertaken in the aftermath of the Creeslough Tragedy on October 7, 2022, to give the locality a dedicated space for a range of community, well-being and educational events.

“Today is a small step on a multi-step path to healing,” Fr Duffy said. “I come from a fishing community that has experienced much tragedy, like many fishing communities.

“For me, I saw grief first-hand, grief that is intergenerational, trauma, and thanks to Minister Joe O’Brien and Minster Charlie McConnelogue for your commitment to Creeslough and your commitment for the years ahead on this journey that we have to undertake. I look forward the that commitment continuing in the future. It will be a long journey.”

The old Cope Hardware building on Creeslough’s Main Street had been closed for many years. Following the tragedy at the local service centre, where 10 people tragically lost their lives following an explosion the Creeslough Initiative Project was set up.

The building has already been a hive of activity since August hosting information events as well as courses, classes, and festive and community functions. The hub features several facilities including a communal area, three offices, a meeting room and kitchen facilities. A spacious yard at the rear of the building also enjoys spectacular views over Ards and Sheephaven Bay.

Community Links manager Majella McFadden is assisted by Stephen Doak at the hub, which was officially opened by the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD.

“Thank you to Minster O’Brien for your support,” she said. “You listened to our community and the facility we have is a consequence of your good work. This marks a milestone for our community, with this building providing a positive vibe to our main street to enable community engagement by providing a hub of information by promoting skills through community workshops and enhancing overall wellbeing.

“We’re hosting kids groups, hosted by Foróige and the Donegal Youth Services. We also have a number of support groups - a walking group, a citizens’ advice committee, MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) and several local events like a live podcast, a documentary screening, an awards night for the local gym and Santa even paid a visit.

“It’s plain to see this is a missing link in our village. A community centre is a vital resource. Fr John Joe Duffy, over the past 15 months, his support has been unwavering. He really is the meaning of someone being a pillar of the community. He is one of those super-human people.

“A long-term community activist, Lorcan Roarty, has been an amazing support. His generosity has to be acknowledged. Thanks to you and Marissa and the family. Denis Ferry has helped us transform this building. Donegal County Council’s Liam Ward, Chair of the working group after the tragedy, was always available.

“Pauric Fingleton of the DLDC (Donegal Local Development Company) has made this happen, with Margaret Larkin and Anne Marie Ferry of the DLDC, who have been a fantastic support. The committee and the board of the Creeslough Community Association, what you see here today, is because of the volunteers.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie McConalogue said: “Today’s official opening represents another step on the journey of healing. This is a hub that is here for everyone. I have no doubt it will prove to be a valuable asset for the community – a community where people are always so kind and giving, and where caring for each other is a way of life.”

It is anticipated the current location on the main street will house the new community hub for a number of years and will remain in place until a new planned multi-million euro community centre is built on grounds to the rear of St Michael’s Church with the services transferring to the new proposed location once completed.

“The community spirit shown here over the last 15 months gives me hope and gives you hope,” Minster O’Brien, whose department are giving over €500,000 over three years to the Creeeslough Together Initiative, said. “The opening of the hub is a testament to your resilience and your spirit and unity. It marks an important step to a brighter future. Creeslough Community Association Links Hub can provide a symbol. I hope you can rebuild this community which survives on love, compassion and shared memories.”

Fr Duffy continued: “I want to thank those who have provided services to the community in so many ways. Thanks to the dedication of the government and other Oireachtas members who have also been in constant contact. And to the President who spent a week in our community, to Mandy Doyle and the HSE and to Dr Paul Stewart and the local medical and nursing staff, David Kelly and An Garda Siochana and Denis Ferry, who provided us with the facility here.

“Agnes Monaghan from the community here and the Arup Group Limited, have done such tremendous work here on a voluntary basis. Pauric Fingelton from the DLDC, who made it possible with Majelle and Stephen here providing the link. Councillor McClafferty from the local MD and all the other councillors from around the area. John Gerard McLaughlin and the staff of the council has shown an empathy, a compassion and an understanding.

“He has shown such commitment with his staff, Liam Ward, Paul Kelly and Aideen Doherty and Pamela Smullen. And thank you to Minster O’Brien, who came to our community on November 1 last and you’ve walked through here in the dark, without press, statements or photographers. You gave to this community your commitment that evening. You gave us the steer and you gave us the drive. Without you, we would not be standing here today. It so so much appreciated. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Fr Duffy held a moment of silence to remember those who died - Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe, Catherine O’Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; Sydney native James O’Flaherty, student Jessica Gallagher, Celtic fan Martin McGill, carpenter Hugh Kelly, shop worker Martina Martin, and 14-year-old Leona Harper.