Creeslough families: ‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts’

The families of the 10 victims of the Creeslough explosion have thanked those who rushed to try and help their loved ones.

Last October, 10 people lost their lives when a gas explosion ripped through the Applegreen service station complex.

On Saturday, family, friends and neighbours gathered as one to remember those killed in the horror blast on the first anniversary of one of the worst tragedies to hit County Donegal.

Many of the rescue workers and volunteers who worked tirelessly through wrecked and rubble in the immediate aftermath of the incident returned to Creeslough on Saturday.

A 22-foot barrier now stands around the former complex with ten candles in a glass casing to the front. Floral tributes were laid at the scene on Saturday.

First anniversary another step in 'journey of healing' for Creeslough

Location was as important as words for Fr John Joe Duffy on Saturday as Creeslough marked one year since an explosion claimed the lives of 10 'beautiful souls'

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Creeslough curate Fr John Joe Duffy - who administered the last rites and was present at all of the funerals last year - hailed the ‘trojan efforts’ of the first responders.

“We want to thank those who responded in those critical moments in the immediate aftermath and the immediate hours after the tragedy occurred,” Fr Duffy said.

“You are most welcome today again. Many have come from across the island to be here with us. Your presence is very comforting and very soothing.

“By all of your efforts and sacrifices have given a new definition to the greatness of humanity at its best, working together hand-in-hand reaching out to people. I want to thank you for being here and thank you for your continued support and solidarity with us and your professionalism.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Uniformed members of An Garda Siochana, the Ambulance Service, the Fire Service the Irish Coastguard and the K9 Search and Rescue unit, including rescue dog Max, who helped in last October’s operation, were present at Saturday’s memorial service.

The Minister for Agriculture and Donegal TD, Charlie McConalogue represented the government, while messages of support and solidarity were received from An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Bishop of Raphoe, Alan McGuckian SJ, who is in Rome.

Those who died in the explosion were: James O”Flaherty, Jessica Gallagher, Martin McGill, Catherine O’Donnell, James Monaghan, Hugh Kelly, Martina Martin, Robert Garwe, Shauna Flanagan Garwe and Leona Harper.

One year on, questions remain over the condition of the gas system in the complex, which is at the centre of a vast inquiry.

Last week, Gardai met with family members ahead of Saturday’s anniversary. Investigating gardai have followed up in excess of 1,350 lines of enquiry and taken more than 900 statements.

The probe continues to be supported by other Garda sections; the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) and Garda Technical Bureau.

The Health and Safety Authority, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and DNV (Det Norske Veritas), a Norwegian company specialising in the investigation and testing of energy systems, are also involved in the investigation.

A Family Liaison Team with a dedicated Family Liaison Officer appointed to each deceased person’s family is in place and continues to support the bereaved families.