Council meeting adjourns in memory of four Donegal residents who died recently

Donegal County Council briefly adjourned its plenary meeting this morning as a mark of respect to four residents of the county who passed away in recent weeks.

Among those remembered were Carndonagh mother Natalie McLaughlin, 27, and her daughter Ella, six, who tragically lost their lives in a road traffic collision in Glentogher earlier this month.

Cllr Martin McDermott asked the council for a five minute adjournment to honour the mother and daughter and paid condolences to the McLaughlin family on behalf of the council.

Cllr McDermott of Inishowen MD said it had been an “extremely difficult time” for the family and the communities in Carndonagh, Moville and Glengad. 

“I just want to acknowledge the work that the emergency services did on that evening as well,” said Cllr McDermott.

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Cllr Albert Doherty also extended his sympathies to those affected by the tragedy.

The council also heard tributes for the late Gavin Burke from Newtowncunningham, who passed away last weekend at the age of 49.

Letterkenny-based Cllr Ciaran Brogan asked for the adjournment to also remember Gavin and expressed his condolences to the Burke family, some of whom are employed at the council.

“It’s a very difficult time for his family and indeed our own staff who worked with him,” said Cllr Brogan. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family for the late Gavin. May he rest in peace.”

Gavin was a much-loved colleague at his place of work, the Central Library in Letterkenny.

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“Gavin personified what it means to be a public librarian,” the Donegal County Library shared in a tribute. “With a warm smile and pleasant nature he went to great lengths to help everyone who walked through the door of the library. His passing will leave a big void in our team.”

Central Library Letterkenny will close on Tuesday, July 22 from 11am to 2pm as a mark of respect.

Cllr Michael McClafferty of Glenties MD paid tribute to Edgar Scott of Horn Head, Dunfanaghy and Magheralin, Craigavon, Co Armagh, who died suddenly in Falcarragh last week. 

Cllr McClafferty extended sympathies to the Scott family, who he said were neighbours of his.