First funerals of Creeslough victims to take place

10 people died in the tragedy in Co. Donegal

Derry vigil for Creeslough victims
Author: Chloe StjohnPublished 11th Oct 2022

The first funerals of the victims of the devastating tragedy in County Donegal will take place later.

10 people died in the explosion at a petrol station on Friday.

24 year old Jessica Gallagher, who had been due to start a new job as a fashion designer in Belfast this week, and 49 year old Martin McGill, who was originally from Scotland, will be laid to rest later.

Separate services are taking place today at St Michael's church in Creeslough.

The other victims were 5 year old Shauna Flanagan Garwe and her 50 year old dad Robert, 48-year-old James O'Flaherty, 39-year-old Catherine O'Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan, 59-year-old Hugh Kelly, 49-year-old Martina Martin, and 14-year-old Leona Harper.

Last night hundreds of people attended a candlelit vigil in Derry.

The event was led by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Sandra Duffy, who was joined by the Allegri and Rosemount Male Voice Choirs, and journalist and presenter Frank Galligan, who shared a poignant poem reflecting on the tragedy.

Vigils were also held across Donegal as people came together to show their solidarity with the Creeslough community.

Books of condolence have also been opened in towns and cities across the Island of Ireland.

The victims are:

Leona Harper, 14 years


Shauna Flanagan Garwe, 5 years


Robert Garwe, 50 years


Martina Martin, 49 years


Hugh Kelly, 59 years


Catherine O Donnell, 39 years and her son James Monaghan, 13 years


Martin McGill, 49 years


Jessica Gallagher, 24 years


James O'Flaherty, 48 years


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