Son’s truck tribute to dad killed in Creeslough tragedy...
432 lorries join fundraising convoy
I will do all I can for Co Donegal & Creeslough community NOEL CUNNINGHAM
TV PERSONALITY
BY
A BOY who lost his dad in the Creeslough tragedy has led a convoy of 400 trucks in an amazing fundraising tribute.
Hamish O’flaherty, 12, was left devastated when his father James was killed along with nine other people in the Co Donegal blast.
Now a spectacular tribute has been paid by truckers raising thousands of euro for the families of those left behind following the October 7 tragedy.
Organiser and lorry driver Colin Fitzpatrick confirmed 432 vehicles took part in the event on Saturday.
Colin, from St Johnston, was one of the first responders after the horrific blast at the Applegreen service station.
One of those he helped to recover from the rubble was Hamish’s dad.
Hamish and Colin shared a special moment as they led truckers from Ballybofey to Letterkenny and on to Creeslough.
An emotional Colin placed a wreath at the site of the explosion before the drivers carried on their journey.
As well as paying an entry fee, truckers also generously donated to the cause bringing in thousands for the fund.
Organisers also held a dance and celebrity auction at the Silver Tassie Hotel with prizes including a signed Ireland jersey, donated by Shane Duffy, as well as AP Mccoy’s whip and a signed Donegal jersey.
Meanwhile, the townsfolk of Creeslough have been named as the winners of this year’s Donegal Person of the Year.
The Donegal Association in Dublin made the announcement yesterday as it confirmed plans are underway for the Gala Ball for the 2022.
TV personality Noel Cunningham, who currently holds the award, said: “It is always a privilege and to have been Donegal Person of the Year was beyond my wildest dreams.
“It gave me a further platform to promote my beautiful county. It was also the most poignant of times with the terrible tragedy in Creeslough and for me it is a source of huge pride that we are handing over the title to the great community in Creeslough who have shown the world the true meaning of community.
“I was in Medjugorje when the news broke and as I spoke about it on national radio several thousand people from all over the world fell silent that evening remembering the people so affected by the tragedy.
“I will most certainly continue to do what I do for Co Donegal and certainly now the Creeslough community are being recognised, my pride in my county is even greater.”
The Gala Ball will take place on April 15 in the Bonnington Hotel, Dublin.