Fermanagh clergyman is in the heart of Creeslough devastation
Rector of Dunfanaghy Group of Parishes gives a telling insight into the tragedy that shocked the entire island of Ireland
A Church of Ireland clergyman originally from Fermanagh but now based close to Creeslough where 10 people were tragically killed in an explosion last Friday has spoken of the impact and aftermath of the incident as well as the efforts of those involved in the rescue and recovery of people from the shop.
The small Donegal village was thrown into tragedy following the explosion at a shop which claimed the lives of 10 people, including a five-year-old girl.
Reverend David Skuce the Rector of the Dunfanaghy Group of Parishes in north Donegal said there was “a fantastic response from the locals, from the county, nationally and cross Border”.
Describing the explosion as something emergency services would not have dealt with before, Rev. Skuce expressed the sympathy of the Church of Ireland community to the Roman Catholic community: “Church Of Ireland and Roman Catholic [Church], they have been very, very appreciative of what has been done especially the two bishops and also the Parish Priest John Joe Duffy has done a fantastic job.”
“Whenever it initially happened people were putting their own lives at risk to rescue the lives of others.”
Having attended the funerals of the deceased in recent days, Reverend Skuce said the explosion has ripped into the heart of the community who are still coming to terms with what happened: “It was the heart of the community. It has really impacted the local community.
“Most of the people who died came from within the village.”
And with more funerals for the deceased to take place over the coming days, Creeslough will then have to look at life after the tragic event.
“It’s like any devastation, the whole world is there. The press, the media all recording what’s going on and then next week they are off to the next story and the people will have to pick up the pieces and move on and hope as best they can with the bereavements.”
Locally people have also shown their support for the people of Creeslough. Last weekend all championship games hosted by Fermanagh GAA held a minute’s silence while Ballinamallard United also held a minute’s silence before their league game against Annagh United.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has opened an online book of condolence in memory of those who tragically lost their lives in Creeslough, Co Donegal last Friday. The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry Mcelduff, said: “On behalf of the Council, and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives in Creeslough on Friday, October 7, 2022.”
The online book on condolence is available on the Council’s website (www. fermanaghomagh.com) from Tuesday, October 11 until 5pm on Friday, October 21.
Just across the Border in Blacklion on Monday evening, people gathered from both sides of the border to pay their respects at a vigil. 10 candles were lit, and the names of the deceased were read out before a minute’s silence was held.
Blacklion native and the President of the Methodist Church of Ireland, Reverend David Nixon also expressed his sympathy to the village of Creeslough which was plunged into great sorrow and anguish: “On behalf of the Methodist family across Ireland and especially in parts of Donegal, I offer sincere and heartfelt sympathy for all those who have been affected by this tragedy.
“Those who have lost loved ones and the families and friends who are still uncertain about the future of those in the hospital.”