Victims of Cresslough explosion remembered, two years on

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The ten victims of the Cresslough explosion who lost their lives two years ago

The bells of St Michael's Church in Creeslough will ring this Monday in rememberance of the ten people who lost their lives two years ago at 3.17pm, the exact time of the tragedy that ripped through the lives of a Donegal community.

An explosion at the Applegreen filling station in the county Donegal town on October 7 2022 claimed the lives of four men, three women and three children, ranging in age from five to 59.

Five-year-old Shauna Flanagan-Garwe and her father, Robert Garwe (50) lost their lives, as did Catherine O’Donnell (39) and her 13-year-old son, James Monaghan.

Leona Harper, aged 14, and Jessica Gallagher (24) were killed along with shop assistant Martina Martin (49).

James O’Flaherty (48), Martin McGill (49) and Hugh Kelly (59) were the other victims of the horrific explosion.

Creeslough parish priest Father John Joe Duffy has invited everyone to join with them in remembering and praying for those that are bereaved and impacted by the tragedy.

"The journey of healing will continue and we remain strong for one another," Fr Duffy added.

Later this evening a prayer service will take place at St Michael's Church for those who died in the tragedy.

In a statement this Monday, Minister McEntee said the Creeslough families deserve to get answers to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

The minister said: "We have to set a date, but I'm very conscious that it is two years, very conscious that there is still a Garda investigation under way, so its really important that that can be allowed to continue and to be completed. A file will be sent to the DPP. My understanding is in the very near future."

She said separate investigations were under way through the energy regulator and the Health and Safety Authority, adding that it was important that that work continues as well.