A community is coming to terms with the deaths of the ten people who died in a explosion at the Applegreen Service Station and apartment block in Creeslough in Co Donegal, on Friday afternoon.
The four men, three woman, a teenage boy and girl and a younger girl were from the wider Creeslough area, and the names of some of those who died have begun to emerge locally.
Letterkenny Rugby Club has paid tribute to one of its underage members, Leona Harper, who died in the explosion.
In a post on Facebook, the club said Leona was “a talented rugby player and an important part of our U14 girls team” and expressed its sympathies to her parents and two brothers.
It added: “There are no words that feel strong enough at a moment of deep sorrow such as this”.
Eight people remain in hospital being treated for injuries suffered in the explosion.
Gardaà are continuing to investigate the cause of the blast but the evidence so far, they say, is pointing towards a tragic accident.
The major rescue and recovery operation involving emergency services from both sides of the border, and many volunteers from within the local community, extended through the night on Friday and into yesterday.
Last night Mr Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald were among the congregation at a special service of remembrance for the ten people who died in the explosion.
Ten red candles were lit in the chapel at Creeslough representing each person who died, and they will remain lit for the next seven days.
The gathering in St Michael’s church came at the close of an emotional day for the community as the full scale of the tragedy emerged.
Parish priest Fr John Joe Duffy said: “Our hearts are indeed broken, we all sense a numbness, a disbelief that we are really experiencing this tragedy, that it is real.
“The grief we see in the young and in the old shows that this is a family that cares for each other, a genuine community. We suffer the loss, we all sense the pain.
“The days ahead will be difficult days. I wish there was some easier way, but unfortunately there is not.
“However, the strength of our community will carry us.”
Read more: Strength of Creeslough hailed in service to remember victims
Speaking on RTÉ’s Sunday with Miriam, Fr Duffy said the prayers and good wishes of the nation and beyond “are a source of strength” to the community, adding that Creeslough is a heartbroken but strong community and everyone is “trying to carry each other”.
He praised the “heartfelt sympathy” and support that has been offered and said he has “no doubt” that the strength of the people will help the community through this.
“So many people came out to pray here last night … it was a very nice moment,” he said.
“The very youngest to the very oldest in our community and people coming from other communities to join us.”
Gardaà said yesterday that emergency services do not expect any more casualties at the scene and that no one else is unaccounted for.
Meanwhile from tomorrow, An Post has invited the public to donate to a support fund at its 902 offices nationwide to help those impacted by the explosion.
An Post said the funds raised would be channelled through the Irish Red Cross to provide help to those bereaved, injured or made homeless by the blast.
“An Post and the Irish Red Cross will work with State service providers and local groups to ensure that supports are available to all those who need them in the weeks and months ahead.”
Additional reporting PA
Memorial mass told difficult days ahead for Creeslough
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