THE normality of the Mullans' family life made the tragedy of their deaths even more shocking.
Like many families the length and breadth of Ireland, the Mullans had been enjoying a night out during the week before the children went back to school; a special treat.
But in an instant, as they drove home from Derry’s Brunswick Superbowl, everything changed forever.
Fr John Farren, who anointed the family at the scene on the banks of Lough Foyle, was struck by the silence of the tragedy, punctuated only by mum Geraldine’s heart-wrenching sobs.
The Mullans' home town of Moville is defined by the Foyle.
The small, picturesque town rises up from the shore. All around, its lough-side location are links to the sea, from the boats which dot the harbour to the smell of seaweed.
The names of its people go back generations and the links are strong.
Estate agent Leo McCauley’s office was, in a previous life, John Mullan’s father Hughie’s watch-maker’s workshop.
“Everyone’s just devastated. Everyone knew John as a lovely, affable fellow all his life and his beautiful wife. We can’t comprehend this," he said.
“His father ran a watch-maker's just where we’re sitting and was great a friend of my father’s and I’m just think away about them today.
"I think the thought of losing your whole family; my heart goes out to Geraldine and the cross she has to bear. The town’s very quiet this morning. Ah God, I don’t know what to say.”
Mary Doherty said everyone knew John Mullan though his garden centre business.
“We all went to John’s for our flowers whether it was for good times or for graves."
She said the entire family were “well-got” and when she had go to Letterkenny to visit her daughter last week, Geraldine gave her a lift.
“She was the loveliest girl you could meet. I heard about it about half eight this morning and I just couldn’t believe it.”
The grey clouds and damp morning yesterday reflected the sombre mood in Moville.
As the town went about the business that it must, people spoke in whispers, not wanting to intrude on the Mullan family’s grief.
On Market Square, Mary Bredin and Collette McLaughlin were among those coming to terms with the tragedy.
“When I heard about it, I thought first I hope I don’t know them and then when I heard the name Mullan I thought it couldn’t be John,” Mrs Bredin said.
Mrs McLaughlin said everyone in Moville had a “good word” for him.
“He was such a lovely man; everyone’s devastated,” she said.
