BUNCRANA pier hero Davitt Walsh has said he plans to be a part of the life of the baby girl he rescued in the tragedy.
Mr Walsh, who risked his own life to rescue four-month-old Rioghnach-Ann McGrotty, said he wanted to see her grow up.
The footballer from Kerrykeel, Co Donegal saved the baby girl after her family's car slid on algae from Buncrana pier into Lough Swilly on March 20.
Rioghnach-Ann's father Sean McGrotty (49), brothers Mark (12) and Evan (8), aunt Jodie-Lee Daniels (14) and grandmother Ruth Daniels (57) all died.
Louise James, the mother of Rioghnach-Ann, Mark and Evan, met Mr Walsh at the parochial house of Holy Family Parish in Derry just days after the tragedy to thank him for what he did.
Ms James told Mr Walsh, who was treated for shock and cuts to his feet following the rescue, she would be forever grateful to him for saving her daughter's life.
In a message posted online on Tuesday night, Mr Walsh wrote of how Ms James was an "inspiration" to him and that he would like to see baby Rioghnach-Ann grow up.
"Louise has been an inspiration to me and a great comfort, she is an exceptional woman," he wrote.
"Rioghnach-Ann is a beautiful baby and I look forward to being a part of her life and to see her growing up."
He also thanked well-wishers for their support since the tragedy unfolded last month.
While reflecting today on all that has happened, I would like to say that I am overwhelmed by all the messages and posts... Posted by Davitt Walsh on Monday, April 4, 2016
"While reflecting today on all that has happened, I would like to say that I am overwhelmed by all the messages and posts that I have received," he said.
"It's impossible for me to reply to everyone individually but I have read them all.
"It's your kindness and sincerity that has given me great strength and enabled me to cope over these last days."
Mr Walsh added: "Sean, Mark, Evan, Ruth and Jodie-Lee are now together in heaven. God Bless R.I.P".
