The people of Creeslough are recalling the days before last year’s suspected gas explosion as they prepare for Saturday’s anniversary events, according to a community leader.
Majella McFadden of Creeslough Community Association said Saturday’s anniversary service and Mass would be all about the families of the victims.
Ten people were killed when a suspected gas explosion collapsed a shopping and apartment complex in Creeslough on October 7 last year. The first anniversary will be marked on Saturday with a service at the site of the explosion at 3pm, marking the exact moment of the disaster. The service will be followed by an anniversary Mass for the families and people of Creeslough on Saturday night.
Ms McFadden re-stated a request made by the victims’ families for privacy on the anniversary. In an interview with Co Donegal’s Highland Radio, she said the last 12 months have been difficult for everyone in Creeslough.
“This week is difficult; we’re all reliving what happened this time last year. I imagine, from talking to people, that they’re looking back at this time last year and thinking how good life was, how normal life was, to change so suddenly,” she said.
Most people were still reeling from the impact of what happened in Creeslough but services would be needed to help them in the year to come, Ms McFadden said.
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She paid particular tribute to Creeslough parish priest Fr John Joe Duffy.
“He has to be thanked for the support that he has given to, just not only Creeslough, but the wider community and, personally, to myself,” she said.
Life could never be the same in Creeslough after the disaster but Ms McFadden said the community in the village wouldn’t be defined by that.
A new community hub on the village’s main street as a drop-in service for the people of Creeslough as they attempt to come to terms with the tragedy. Ms McFadden said that, in the longer term, the hub would be a way of access necessary services.
