Ireland

Mickey Harte among speakers for Creeslough tragedy novena

Mickey Harte is among the speakers who have agreed to speak at a Novena in Creeslough. Picture by Philip Walsh
Mickey Harte is among the speakers who have agreed to speak at a Novena in Creeslough. Picture by Philip Walsh Mickey Harte is among the speakers who have agreed to speak at a Novena in Creeslough. Picture by Philip Walsh

GAA manager Mickey Harte is to address a Novena in Creeslough, organised in memory of the 10 people killed in last month’s explosion.

Donegal singing star Daniel O’Donnell and former Eurovision winner Dana Rosemary Scallon will also take part in the Novena, which will run for two weeks and starts on November 15.

As month’s mind Masses for the victims take place this week, Creeslough priest Fr John Joe Duffy said he has been overwhelmed by the support shown to the village from across the country.

"People have been coming to Creeslough from Belfast, Antrim and across the country to pay their respects; they’ve been dropping into the church to say a private prayer and to make donations to the fund (set up to help the victims’ families)," Fr Duffy said.

The Donegal priest felt that Mr Harte’s contribution to the Novena was particularly important. He said there was always a special bond between the former Tyrone GAA manager and the people of Donegal.

"The Novena is trying to see what we can do to give people coping mechanisms," he said.

"We are going forward as a community here that has a very good heart and the Novena is an effort to help them on that journey."

Fr Duffy said he knew Mr Harte to be a "good, kind man" and that the GAA connection and his own tragic history through the murder of his daughter Michaela McAreavey on her honeymoon in 2011 created a special bond.

"I believe there’s a rapport across the border as well, between Donegal, Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh," he said.

"The Novena is open to all of the community and by that I don’t just mean the people of Creeslough but to everyone who has been affected by the tragedy."

Other speakers schedule to address the Novena include Dr Maura Finnegan, principal clinical psychologist with HSE Donegal, Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian and Brother Philip Baxter, Capuchin brother.

Music will also be provided by the local St Michael’s choir.

The Novena can be joined remotely at: www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-michaels-church