Some of the first funeral details for the ten victims of Friday's tragic Donegal petrol station blast have been released - as one family has been left heartbroken after the death of a father-of-one.
James O'Flaherty, 48, will be laid to rest at Magheragallon Cemetery after funeral Mass in St Mary’s Church, Derrybeg, on Wednesday.
His death notice read: “Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving wife Tracey (née O’Donnell), son Hamish, brother John, sister-in-law Serena and children Amber & Ebony (O’Flaherty), mother-in-law & father-in-law Margaret & Patrick O’Donnell, brother-in-law Odhran O’Donnell & partner Megan, sister-in-law Joanne Devenney & her husband Brian and children Áiria, Seren & Raenah (Devenney).”
READ MORE: Tributes pour in as first victims of Donegal petrol station explosion named
James passed away, alongside Catherine O'Donnell, 39, and her 14-year-old son James Monaghan; Robert Garwe, 50, and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe; 14-year-old Leona Harper; Jessica Gallagher, 24; Martin McGill, 49; Martina Martin, 49, and 59-year-old Hugh Kelly.
In the aftermath of the tragic explosion, Pope Francis offered his condolences to the people of Creeslough in their time of mourning.
A statement sent by his representative to Bishop of Raphoe Alexander McGuckian said: “His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the loss of life and destruction caused by the explosion in Creeslough and he expresses his spiritual closeness to all those suffering in the aftermath of this tragedy.
“While entrusting the deceased to the merciful love of almighty god, His Holiness implores the divine blessings of consolation and healing upon the injured, the displaced, and the families coping with the pain of loss.
“As a pledge of strength and peace in the lord, the Holy Father sends his blessing to all the people of Ireland.”
James’s removal will take place from the Eternal Light Chapel of Rest, Mountain Top, Letterkenny at 12:00 today to Roarty's Funeral Home, Derrybeg.
His remains will repose at the Funeral Home from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a rosary at 8:00 pm and again on Tuesday from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
He will then be removed to the family home in Dunfanaghy to repose overnight before being laid to rest at Magheragallon Cemetery following a funeral Mass in St Mary’s Church, Derrybeg, on Wednesday.
Tributes have been pouring in online, with one mourner writing: "No words can take away your pain after the awful tragedy in Cresslough. May your loved one be at peace in his heavenly home though gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all through your horrendous loss. God help you all."
Another wrote: "Rip James. No words to explain this awful tragedy .prayers for you and all your family. God bless you all."
Among the hundreds of condolences, a third said: "May the love of the nation help comfort you at this shockingly sad time. We will pray for you and send our deepest sympathy to you all. Mind each other and we hope James guides you all through this awful time. May James live in all of your hearts eternally."
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