The names of the ten people killed in an explosion at a petrol station in Donegal have been revealed by police.
The explosion at the service station in Creeslough, Co Donegal on Friday took the lives of four men, three women, two teenagers and a girl of primary school age.
In a news conference on Sunday, police said the victims are James O Flaherty, 48, Jessica Gallagher, 24, Martin McGill, 49, Catherine O Donnell, 39, and her son James Monaghan, 13, Hugh Kelly, 59, Martina Martin, 49, Robert Garwe, 50, and his daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe, aged five, and 14-year-old Leona Harper.
The faces of the 10 who died at #Creeslough
— Stephen Murphy (@SMurphyTV) October 9, 2022
James O’Flaherty, 48
Jessica Gallagher, 24
Martin McGill, 49
Catherine O’Donnell, 39 and her son
James Monaghan, 13
Hugh Kelly, 59
Martina Martin, 49
Robert Garwe, 50 and his daughter
Shauna Flanagan Garwe, 5
Leona Harper, 14 pic.twitter.com/zPlXiZied6
Previously, Leona’s local rugby club paid tribute to the 14-year-old.
In a tribute, Letterkeny said: “We are heartbroken to say our worst fears have been confirmed.
“Leona Harper tragically lost her life yesterday in Creeslough. Leona was a talented rugby player and an important part of our U14 girls team.
“To Leona’s parents, Hugh and Donna, her brothers Anthony and Jamie, and all of her team mates, we offer you our deepest condolences and support.
“There are no words that feel strong enough at a moment of deep sorrow such as this.”
Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who visited the site of the explosion on Saturday evening, said the entire nation is mourning following the tragedy.
Mr Martin spoke to members of the emergency services who worked for 24 hours to locate victims following the explosion.
Speaking at the cordon around the blast site, Mr Martin said there was “deep sadness” in the village and a “terrible silence” reflecting the enormity of what has happened.
“The entire nation is mourning and deeply saddened,” he said.
“A young child in the shop and two teens, as well as men and women who were going about their lives as well.
“It is a very close-knit community and our heart goes out to them.”
