Over €400,000 raised for the families of those killed…

Over €400,000 raised for the families of those killed in the Creeslough tragedy as community 'overwhelmed' with support

A fundraiser set up to help the families of victims of the Creeslough tragedy has reached over €400,000 as ripples of devastation spread across Ireland and the globe following Friday's blast.

Ten people were killed in the heartbreaking explosion at a complex consisting of apartments and an Applegreen Service Station.

Seven of the ten victims have been laid to rest this week, with further funerals expected to take place in the coming days.

A Creeslough local living in Brisbane, Australia, who was rocked by the news of the blast, has started a fundraising campaign to help from the other side of the world as best he can.

In a GoFundMe post, he wrote: "Hi my name is Gerard McFadden residing Brisbane Australia. I woke up this morning to the devastating news that an explosion in Applegreen garage has claimed multiple fatalities and injury's in my home town of Creeslough Co Donegal Ireland.

An aerial view of the Applegreen petrol station in Creeslough, Co Donegal (Joe Dunne)

"I would like to raise as much funds as possible to help the families of the deceased and injured through these challenging times ahead.

"Thoughts and prayers are with the families and all the community.

"Rest In Peace to the lives lost."

Gerard added in an update on Wednesday: "Just an update to let you know we have now reached €376,905 and it is still increasing everyday.

"Words cannot express what this means to me and the people of Creeslough, we are forever grateful.

"Please keep spreading the word as these funds will help rebuild the life's of many people affected by this devastating tragedy .

"Let's keep Creeslough in our thoughts and prayers."

Since then, the fundraiser has reached new heights after climbing over the €400,000 milestone and continuing to gather momentum.

Several large donations have also been made from local businesses and charities, including several large contributions such as €10,000 from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, €10,000 from JCDecaux Ireland, €5,000 from HD Tunnelling, €5,000 from Champions Travel and €5,000 from Tony McFadden.

Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday. (Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

Jockey Glen Tormey also made a sizable donation of €1,120 to the worthy cause.

The news comes after mum-of-four Martina Martin, who was killed in the blast, was laid to rest on Thursday.

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and the Taoiseach's aide-de-camp were among those who attended the service for Martina Martin.

Mrs Martin, 49, was working in the shop when the explosion took place at a service station in the rural Co Donegal village.

Martina was remembered as a person with "an abundance of love" by Fr John Joe Duffy.

He said: "She was sensitive to the needs of others, and to those who are sensitive to the needs of others, life offers innumerable opportunities to practice the commandment of love."

Martina's funeral was followed by that of 14-year-old Leona Harper, who was picking out an ice cream in the store before heading to a sleepover at her friend's house at the time of the blast.

Leona was described as a young woman who "shone brightly" throughout her short life and "sparkled with energy and fun".

Their funerals followed those of 24-year-old Jessica Gallagher, 49-year-old Martin McGill, 48-year-old James O'Flaherty and 39-year-old Catherine O Donnell and her son James Monaghan, 13.