Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with the families, friends and community of Catherine O'Donnell, James Monaghan, Martin McGill, Jessica Gallagher, James O'Flaherty, Martina Martin, Hugh Kelly, Robert Garwe, Shauna Flanagan Garwe and Leona Harper.

I drove from Sligo to Creeslough to be with my colleagues that Saturday morning. There was an outpouring of grief but also an outpouring of solidarity. The air was heavy with grief and trauma. Having called to the various centres, I could see that a plan had been put in place by the emergency services, the local authority in Donegal, the HSE and many volunteers. I pay tribute to them for the way in which they quickly dealt with the situation, went to the shop within minutes of the explosion and saved many lives.

Father John Joe Duffy said, "While we cannot take that pain away for you, we want to walk with you”. The people of Ireland - North and South - were united in their grief for and solidarity with the people of Creeslough and Donegal. Across the United Kingdom, Europe and the world, Creeslough was on most people's minds. There was a huge sense of hope after lives were suddenly taken away in this random act. Hamish O'Flaherty, the 12-year-old son of James O'Flaherty, called on everyone to cherish life and family. We all know how deeply important those few words were.

To the men, women and children of Creeslough, I say that Creeslough is everything that is beautiful about our country. Unfortunately, this random act has transformed Creeslough. Out of that, Siobhán Carr and the staff at The Coffee Pod provided an oasis of comfort. They showed great respect for and stood by the people of Creeslough.

The HSE will continue to offer counselling to those who need it. It was a difficult time for everybody. All the resources must be made available throughout various Departments for the people of Creeslough and Donegal. Life moves on, but we cannot forget.

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