Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Without doubt, Creeslough was visited by a tsunami of pain, grief and tragedy. We all watched and waited and, unfortunately, our worst fears were realised as the truth came out about the people who died and the families who were impacted. I do not think any of us will forget that. I was involved in many community activities in County Louth the following day and all people wanted to talk about was this. It was county final season and not only did the GAA recognise what happened at Creeslough with a moment's silence but it had a fundraiser, as many others had. This was an attempt to do something about this absolute tragedy. We know the families have been devastated. The community of Creeslough and surrounding areas have been impacted greatly and the people of Donegal felt this pain. We all felt it but not to the same degree as they did. We must ensure the counselling services that are required are provided by the HSE as necessary, because dealing with tragedy and grief is an ongoing, long process. We must ensure we are with those people for the long run, and that is something we are required to do.

As other Members have done, I commend those who rushed to help, volunteered and were involved with the emergency services, North and South, and with the HSE. All of us have heard multiple stories of people who did that extra piece and stayed that bit longer because of this tragedy. We all know of people who were injured and impacted by this, such is the nature of the small island in which we live. We all have connections to Donegal. My granny on my mother's side was from Falcarragh. My grandfather played Gaelic football for Donegal, a skill set I did not inherit, which will not come as a shock to anyone who saw me play. The fact is that we all felt this pain, but we must ensure those who felt it greatest are provided with the necessary services.

I commend those who showed leadership, particularly Father John Joe Duffy and the Members of the Oireachtas and the Dáil. Deputies Pearse Doherty, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Charlie McConalogue, Joe McHugh and Thomas Pringle have to be commended on dealing head-on with this tragedy, which was on a huge level and was incredibly difficult. We all welcome what happened with St. Michael's GAA, and how Amber Barrett summed up the feeling for us when she said, "This is for Creeslough; this is for Donegal." I offer my thoughts and prayers to the families of those who are gone. We must remember but we must also make sure we follow through on doing what is necessary.

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