Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that everybody is still trying to come to terms with what happened in Creeslough on that fateful evening. We have to salute each and every person in the vicinity of the shop, passers-by, neighbours, first responders, An Garda Síochána, ambulance crews, the fire brigade, council workers, hospital staff from the North and South and everybody else who tried to help. There was a real sense of the meitheal. They are normally organised but on this occasion in Creeslough it was spontaneous. The late Bridie Gallagher sang "The Homes of Donegal" and what else would we expect from the area? Bhí siad iontach i gcónaí.

The local parish priest, Father John Joe Duffy, was a source of great comfort and strength to the bereaved families and entire local community as his church became a focus for everyone's grief in the close-knit Creeslough community. Father Duffy officiated at six of the eight funerals of the ten victims and became one of the most familiar representatives of the shattered community. From our observations, it is very easy to see that he is very well respected and liked and a pillar of the local community.

I thank the Minister, Dáil colleagues, Sinn Féin representatives, Deputies McHugh and Pringle, local councillors and anybody who tried to help lessen the burden and share the grief. It was a true grief. As I said, this happened a month ago last Friday. A month after the devastating blast, the impact on the quiet community of Creeslough in County Donegal is still real and raw.

In a weekend edition of the Irish Examiner, Father Duffy said it is still very sad and the whole community is shocked and numb. The devastating impact of this tragedy on the families and loved ones of those directly affected is life-changing and heartbreaking. It is fair to restate that the impact of this is life-changing in so many ways for the community in Creeslough and north Donegal.

It is important to have support. Father Duffy said on radio yesterday he was one of the first to go for counselling. Goodness knows he needs it. We are all proud people and may say that we do not need any support like that, but we all do. Father Duffy showed great courage and dignity in saying that. I compliment any clergy of all denominations North and South. I thank the Government and Taoiseach. They did their best. There is not a lot anyone can do but be physically present representing the community in this House.

Those who passed away are James O'Flaherty, Jessica Gallagher, Martina Martin, Leona Harper, Shauna Flanagan Garwe and her father Robert, Hugh Kelly and Catherine O'Donnell and her son James Monaghan. Our prayers and support will be with them. Beidh an tAthair John Joe Duffy ann maidin amárach chun Aifreann a dhéanamh for the holy souls. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse go léir.

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