The chief celebrant at the funeral of one of the eight victims of Sundays night’s road crash in Donegal says no words can describe the devastation being felt by the family and friends of those who died.
Two funerals have taken place this morning, with a third taking place this afternoon.
At 10 o’clock this morning, hundreds of people gathered in St Michael’s Church, Urris, Clonmany this morning for the funeral mass of 66 year old Hugh Friel.
Mr Friel was driving home to Dunaff after attending bingo in Buncrana when his red Toyota Corolla was in collision with a black Volkswagen Passat in which eight men were travelling towards Buncrana.
Seven passengers in that car lost their lives. The first of them to be buried was 21 year old Mark McLoughlin, whose funeral took place this morning in St Mura’s Church, Fahan
Speaking during the service, Fr Neil McGoldrick told mourners that people on the Inishowen pensinsula are stunned by the horrific crash which has left them feeling helpless…………
This afternoon, St Mura’s is hosting it’s second funeral, with 21 year old PJ Mc Laughlin being laid to rest.
The remaining five funerals, those of 19-year-olds Paul Doherty and Ciaran Sweeney, 21-year-old Damien McLaughlin, 22-year-old Eamon McDaid and 23-year-old James McElaney will take place tomorrow and Friday.
Buncrana curate Fr. George Doherty said while the coming days will be difficult for the families, the real pain will be felt in the weeks ahead, with an emptiness in so many homes across Inishowen………
The Samaritans are urging people in Donegal and further afield to speak to each other about the pain and devastation caused by this tragedy.
The organisation’s Director in Ireland is Suzanne Costello says if people need support, they can contact the Samaritans.
However, she says the most important thing is that people talk to each other………..
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