Thousands attend vigils in Derry and Donegal to remember Buncranna tragedy victims

 
Frank McGrotty a brother of Sean McGrotty who died in the tragedy at Buncrana pier last Sunday has said the tremendous outpouring of support from across the country has ‘been of great comfort to the family at this most tragic time.
He was speaking at a vigil organised in Derry’s Guildhall Square to mark almost a week to the minute when Ruth Daniels, 57, her daughter Jodie Lee, 14, Sean McGrotty, 49, and his sons Mark, 12, and Evan, eight died when their car slipped into the waters of Lough Swilly in Buncranna.
Despite blustery winds and freezing rain hundreds of people assembled in the Guildhall Square to remember the dead from the Buncranna Pier tragedy.
This was just one of several vigils held to mark the event including one at the scene of the accident in Buncranna.
In Derry Frank McGrotty representing the family attended with his wife Louise.
He said: “I would like to thank the people of this city for their support and everything they have done for us as a family.
“They have kept us in their prayers and I have to say it has been a great comfort to the family at this most tragic time to have the thoughts and support of the people of this city with us.
He concluded by saying “Words escape me and I am still struggling to come to terms with what has happened but the outpouring of support from across this city, this country and indeed worldwide has been tremendous.”
As the Guildhall clock struck 7 the crowd stood for a minutes silence in memory of the five victims before lighting candles.