Sympathy and silence for victims of recent tragedies

A minute’s silence was observed at the council meeting this afternoon (Monday, October 12) for the victims of the Carrickmines fire tragedy and for Gda Anthony Golden who was shot dead in Omeath on Sunday.
Fianna Fail Cllr John Paul Feeley proposed the vote of sympathy for the 11 dead in “very harrowing circumstances” in Carrickmines, offering his “sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of those who perished, adding that the responders to “what must have been an horrific scene” should also be remembered. He offered “all our prayers and thoughts” to the families.
“It was followed by the death of two people and a very serious injury to another,” he said, referring to the suicide-murder that occurred in Omeath, Co Louth, where Gda Golden was shot dead.
“We send our good wishes to that lady in Beaumont Hospital and in particular to the family and friends,” of Gda Golden, who lost his life in service to the State.
He said that it was not long ago that Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was murdered in the same Garda district and that the authorities were still looking for those responsible for the “cruel and heartless” crime.
Fine Gael Cllr Paddy O’Reilly offered his “deep sympathies to those in that terrible fire, especially the young people and a small baby at this very, very difficult time”.
He offered sympathy to the Golden family, “killed in the line of duty” and said that while he had been critical of the US justice system of being held until trial “maybe there is something to be said for it” when considering “that Garda, his wife and children”.
Sinn Fein’s Cllr Paddy McDonald echoed the messages of sympathy toward victims’ families of both tragedies.
Cllr Shane P O’Reilly suggested the opening of a book of condolences for the victims in both be opened at the council chambers but was told that it had been discussed and that it was best left to the councils of Dublin and Louth.
A minute’s silence was then observed.