Cavan opens Book of Condolence for Creeslough

A book of condolence has been opened at Cavan Courthouse for the families of the victims of the Creeslough tragedy.

Ten people were killed in the explosion at a filling station in the Donegal village on Friday afternoon.

A father and daughter, and mum and her son, are among dead, and gardaí continue to investigate all of the circumstances into the cause of the blast on October 7.

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, John Paul Feeley, and Chief Executive, Tommy Ryan, were among to first to sign the Book of Condolence, which was opened to the public at Cavan Courthouse on Monday afternoon.

A minute's silence was also held in memory of the deceased, their families, friends, those still being treated in hospital, the people of Creeslough, and the wider communities of Donegal at the council’s monthly meeting, also Monday.

Cllr Feeley said that the death of 10 people, particularly in a small rural community like Creeslough, is devastating, and the impact will be felt locally for months and years to come.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved, and others injured,” said the Fianna Fáil councillor, who also thanked the emergency services, from both sides of the Border, who rushed to the scene to deal with the aftermath of the tragedy.

The investigation into the explosion is being coordinated from an incident room at Milford Garda Station. The Garda Technical Bureau, with assistance from other agencies, continued to examine the scene at the time of going to print.

The 10 people who lost their lives have been named as: James O'Flaherty (48); Jessica Gallagher (24); Martin McGill (49); Catherine O'Donnell (39) and her son James Monaghan (13); Hugh Kelly (59); Martina Martin (49); Robert Garwe (50) and his daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe (5); Leona Harper (14).

One male in his 20s remains in a critical condition in St James's Hospital, Dublin.

Seven other surviving casualties were receiving treatment in Letterkenny University Hospital. They are said to be in a stable condition.

Garda family liaison officers have been appointed to the families and are continuing to provide support and information.