First funerals of Creeslough victims to take place today

Heartbreaking.

The first victims of the tragedy at the service station explosion in Co Donegal are set to have their funerals later today. Ten people were sadly killed in the village of Creeslough on Friday after emergency services were rushed to the scene. The separate funerals of fashion designer Jessica Gallagher, 24, and Scotsman Martin McGill, 49, will be held at St Michael’s church in Creeslough on Tuesday morning. Following candle-lit vigils on Monday night in Donegal and Derry, a book of condolence has opened in towns across the country. The other eight victims were 50-year-old Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe, 48-year-old James O’Flaherty; 14-year-old Leona Harper; 39-year-old Catherine O’Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; 59-year-old Hugh Kelly; and 49-year-old Martina Martin. James's funeral will be at St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg on Wednesday morning with a joint service being held for Catherine and her son James at St Michael’s in Creeslough on Wednesday afternoon. Leona's funeral is due to take place at St Mary’s Church, Ramelton on Thursday, as is Martina's in St Michael’s Church, Creeslough. The funeral details of Robert, Shauna, and Hugh are yet to be confirmed by their families. The community of Creeslough is "full of grief" following the tragedy, with heads of state sending their condolences to the families affected. On Monday, King Charles shared his condolences with President Michael D Higgins. Pope Francis also extended his condolences as Archbishop Eamon Martin visited the village.