The memories of five beautiful souls were celebrated at a special anniversary Mass in St Eunan’s Cathedral this afternoon.
Members of the community joined together with friends and family on the 40th anniversary of a tragedy that will never be forgotten in Letterkenny.
Joe and Angela O’Donnell lost four children in the blaze which engulfed their home at 65 Ard O’Donnell on Saturday morning, April 26, 1986. Noreen O’Donnell (25), daughter of Manus and Eileen O’Donnell of Sessiaghoneill, Ballybofey, died trying to rescue the children she had minded as a baby-sitter.
The children who died were Sharon (14), Joanne (12), Adrian (4) and Kevin (20 months). Their parents, along with their brothers Philip (13), Patrick (8) and Joe (5), managed to escape.
Today’s Mass was celebrated by the friend of both O’Donnell families, Fr John Joe Duffy who said that 40 years ago, the community had wrapped its arms around the O’Donnell family in a show of comfort and support.
All these years later, he said the community continues to keep the O’Donnell family in their thoughts and prayers and he said that was shown by the wonderful turn-out in St Eunan’s Cathedral.
The Prayers of the Faithful are read out during today’s Mass.
Joined on the altar by Monsignor Kevin Gillespie and Fr Michael McCullagh, a native of Dungloe, who is now based in Knock, Fr John Joe recalled the day of the tragedy and welcoming the family members and friends, he also welcomed those present who had attended the scene of the fire on that fateful morning, the fire crews and neighbours – many of whom are no longer with us.
In a beautiful homily later in the Mass, Fr John Joe said that it may be 40 years since the tragedy, but for the families, it was a moment in time.
“It’s nice that family and friends and the survivors can come together,” he said.
“Time does not change the pain of loss, time only helps us to walk with that pain. Today is so very special that so many people have come once again into this Cathedral to wrap their arms around you.”
Sadie Doherty, Frank Larkin and Noreen O’Donnell take up the gifts to the altar.
Fr John Joe took time to remember each of those who lost their lives, sharing little memories and anecdotes and recalling how they all had touched the lives of their loved ones in such special ways.
He recalled how Noreen had given her own life, going back into the house to try and save the children.
Fr John Joe said he knew Noreen’s family in Stranorlar and also got to know Joe and Angela O’Donnell and said over the years, one thing that stood out, despite their pain, was their gratitude to their community.
“It is only you who know them. People who took you into their homes on that morning. People who took you into their hearts and in the cloud of grief put a shawl of care around you,” he said.
“You have never stopped giving gratitude
“You and your families are an inspiration. You are an inspiration to people who are faced with different types of grief.
“You turn up quietly, not forcing your way. That is so important to people. Your presence is so important.
“I remember the first night after the Creeslough tragedy, seeing both of you in the church with Philip, You continued to go there all week. And you were such a strength of support to me as you have been to so many people by your presence.
And I want to thank you and both families for that quiet presence.”
Alma Kavanagh among the large congregation at Saturday’s Mass.
Family and friends took part in the ceremony and music and singing was provided by the Gateway Singers.
On Sunday, a Musical Tribute will take place at 3pm in the Cathedral where a host of singers including Margo, Shunie Crampsie, Sinead and Alex Black, Kyra and Joe Joe O’Donnell and Ruairi Gallagher will be joined by local choirs.
Manus O’Donnell, father of the late Noreen O’Donnell, pictured with his daughter, Evelyn.
The four O’Donnell siblings, Sharon (14), Joanne (12), Adrian (4) and Kevin (20 months) and Noreen O’Donnell (25) whose anniversary takes place this weekend.