by Evelyn Cullen
St Mary’s Oratory chapel in Buncrana was packed to overflowing this afternoon as the local community of Buncrana came together in grief with the International Protection community to mourn the deaths of Emmanuel Familola (16) and Matt Sibanda (18), who tragically died after getting into difficulty in the water near Ned’s Point on Saturday afternoon.
The special prayer vigil was held to commemorate the two young men and to support their families in their darkest hour, and to provide an opportunity for the whole community to come together as one in their sorrow.
Fr Bradley, the parish priest said that a dark shadow hung over the town, which was in stark contrast to Saturday’s sunny day when people were enjoying the sunny weather and the sea had been so inviting.
Fr. Bradley was joined on the alter by the Bishop of Derry, Most Reverend Donal McKeown who also addressed the congregation. Offering his condolences he said the teenagers’ families had come to Donegal in the hope of safety and protection but were met by this tragedy.
Several local representatives including T.Ds and councillors as well as members of the emergency services also attended the vigil to pay their respects to the families of the two young men and the wider community, who are reeling following the tragedy.
The principals of the two secondary schools the boys were attending, Crana College and Scoil Mhuire said the school communities are “devastated and heartbroken” at the loss of their two pupils.
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