The Derry community is currently under a cloud of sorrow due to the tragedy in which two young men were killed, said the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown.
Daniel Cullen, eighteen years old, and Caoimhín Porter, eighteen years old, from the Shantallow area in Derry City were killed when the car they were in collided with a lorry on the R236 road in St Johnston on Tuesday night.
Bishop McKeown said in an interview with Michelle Nic Grianna on Barrscéalta that there is a strong community in Derry and that they will get through these dark days.
“The Derry community has experience from the time of the Troubles with tragedies and the Derry community now understands that all they can do is to stand with the people and the families who are grieving.
“With the troubles, we have strong parishes here, not that they go to Church every Sunday but that they come together at times like this and the community is able to come together and support each other. They will get through these very difficult days, especially with the Funeral Masses at the weekend,” said Bishop McKeown
He said the community will come together and support the people who are under the shadow of grief because of these tragedies.
“There are people in this city who have lost family members in recent years, and they understand this, and that it’s not worth saying anything, but standing with the families and saying, I understand, I understand, I understand..
“It is incredibly difficult for the families and their friends and for young people who are under pressure, and we must come together as a city community and as God’s community in the parishes to support the families.”
Funeral arrangements
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements have been announced for one of the victims of the road tragedy.
Caoimhin Porter – McLoone will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Beloved son of Stephanie and the late Darren, loving brother of Chloe, Hunter, Shea, Darren and Ben, dear grandson of Eamon and the late Jacqueline Porter and Isobel McCloskey.
Caoimhin will be reposing at his home 5 Moyola Avenue, today and tomorrow, Friday, from 11am to 9pm.
Funeral leaving his home on Saturday at 10.20am to St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill for Requiem Mass at 11am, followed by interment in the City Cemetery.
Daniel Cullen is the beloved son of John Morrow and Sharon Cullen and the loving brother of Joe, John Paul (Twin), Bridie and Doniella.
His funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
