By Dionne Meehan
ONE year on in the village of Creeslough, wreaths were laid as 10 candles glimmered in memory of those who lost their lives in last year’s tragic explosion.
Gathering around a tree adjacent to the site, a memorial service to mark the first year anniversary was held.
Hand picking that exact location, Fr John Joe Duffy spoke of praying at the tree on the first morning before the funerals began.
Remembering October 7, 2022 as a day of “pain” and “devastation”, Father Duffy said it will forever be etched in his memory.
“The memories of those who died will be forever held in our hearts.
“We will always hold them and their preciousness in a special place in our hearts.
“Their beautiful souls from heaven will give us comfort and consolation exactly at those times and in those places when our hearts seem to be at their lowest, when our hearts seem to be breaking and can take no more,” he said.
With the past year being a difficult one for all those involved, Fr Duffy prayed for those who lost a loved one, those who were injured, those who lost their livelihoods and those who lost their homes.
“We all remember where we were this time last year.
“Everyone knew where they were when they heard this news.
“News of uncertainty at first, of disbelief and then all of a sudden we were in the eyes of the whole world,” he said.
With the first anniversary falling on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, Fr Duffy reminded those present how important it was to be joined together.
“As we know, the Rosary are beads that are joined together.
“Our Lady of the Rosary reminds us, through the Rosary, how important it is for us to be joined together,” he said.
A 10 bell toll followed in remembrance of Martin McGill (49), James O’Flaherty (48), Martina Martin (49), James Monaghan (13), Catherine O’Donnell (39), Robert Garwe (50) and his daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe (5), Hugh Kelly (59), Jessica Gallagher (24) and Leona Harper (14) on the first anniversary of their deaths.
The bell was later blessed by Fr Paddy Dunne before being placed in St. Michael’s Church to remember those who died.
Father Michael McKeever then read out a letter sent by Bishop Alan McGuckian who could not be present on the day.
“While I am physically in Rome today, my heart is in Creeslough and I feel closely united with everyone who is remembering that sad day last year.
“At my mass and throughout the day I am praying for the loved ones who died and for each single person who carries a wound of hurt or loss because of the tragic events of that day.
“Please remember that God does not love us in spite of our weakness and struggle but in the very midst of it.
“I am with you in spirit, praying that each person will experience God coming close to them with the healing and grace you need in this very moment.”
Addressing the congregation on behalf of the families, Fr Duffy thanked those who were first to respond to last year’s tragedy for their trojan work.
“I want to thank all who responded in those critical moments, in the immediate aftermath and in the immediate hours after the tragedy occurred,” he said.
Paying tribute to Fr Duffy, Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Andrew Forester said he deserves great credit and great praise.
“I want to pay great tribute to my friend and dear brother John Joe who has really been the leader of this community through all of this.
“He has found strength, he has found courage and he has found great grace in the midst of all this.
“He has always had the right word at the right time and been there for the people he loves and cares for.”
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