By Róise Collins

AS the remaining funds from the Creeslough Community Support Fund are allocated, Fr John Joe Duffy has spoken of the importance of remembering that the challenging journey continues for those most deeply affected by the October 2022 tragedy.

Speaking to the Donegal News following a meeting held by the Irish Red Cross in the village on Tuesday, he emphasised the need to keep in mind the bereaved, those who lost their homes and those who were injured, both physically and psychologically, as a result of the explosion.

Aiden Lonergan, National Director of Community Support (volunteer) for the Irish Red Cross echoed the same sentiment.

“Trauma doesn’t disappear when the headlines fade.

“What matters is sustained support, rooted in the community. With these projects, and with new local trauma-trained leaders, Creeslough will have the tools to recover not just now, but for years to come.”

Fr John Joe Duffy welcomed the commitment from the Irish Red Cross to remain supportive of the community.

The parish priest was one of several individuals formally recognised on the night for their exceptional efforts in the aftermath of the explosion that shook the tight-knit village.

Also recognised were Ray Mackey, a Donegal-based Irish Red Cross volunteer, whose dedication and compassion have earned deep respect across the community and members of the Advisory Committee, which was chaired by Leona McMenamin, Senior Child and family Support Network Coordinator, Tusla.

Fr Duffy offered his heartfelt thanks to all who rallied to help those affected by the tragedy. He extended his gratitude to Red Cross volunteers and staff at both local and national levels, particularly Niall Keane, whom he described as a “beacon of light.”

Mr Keane, a specialist advisor with the Irish Red Cross, spent much of the past two years providing on-the-ground support in the community.

Fr Duffy also expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the Creeslough Community Support Fund.

“I thank those from here in this country, from schools to sporting clubs, from individual families to companies, who donated to the fund.”

The Creeslough Community Support Fund, which was set-up by the Irish Red Cross in response to devastating explosion in October 2022 saw close to €2 million raised to support those affected.

The public meeting heard that the vast bulk of the fund was used to support families of the bereaved and others who suffered loss and were heavily affected by the tragedy. A portion of the Fund was set aside to support longer term community recovery.

The final portion of the fund was allocated to community projects which have a strong focus on building long-term community resilience, with youth development, trauma recovery and remembrance as the key priorities.

All eligible organisations who applied for the scheme were awarded some level of funding.

The projects they will develop include two memorial projects, including a community memorial garden and a looped forest
walk ending at the site of the tragedy.

Two local schools will also receive trauma support facilities and training for staff, enabling safe spaces and skilled care for affected children and families.

Other projects include men’s mental health support for local sports clubs which were impacted by the tragic death of a member as well as youth development programmes to be offered through summer and afterschool activities in the community.