Fundraiser for the families of Lough Swilly drowning tragedy surpasses €38,000

By Dionne Meehan

A FUNDRAISER set up to help cover the funeral costs of two teenagers who died after getting into difficulty in the water at Ned’s Point on Saturday afternoon has surpassed €38,000.

Emmanuel Familola (16) and Matt Sibanda (18) lost their lives in the incident.

It is thought they, along with a third teenager, had been playing football close by and entered the water to retrieve their ball.

Matt, originally from Zimbabwe, was a senior student at Crana College while Emmanuel, who was from Nigeria, was a Transition Year student in Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana.

They were both residents at different International Protection Applicants (IPAS) Centres in the town.

In the aftermath of the heart-breaking tragedy, Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen Municipal District, Cllr Jack Murray, said the community was quick to come together in search of a meaningful way to offer support and assistance.

“Everybody in the town was so shocked they instantly wanted to think on some way they could show support or help,” Cllr Murray told the Donegal News.

“We saw that with the massive crowd that turned out at the vigil.

“That has been followed up now by the incredible effort of the fundraiser, that I have no doubt will keep rising.

“If there is any positive you can take from the situation, it is the reassurance of how strong our community is.”

So far, the fundraiser, which was set up at the beginning of the week by Insight Inishowen, has raised over €35,000.

A spokesperson from the local charity said the whole community of Buncrana has been left devastated by Saturday’s tragic loss.

“Having the privilege to know the boys and the families, we are heartbroken by their loss and want to do everything to help ease the financial burden at a time of such unimaginable pain and loss,” a spokesperson said.

“Please join us in supporting them in their darkest hour.

“As a registered charity, Insight Inishowen will ensure that every penny raised will be divided equally between the two grieving families.”

Donations to this fundraiser can be made via https://gofund.me/357b2d90

Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin offered his condolences in the wake of the tragedy.

“Very saddened at the shocking and tragic passing of Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda in Buncrana over the weekend,” he said.

“A heart-breaking loss of two young lives.

“Thinking of their families, friends, the local community and the first responders at this devastating time.”

Expressing their solidarity during this difficult time, the Donegal Intercultural Platform stated that their efforts will be focused on supporting the families affected by the tragedy.

“It is deeply tragic to mourn the loss of two boys, Matt and Emmanuel, in Buncrana,” a spokesperson said.

“Our deepest condolences to the families, the residents of IPAS centres and the wider community.

“Our thoughts also go out to the boys’ school friends, teachers and the centre staff who are all doing what they can to ease the pain and loss.

“The Intercultural Platform team will be focusing on offering support and care to the families and all the residents.”

Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere