STAFF, pupils and families have begun gathering in Scoil Mhuire in Creeslough to remember those killed in yesterday’s devastating blast.
A massive community effort has been launched with counsellors being made available in the local community centre for those affected by the terrible events.
The local creche is also open, offering free child minding all day.
Speaking at a special Mass in St Michael’s Church this morning, local Parish Priest John Joe Duffy said community will be key in the hours, days, weeks and months ahead.
The service was held to pray for those killed or injured in yesterday’s explosion.
There remains a palpable sense of shock in in Creeslough in the wake of the tragedy which has so far claimed at least seven lives.
The nearby national school has been opened to enable people to gather and to offer their prayers and condolences.
Many senior and local politicians, including Minister Charlie McConalogue, Pearse Doherty TD and Joe McHugh TD have made their way to Creeslough.
This morning’s Mass was attended by members of the emergency services and volunteers who then made their way back to the explosion site where a major operation is continuing.
Fr John Joe Duffy said community will be key in the days ahead.
Fr Duffy told the congregation that people will need each other as the true scale of what happened continues to unfold.
“We are very much defined by community,” he said.
“Our community has been a great source of support and strength to those who have been directly impacted by the terrible tragedy. Our community continues to be that support as we pray for those involved.
“Let us continue to support each other, it is with that support that we will chart a way through the tsunami of grief that is hitting us.”
A Rosary will be said in Creeslough this evening at 10pm, led by Fr Duffy.
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