The Donegal community ''torn'' by the car crash that claimed the lives of eight men this week is strong enough to ''rally around'' to begin the healing process says Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty. Bishop Hegarty was speaking to The Irish Catholic after visiting the devastated families of the dead following what is thought to be the worst road accident ever recorded in Ireland.
He said the wider Inishowen community is ''understandably shattered and grieving intensely''.
However, the bishop said he had no doubt that the parishes affected will pull together as they attempt to come to terms with the tragedy.
''This is a very big loss for the area, so many young men with great potential and futures have been lost but as anyone who's ever visited Donegal will know, the local people are very good at times like this. Neighbours and friends will rally around and the clergy have also been very proactive in accompanying the families in any way they can.''
Seven men, all of whom were passengers in one car, along with the driver of a second car were killed in the crash on the Buncrana to Clonmany road on Sunday last.
The dead have been named as Paul Doherty (19), Ciaran Sweeney (19), Mark McLoughlin (21), Eamonn McDaid (22), Patrick PJ McLaughlin (21), Damien McLaughlin (21), James McEleney (23) and Hugh Friel (66).
The driver of the first car, Seán Kelly, remains in an ill but stable condition in Letterkenny General Hospital.
''It shouldn't be forgotten that we have to intercede and pray at this time - the families need our prayers,'' Bishop Hegarty added. ''What's important now is that we appeal for the Lord's mercy and that he will give his gift of peace to this torn community.''
As funerals for the eight men take place, local counselling and support services have been set up in Clonmany and Buncrana towns to help those coping with the loss of family members and friends.
''There is an eerie silence about the place,'' said Breda Friel, Lecturer in Community Youth Work at the University of Ulster and who works with youth groups in the Inishowen area. ''It's hard to describe, people are so devastated and shocked.''
Ms Friel says locals have also been seeking solace in their churches.
''The spiritual needs of the people are so important at the minute and by gathering together they are getting comfort. A trauma like this overwhelms our usual coping mechanism and that can cause people to react in different ways.
''An event like this is like dropping a pebble in water, it has a ripple effect and all the community is affected. It's important young people are offered the space and opportunity to talk - it's going to take time to recover from this.''
Locals are advised that an information line is available on 087 2798412 and a list of support services can be accessed on the 'Talk Buncrana' page on Facebook.
SIC: IC