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LAST UPDATE | 8 Oct 2022
THE PRESIDENT HAS said that the country is in shock after the “terrible tragedy” in Donegal yesterday
In a statement, President Michael D Higgins said that the tragedy was a “terrible blow” to the local community in Creeslough, which has been left reeling in the aftermath of an explosion that has left at least nine people dead.
“May I, as President, express what I know will be the shock shared by all people throughout the country on learning of the terrible tragedy which has unfolded in Creeslough, Co Donegal,” he said.
“This tragedy is a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond.
The President paid tribute to both members of the Creeslough community and the emergency services who responded to the explosion, praising them for their work overnight.
“All of our best thoughts and prayers go to those who have lost their lives and their families.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha,” he concluded.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has pledged supports for the community in Creeslough to help get through the “enormous trauma” following the fatal explosion.
“The community in Creeslough is going through an enormous trauma. And we have to do everything we possibly can to help the community come through this, day-by-day and in the time ahead,” he said.
“No words will console what has happened and console those who have lost loved ones as a result of this tragedy but we have to be there for them as a people and we have to do everything we can to help them to try and cope with this unspeakable tragedy.”
When asked what can be done by Government to help, Mr Martin said they would continue to “back up” local authority and health services.
‘Shock and sadness’
Cllr Liam Blaney, the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, said this afternoon that he had visited the scene of the explosion and paid tribute to those carrying out the search and recovery operation.
He said in a statement: “There is a huge sense of shock and sadness throughout the entire county and much further afield. Our thoughts are with the Community in Creeslough, those who have received word that their loved one had died, the many people who have been injured and especially those who are waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones still missing.
“I also wish to acknowledge the assistance received from Emergency Services in Northern Ireland. I want to especially acknowledge the assistance provided by the local community in Creeslough and the wider area who have greatly assisted in the ongoing efforts.
“We all stand in solidarity with the Community in Creeslough at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, those injured and those still missing.
“The community in Creeslough and especially the families directly affected will need our support and help over the coming days and weeks. On behalf of Donegal Co. Council, I wish to pledge our support and I have no doubt that the wider community in Donegal will respond in kind.”
Bishop Alan McGuckian of the Diocese of Raphoe, which covers most of Donegal, said in a statement that “yesterday was the darkest day” for the county.
“I have witnessed at first hand the immediate reaction of the local community to the tragedy who, in their bravery, took risks at the site to help others even to the detriment of their own safety. I wish to commend the first responders, and the emergency services of Donegal and Derry, for their high level of professional cooperation and rapid response.”
DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson also paid tribute to emergency responders at his party’s conference in Belfast.
“I also want to express our sympathies to those families who have been bereaved in the tragic events in Donegal yesterday afternoon and those injured as a result of this explosion are foremost in our thoughts,” he said.
“I want to assure the people of Creeslough of our collective prayers and I want them to know that they will continue to be in our thoughts in the days ahead.”
In a statement this afternoon, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: “The bustling petrol station and shop on a busy Friday afternoon is something that people in almost every town can identify with. This is a truly dark and awful event that has numbed the country.”
Additional reporting by Emer Moreau and Press Association
A great Irishman who broke down barriers and defied the odds in the cut throat world of Formula 1. R.I.P
@Pat B: A true legend…
But listen to him, get your bloods checked and put in your calendar to repeat that every 1-2 years…
@Jack Dermody: very true.
Legend!! Still remember the Jordan 1- 2 at Spa, Eddie was on cloud 9. Rest in Peace
@Noel Simon Murphy: yes, I remember that also. Great memories. May he rest in peace.
RIP
He was 1 of the many reasons that I started watching F1and i have grown to love the sport RIP
@Don Ryan: exact same don! My earliest memories of F1 was watching and supporting his Jordan team and that yellow car with drivers such as Fisichella. It is a sad day.
@Don Ryan: The EJ 1 has been parked up indefinitely.
RIP Eddie you were an absolute legend of F1 and a hero of Irish Motorsport
Had the pleasure of a brief encounter with the man a few years back. Got a sense he was a very kind & friendly man. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Mr Jordan.
RIP. Seemed like such a cool bloke. A life most of us could only dream of.
RIP to a great man. The yellow Benson & Hedges and ‘Buzzin Hornets’ Jordans were an iconic image in the sport.
@Jason Memail: The Buzzin Hornet was the same car, but UK, France and Belgium had banned tobacco advertising so they used that livery.
I’ve often wondered how that sponsorship deal worked out with the change coming into effect in 1998 or 1999. My guess was they still got paid.
RIP. Remember very well first 1,2 win at Spa.. still have it in VHS! The reason why I started following F1. Designed the most beautiful F1 car too… the Jordan 191 with its beautiful livery and stance. RIP Eddie Jordan
@Brian O’Connor: 191 designed by Gary Anderson another Irish man and the car Michael Schumacher made his F1 debut in, Eddie will be remembered fondly for bringing so much colour and fun to F1, as an example those concerts after the British GPs and for the Jordan fans those visits once yearly to the Jordan Factory at Silverstone and the test sessions across the road at the circuit. Eddie was an old rogue in many ways but very much a lovable one highly regarded in motorsport. Thanks for all the wonderful memories Eddie and may you rest in peace.
Sad, what a legend. Still young 76 too early, Lads remember to keep yourself checked and get ahead of these things
@Allo Allo: keep all medical appointments.RIP Eddie a great irishman.
Rest in peace, legend.
Normally although sad, these death announcements don’t get to me too much, I suppose you get numb to them but this one has really got to me. Not that I knew him or anything but he always came across as a really nice bloke, really decent and a funny character. It’s sad, RIP Mr Jordan.
@anthony lambe: Just RIP
@Symon: If you’re telling me to not write how I feel and to just write RIP and leave it at that then I’m telling you to mind your own business. It’s a free country and I’m entitled to say what I want/feel so get a grip of yourself and give your head a wobble and maybe some cop on will shake loose and you could use it to help filter the rubbish you speak
May you be forever at peace Eddie
I was diagnosed with PC in 2005, just having a check up when it was slightly elevated, it is so important to get it in the early stages, you don’t die of PC it’s when it travels to the bones and the other organs. I spent seven weeks in Luke’s hospital and received RT. I am thankful that my doctor found it early. I would every man to get checked, they have wonderful science now about the disease and men are getting through this. I may say I prayed some and it helped me to stay strong.
@Phillip Smyth: (urge)
The man jumped through some tough hoops to get to the top of the game in F1. RIP
Great guy, buzzing hornets. RIP.
Very sad, seemed like such a good guy and always very upbeat. RIP!
His final act before dying was to save London Irish from insolvency and allow them to go back to playing rugby in the Gallagher Premiership or join the URC as the fifth Irish team. He was a proud Irishman and saving the rugby club that millions of Irish people over in London supported truly showed it for one last time. RIP Eddie Jordan, you will be missed.
@William Jennings: well said William
@William Jennings: Millions of Irish people,really William?
RIP
Met him at Seville 2003 Celtic v Porto, and he spoke to us after the match – really down to earth. RIP
RIP Eddie. True irish legend
Legend in his time and great ambassador for Ireland and world FI.
A bright, intelligent and proud Irishman. We should remember him fondly and wish for more like him. RIP
What he did in his first year in F1 has never been matched… I was obsessed with the team in the early 90s.
Thanks for the memories EJ
RIP
Absolute Irish sporting legend! What a race – rest in peace, Eddie!
RIP Eddie. A great guy. Condolences to his friends and family.
RIP Eddie Jordan! You competed against the best as you were one of the best! Cool and Calm personified!
Unbelievable the tributes on the BBC website, just shows the standing Eddie was held in bbc.co.uk/sport/live/cj92g79pelkt
So sad, a great character, a great Irishman and I remember back in the late 90s and early 00s when Formula One was huge, and Eddie and his team were a huge part of that. RIP Eddie, gone too soon.
A legend, ground breaker, trend setter and ultra cool guy…rest in peace
Ah sad to hear. R.I.P Eddie
Wow, so saving London Irish was the last sporting act of a dying man too.
@George Bowling: says it all about Eddie. What an amazing gesture from a man who knew his days were numbered
A legend,God rest Eddie you will be missed.
Rip legend
He’ll be managing a team up in the sky now, having the pick of F1 greats through the ages to drive for him.
RIP EJ
Eddie was the epitome of cool. RIP
RIP.
RIP Eddie. A decent character.
A great man, R.I.P. Eddie
RIP Eddie.
I’ll never forget Spa 98 and watching Eddie dance up the pit lane. The iconic 191, debuts for Irvine, Schumacher, Barrichello. What a wonderful character, thanks for the memories Eddie, RIP.
Every 3 months get a blood test lads to check for psa levels you might find the GP says every year or 6 months. Every 3 months and insist on it. Time is key
@Paul H: every 3 months is not necessary, you need to get on with your life and do what your GP instructed you to do.
A sad day for the Jordan family,for Ireland and World Motorsport. Thank you very much and RIP Mr Jordan
Thank you Eddy for all the great weekends and Jordan Parties in the 90s. Thank you for giving us tifosi Micheal Schumacher.
Aw bless him.
This
Seen HH Fretzen bring Eddie the win in Monza 99. Had an Eddie Ervine cap on who was driving for Ferrari at the time. Quickly changed to me Jordan cap and entered the track for the celebrations lol. RIP Eddie.
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