In the year since tragedy struck at the heart of the village, the community has walked together towards October 7 in dignity and dread.
They will pet the search dogs and offer words of gratitude to the handlers for the incredible work which helped bring their loved ones back to them. The grieving of Creeslough will hold up those who held them together in their hardest hours. Stolen Dreams was inspired by Leona Harper, 14, who was the last victim to be brought out of the rubble after indications by search dogs led emergency services to her.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel Play now "She had many interests from art to music, to cars, engines, fishing, rugby and sport. She lived a full life. She looked out for her friends and others. She was caring and thoughtful. I left their home inspired by this young, beautiful and incredible person.
CRITICAL’s CEO, Micheál Sheridan said: “We’re very grateful for any donations. All of our work is funded by public donations so every penny helps. Our Donegal based Emergency Medical Responder Dr Gerry Lane was on scene in Creeslough, treating the critically injured and managing the medical efforts there, as was our Dublin based EMR, Dr Andy Patten.
“Sometimes in Ireland we find it hard to accept gratitude for the help we give others. We must learn better to accept it, especially in a situation like Creeslough. “Every thank you is absolute validation of our work and we need to remember that for those who want to say thank you, it’s part of their process and their dealing with grief.”
SARDA founder Neil Powell will be attending today’s service with his search dog, Magnus, a Bloodhound, alongside Ralph O’Connor with his Border Collie search dog Floss, Michael McCamley with Labrador Bodhi and Trevor Hartley with Cocker Spaniel Tess. At Creeslough, it was specially trained search dogs who helped bring the casualties home, indicating the areas where they lay, walking onto the fallen buildings despite the dangers. The teams worked through the night and it took a full 24 hours before all the victims were recovered from the rubble.