A delegation from families of the Stardust fire atrocity are to attend the third anniversary of the Creeslough tragedy on Tuesday 7th October.
The community of Creeslough and beyond will pause to remember the 10 lives lost in the tragedy of 7th October 2022.
A gathering will be held at the site of the explosion from 3pm, where families and friends will lay flowers and pause in remembrance at 3.17pm – the exact time that their world changed forever.
They will be joined in unity by members of the Stardust Victims Committee who are still campaigning for justice for their loved ones more than 44 years after the nightclub blaze, which killed 48 young people.
Stardust campaigner and survivor Antoinette Keegan is expected to be amongst those who will be in Creeslough to support the families of those who lost loved ones in the service station explosion.
Those being lovingly remembered are Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe; Catherine O’Donnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; Jessica Gallagher; Martin McGill; James O’Flaherty; Martina Martin; Hugh Kelly; and 14-year-old Leona Harper.
One family member, who asked not to be named, said they were thankful to members of the Stardust Victims Committee for their support.
“Members of the Stardust Victims Committee have been very supportive of us in our quest to find out the truth and what happens to our loved ones.
“They are still battling for answers and they say they see many similarities in our case.
“We are thankful they are making the long journey from Dublin to Donegal and they will be very welcome here.
“It will be a tough day but we will remember our loved ones with dignity, respect and love and we will not give up fighting for their honour and to find out exactly what happened and why they died.”
Families of those who perished in the tragedy say they were becoming increasingly frustrated about the investigation into the tragedy.
However, last week Gardai issued a statement saying an investigation file into the tragedy has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In a statement, they said the investigation into the explosion has generated more than 1,500 jobs, 1,000 statements and 750 reports, as well as seven arrests, including six males and one female.
Meanwhile, a Mass will be offered in St Michael’s Church, Creeslough on Tuesday, October 7th at 7pm to pray for those who died and for all whose lives were touched by the tragedy.
Other masses are being held privately in the run-up to the anniversary.
Among them is that of Leona Harper whose third anniversary mass which will take place this evening at St.Mary’s Church in Ramelton this evening (Mon) at 6.30pm and all are welcome.
Creeslough Community Association (CCA), in partnership with Raphoe Pastoral Centre Counselling Service continues to offer free counselling support to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by the tragedy in 2022.
Sessions are offered discreetly within the Creeslough Community Hub building on Main Street. To book, call 0749304025
A notice from the Creeslough Community Association said: “As we mark the third anniversary of the Creeslough tragedy, our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and all those whose lives were touched by this loss. While the pain is never far from memory, moments like this also remind us of the strength, compassion, and resilience within our community.
“The Hub is here to support anyone who may need it, whether through links to support groups, classes, or workshops. Our facility exists for the community, and we encourage you to reach out and let us know how we can continue to provide connection and support for everyone.
“Never forgotten and always in our hearts – Go raibh a n-anamacha ar neamh.”
People are also encouraged to join a free online Trauma Support Workshop, facilitated by WAVE Trauma Centre, and explore the powerful mind–body connection in a safe, supportive space. Course runs every Tuesday evening (except 7th Oct) until 11 Nov. To register, get in touch with the Creeslough Community Association.
Stardust families to support Creeslough community on third anniversary of tragedy was last modified: October 7th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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