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Robert Garwe, 50, and Shauna Flanagan Garwe, 5
Robert, 50, died alongside his five-year-old daughter in the explosion.
He and little Shauna visited the petrol station at Creeslough intending to buy a cake for her mother, but were killed moments after entering the store.
Robert is understood to originally be from Zambia, but moved to the picturesque Donegal village about a year ago with other members of their family. His five-year-old daughter Shauna was the youngest victim of the explosion at the Applegreen station.
The news of the loss of such a young life devastated the country yesterday, as her family released an image of the girl in her school uniform.
The little girl’s brother, who moved to Donegal from the UK, was among those who kept a vigil at the site of the explosion over the weekend.
Robert Garwe (left), 50, died alongside his five-year-old daughter (right) in the explosion. He and little Shauna visited the petrol station at Creeslough intending to buy a cake for her mother, but were killed moments after entering the store
James Monaghan, 13, and mother Catherine O’Donnell
James Monaghan (right) was at the store with his mother, Catherine O’Donnell (left), when they were killed
James Monaghan was at the store with his mother, Catherine O’Donnell, when they were killed. The 13-year-old was a student at Mulroy College in Milford.
Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service and Donegal Education and Training Board have also offered advice and guidance to ensure the wellbeing of students and families.
Dr Martin Gormley, of Donegal ETB, said it is difficult to put into words the impact of the tragedy on the community. ‘I wish to compliment the emergency and health services, the school management and staff and the educational psychologists on their response to this critical incident,’ he said.
‘We extend our sympathies to all the families and we now wish all those injured a speedy recovery following the accident.
‘This is a tragedy that is difficult to put words on.’
Australian James O’Flaherty (pictured) was well-known within his community and worked as a director for Jabil, an American manufacturing services company
James O’Flaherty, 48
Australian James O’Flaherty’s achievements as an engineering director were renowned. During his career, he managed large-scale software engineering and electrical engineering projects worth more than €100million.
James was well-known within his community and worked as a director for Jabil, an American manufacturing services company. He spent years studying and working in Australia, securing an MBA in Business Administration and management at the university of Tasmania.
A former client of his described James as a man ‘loaded with enthusiasm, energy and insight’.
‘James’s drive and dedication has allowed for multiple deliveries of successful projects,’ said Shaun Struwig.
‘He has the ability to communicate at a very high-level, but understands all the technical details, providing comfort in project delivery.
‘Loaded with enthusiasm, energy and insight, offering excellent and practical solutions in often very trying and difficult situations, approaching challenges with innovative ideas, and sharing these in an open and constructive manner. James, being a great team player, would be an asset to any company.’
Hugh Kelly, 59
At 59, Hugh was the eldest victim in the tragedy, and has been described as a ‘gentleman’. It was reported last night that he worked in construction and was in a long-term relationship.
At 59, Hugh Kelly (pictured) was the eldest victim in the tragedy
Martina was working behind the counter at the Applegreen service station when she was killed in the tragic blast
Martina Martin, 49
Martina was working behind the counter at the Applegreen service station when she was killed in the tragic blast. She was mother to a student at Mulroy College in Milford.
Fiona Temple, principal of Mulroy College said the school, staff and pupils are distraught by the loss of those within the school community.
‘We as a school community are devastated on hearing of the tragedy and the fatal outcome for our two beautiful students and our cherished parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and the Creeslough community at this time,’ she said.
‘We are numbed by this overwhelming sadness and will work together to support all members of our school community in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.’
Leona Harper, 14
Leona Harper (pictured) is believed to have entered the service station on Friday afternoon with her friend to buy ice cream after school
Leona is believed to have entered the service station on Friday afternoon with her friend to buy ice cream after school.
She was later planning to go to a sleepover at her friend’s house.
The 14-year-old was killed while choosing an ice cream from the fridge, while her friend was left injured.
Her devastated brother, Anthony Harper, paid a moving tribute to her, saying he couldn’t have asked for ‘a better little sister’.
‘Leona, I love you so much and we all love you so much,’ he wrote on Facebook.
Leona, who was a student at Mulroy College, was also remembered over the weekend as a talented rugby player, playing for Letterkenny RFC under-14s.
Her local club Letterkenny described Harper as a ‘talented rugby player’ and a key member of their under-14s girls team.
Both Ulster and Leinster have paid tribute to Harper following her tragic passing.
‘We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Leona Harper, who lost her life in Creeslough, Co. Donegal,’ Ulster Rugby stated on social media.
Martin McGill was among the victims of the petrol station explosion
Martin McGill, 49
Locals yesterday recalled seeing Martin McGill’s car outside the petrol station soon after the blast, while his frantic mother rang the local pharmacy in search of him.
It was soon discovered that the 49-year-old was among the victims.
Martin was a carer for his mother, and was described by local pharmacist Fergus Brennan as an ‘exceptional young man’.
He added: ‘Martin was a very regular visitor, because he was a carer. He was so well liked and loved, and looked after his parents, most recently this mum, with such dedication and love’.
Jessica Gallagher (pictured)had recently returned to her home town of Creeslough from Paris, where it is understood she was studying design
Jessica Gallagher, 24
Jessica had recently returned to her home town of Creeslough from Paris.
It is understood the 24-year-old was studying design in the French capital, but had recently moved home.
She is said to be from a family of talent musicians and artists. Her boyfriend was among those injured in the
explosion, and was taken to a specialist burns unit, where his condition was described as critical.
Local visual artist, Ian Joyce, who knew Ms Gallagher said that he was ‘shocked’ by her death.
‘I knew a young woman who died in the blast… She lived in Paris for a number of years, and she had just moved home. She was a designer,’ he said.
‘The best of people in worst of situations’.
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