President Higgins remembers Creeslough and Pte Seán Rooney in Christmas message

President Michael D Higgins remembered the people of Creeslough and Private Seán Rooney in his annual Christmas message from Aras an Uachtaran today.

President Higgins was in Donegal for eight out of the 10 funerals of those who lost their lives in October following an explosion at the local service station.

“May I, in a special way, extend my sympathies this Christmas to the people of Creeslough and all who were bereaved by the terrible tragedy visited on that close-knit community which I had the privilege of visiting at a time of tragedy and grief,” he said.

“I hope this coming year will bring you some space for healing and that, along with your profound sadness, your loved ones can be remembered with appreciation by you for all that was shared with them, your lives together.”

He also paid tribute to the Defence Forces, following the loss of Private Seán Rooney, who died last in Lebanon on peacekeeping duties and was laid to rest at All Saints Church in Colehill, Newtowncunningham, with full military honours yesterday. 

“We are all thinking this week of the grief being experienced by the family of Seán Rooney, by the families of those injured in Lebanon, and in particular the family of Shane Kearney,” President Higgins added.

“All events occurring in conflict zones, conflict zones so near the homeland of Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate at this time, and where efforts and peace-making is in such short supply, where suffering and exclusion is deepening. May I assure the women and men of our Defence Forces that your sacrifices for peace are greatly appreciated by the people of Ireland.”