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Robert Garwe, 50, and Shauna Flanagan Garwe, 5
Robert, 50, died in the explosion along with his five-year-old daughter.
He and little Shauna visited the gas station in Creeslough intending to buy her mother a cake, but were murdered shortly after entering the store.
Robert is said to be originally from Zambia, but moved to the picturesque village of Donegal 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.
News of the loss of such a young life devastated the country yesterday, when her family released a photo of the girl in her school uniform.
The little girl’s brother, who moved to Donegal from the UK, was among those holding a vigil at the site of the explosion this weekend.
Robert Garwe (left), 50, died in the explosion with his five-year-old daughter (right). He and little Shauna visited the gas station in Creeslough with the intention of buying her mother a cake, but were murdered shortly after entering the store.
James Monaghan, 13, and mother Catherine O’Donnell
James Monaghan (right) was in the shop with his mother, Catherine O’Donnell (left), when they were murdered
James Monaghan was in the store with his mother, Catherine O’Donnell, when they were murdered. 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 provided advice and guidance to ensure the well-being 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 would like to commend the emergency and health services, school management and staff and educational psychologists for their response to this critical incident,” he said.
“We extend our condolences to all the families and now wish all those injured a speedy recovery from the accident.
“This is a tragedy that is difficult to put into words.”
Australian James O’Flaherty (pictured) was well known in 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 technical director were famous. During his career, he led large-scale software engineering and electrical projects worth more than €100 million.
Known in his community, James worked as a director for Jabil, an American manufacturing services company. He studied and worked in Australia for many years, where he obtained an MBA in business and management from the University of Tasmania.
A former client of his described James as a man “charged with enthusiasm, energy and insight.”
‘James’ drive and dedication have led to multiple deliveries of successful projects,’ says Shaun Struwig.
“He has the ability to communicate at a very high level, but understands all the technical details, which provides comfort in project delivery.
‘Charged with enthusiasm, energy and insight, providing excellent and practical solutions in often very difficult and difficult situations, taking on challenges with innovative ideas and sharing them in an open and constructive way. James, a great team player, would be an asset to any company.”
Hugh Kelly, 59 years old
At 59, Hugh was the oldest victim of the tragedy and is 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 oldest victim of the tragedy
Martina was working behind the counter at the Applegreen gas station when she was killed in the tragic explosion
Martina Martin, 49 years old
Martina was working behind the counter at the Applegreen gas station when she was killed in the tragic explosion. She was the mother of a student at Mulroy College in Milford.
Fiona Temple, principal of Mulroy College, said the school, staff and students are distraught at the loss of those within the school community.
“We as a school community are devastated to hear of the tragedy and fatality for our two beautiful students and our dear parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with all families and the Creeslough community at this time,” she said.
“We are stunned by this overwhelming grief and will work together over the coming days, weeks and months to support all members of our school community.”
Leona Harper, 14 years old
Leona Harper (pictured) is said to have entered the gas station with her boyfriend on Friday afternoon to buy ice cream after school
Leona is said to have entered the gas station with her friend on Friday afternoon to buy an ice cream after school.
She planned to go to a sleepover at her boyfriend’s house later.
The 14-year-old was killed while choosing an ice cream from the fridge, while her boyfriend was injured.
Her devastated brother, Anthony Harper, paid a moving tribute to her, saying he couldn’t have asked for “a better 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 this 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-14 girls team.
Both Ulster and Leinster have paid tribute to Harper after 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 said on social media.
Martin McGill was one of the victims of the gas station explosion
Martin McGill, 49 years old
Locals yesterday recalled seeing Martin McGill’s car outside the gas station shortly after the blast, while his frantic mother called the local pharmacy to look for him.
It was soon discovered that the 49-year-old was among the victims.
Martin cared for his mother and was described by local pharmacist Fergus Brennan as an ‘exceptional young man’.
He added: ‘Martin was a very regular visitor as he was a carer. He was so loved and loved, and cared for his parents with such devotion and love, most recently this mother.”
Jessica Gallagher (pictured) had recently returned to her hometown of Creeslough from Paris, where she was reportedly studying
Jessica Gallagher, 24 years old
Jessica had recently returned from Paris to her hometown of Creeslough.
The 24-year-old studied design in the French capital, but had recently moved.
She would come from a family of talented musicians and artists. Her boyfriend was one of 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 Mrs Gallagher, said he was “shocked” by her death.
‘I knew a young woman who was killed in the explosion… She had lived in Paris for several years and had just moved. She was a designer,’ he said.
‘The best people in the worst situations’.