Creeslough explosion explained

Creeslough explosion
Map:
Coord:55.1192°N -7.9057°W mapframe-pin=yes
Frame-Width:250
Zoom:14
Time:15:17
Timezone:IST
Location:Creeslough, County Donegal, Ireland
Coordinates:55.1192°N -7.9057°W
Type:Gas explosion (suspected)
Reported Deaths:10
Reported Injuries:8

The Creeslough explosion occurred on 7 October 2022 at an apartment above Applegreen petrol station in Creeslough, a village in north County Donegal, Ireland. It killed ten people and left eight hospitalised; the highest number of civilian casualties in the county in decades.[1] Investigators suspected an accidental gas leak.

Explosion

The explosion occurred at 15:17 IST at an Applegreen petrol station and adjacent building, seriously damaging the forecourt and partially collapsing the adjoining building.[2] [3] The building behind the service station forecourt comprised apartments over a retail area, which included a convenience store with a deli counter, a post office and a hair salon.[4] [5] Up to 30 people are believed to have been in the complex when the explosion occurred, including schoolchildren.[6] [7]

Emergency services from both sides of the border with Northern Ireland assisted local services in the search and rescue operation.[8] On 8 October, the Garda Síochána (Gardaí) said the death toll was ten, with no one listed as missing, adding that the information obtained so far suggested it was a "tragic accident".[9] [10] The dead were four men, three women, a teenage boy and girl, and a five-year-old girl.[11] [12] Their names were released by Gardaí on 9 October, and their ages ranged from 5 to 59.[13] [14]

Eight people were hospitalised,[15] some airlifted by the Irish Coast Guard and Air Ambulance Northern Ireland helicopters, one male in his 20s to St. James's Hospital, Dublin in a critical condition.[16] The condition of the other seven was stable.[17] Fire crews and ground ambulances transported the remaining injured and the dead to Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry and Letterkenny University Hospital.[18] [19] In Dublin, Howth Coast Guard was tasked to the Phoenix Park to assist with a landing zone for inbound helicopters from Mulroy Coast Guard.[20]

Reactions

Applegreen founder and chief executive Joe Barrett said the company was "utterly shocked and saddened" by the incident.[21]

A special mass was held in Creeslough the morning after the explosion during which prayers were said for everyone impacted by the explosion. Parish priest Fr John Joe Duffy told the congregation the small village had been hit by a "tsunami of grief".[22]

Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the site of the explosion the evening after it happened, accompanied by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, who said there was "deep sadness" in the village and a "terrible silence" reflecting the enormity of the incident, adding that "the entire nation is mourning".[23]

A memorial mass service was held at 7:30 pm the same evening and was attended by over 400 people, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood.[24] A red candle was lit by the Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian for each of the victims.[25]

On 9 October, two days after the explosion, thousands of people attended vigils across County Donegal in memory of the ten people who died.[26] The first of almost 20 vigils was held in Milford, a half an hour's drive from the scene of the explosion.[27]

Books of condolence were opened throughout the country, including at Cork County Hall, Tralee's County Buildings, Kilkenny City Hall, Downpatrick's Downshire Civic Centre, Newry's O'Hagan House, Derry Guildhall and Belfast City Hall.[28]

Political

Shortly after the first report of the explosion, Fine Gael junior minister Josepha Madigan tweeted that she hoped "they find the culprits".[29] Criticised as irresponsible and insensitive, Madigan quickly deleted the tweet and on 18 October apologised during a Newstalk radio interview.[30] [31] [32]

President Michael D. Higgins said: "This tragedy is a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond."[33] [34] Taoiseach Micheál Martin described these as the "darkest of days for Donegal and the entire country".[35] Tánaiste Leo Varadkar called the explosion an "unthinkable tragedy" and "freak accident".[36]

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee commended the work of the emergency services and said "the entire community I know will be coming to terms with this for a long time".[37]

Sinn Féin president, Mary Lou McDonald, said this was a "devastating loss for a small community" and Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty said the village will be "forever changed".[38]

Northern Ireland's First Minister-designate and vice president of Sinn Féin, Michelle O'Neill said: "The whole country has the community of Cresslough and Co Donegal in our thoughts."[39]

The then British Prime Minister, Liz Truss, said she was "shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of life in Donegal".[40] [41] [42]

A Vatican City letter to bishop Alan McGuckian said Pope Francis "implores the divine blessings of consolation and healing upon the injured, the displaced and the families coping with pain of loss".[43] [44]

King Charles III sent a message expressing "heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences" to the President of Ireland on 10 October.[45] [46] [47]

Diplomatic

United States Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin sent a message to say she was thinking of those affected and the first responders.[48]

On 11 October, Irish flags in embassies across the world were flown at half mast, while the Flag of Poland also flew at half mast at the country's Dublin embassy.[49]

On 17 October, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Jilan Wahba Abdalmjid extended her condolences to those affected during a visit to County Donegal.[50]

Sport

Announcements postponing sports events began before any fatalities were announced.[51] [52] This included the postponement of the Donegal Harvest Rally (the last of the National Rally Championship), while the 2022 Donegal Senior Football Championship final between Naomh Conaill and St Eunan's (scheduled for the Sunday) was also called off.[53] The 2022 Frances Browne Literary Festival was among other events that were postponed.[54]

Liam McElhinney, chairman of St Michael's GAA club in Creeslough, said some of the club's members were killed in the explosion.

Other sportspeople who spoke about the impact of the explosion included Séamus Coleman (via Everton's official Twitter account) and Packie Bonner.[55] [56]

A moment of silence was held at Kingspan Stadium before the Ulster and Ospreys game in the United Rugby Championship on 8 October.[57]

Celtic held a moment of silence at Celtic Park in Glasgow before their UEFA Champions League game with RB Leipzig on 11 October.[58]

That evening, the Scotland and Republic of Ireland teams wore black armbands in their FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying match, and Amber Barrett (from nearby Milford) dedicated her winning goal to Creeslough.[59] [60]

Finn Harps observed a moment of silence at Finn Park in Ballybofey before their League of Ireland Premier Division game against Dundalk on 14 October.[61]

Aftermath

Funeral details for some of the victims were announced on 10 October.[62]

On 11 October, the first two funerals were held.[63] The rest of the funerals were held at later dates.[64]

A support fund set up by the Irish Red Cross for the Creeslough community reached more than €1 million by 15 October.[65] By 20 October the Red Cross had begun distributing funds.[66]

On 18 October, the post office which was destroyed reopened temporarily elsewhere in Creeslough, with Kilmacrennan the closest post office until then.[67] [68]

A "Together for Creeslough" concert to thank first responders was held on 30 January 2023 at the Aura Centre in Letterkenny, hosted by Moya Brennan and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, Lisa McHugh, Brian Kennedy, and local school choirs.[69] [70]

TG4 aired a documentary on the response to and immediate aftermath of the explosion on 8 February 2023, despite some of the victims' families expressing concern about the timing of the programme.[71] [72]

Investigation

Technical examinations continued throughout October and November, and Gardaí indicated that the exact cause would take some time to determine.[73]

On 9 October, Gardaí secured CCTV footage of the explosion which was taken from a nearby building, showing the windows of the apartment on an upper floor being blown out and the building collapsing on top of the forecourt seconds later.[74] They also obtained a court order preventing people from interfering with the site.

The Irish Aviation Authority implemented a drone ban within 5.5km (03.4miles) of Creeslough and later extended it.[75] [76]

Experts from several bodies were called in to assist: the Garda Technical Bureau, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the Health and Safety Authority and DNV.[77]

On 17 November 2022, Garda forensic experts completed their scientific examination of the explosion site. A Garda spokesperson said that while the physical examination of the site had concluded, the investigation would still continue.[78]

Arrests

On 22 March 2024, two men in their 50s were arrested for "alleged offences contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997",[79] [80] but later released without charge.[81]

On 27 May 2024, two people in their 40s (a man and a woman) were arrested for "alleged offences contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997".[82] [83]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: 8 October 2022 . Donegal petrol station explosion described by authorities as 'tragic accident' . . 8 October 2022 .
  2. News: 8 October 2022 . Creeslough: Ten dead after Donegal explosion . en-GB . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008073848/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63183510 . 8 October 2022.
  3. News: 8 October 2022 . Donegal explosion: Girl among 10 people killed in Ireland petrol station blast as 'freak accident' blamed . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008072702/https://news.sky.com/story/seven-dead-in-petrol-station-blast-in-donegal-12715168 . 8 October 2022.
  4. News: Maguire . Stephen . Rutherford . Adrian . 8 October 2022 . 'Darkest of days for Donegal': Child and two teens among 10 victims of petrol station explosion as priest tells of 'tsunami of grief' . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008111823/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/donegal-explosion-death-toll-after-petrol-station-blast-rises-to-nine-children-among-missing-42050073.html . 8 October 2022.
  5. News: Carroll . Rory . 8 October 2022 . Child among 10 killed in Donegal petrol station blast as search continues . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012094031/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/08/people-confirmed-dead-after-donegal-petrol-station-explosion . 12 October 2022.
  6. News: McKinney . Seamus . 8 October 2022 . Fatalities feared in Donegal service station gas explosion . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012094034/https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2022/10/08/news/fatalities_feared_in_donegal_service_station_gas_explosion-2854056/ . 12 October 2022.
  7. News: 7 October 2022 . Creeslough tragedy: Specialist rescue crews to search through night for survivors . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221007213813/https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/10/07/creeslough-tragedy-specialist-rescue-crews-to-search-through-night-for-survivors/ . 7 October 2022.
  8. News: Maguire . Stephen . McCauley . Eimer . Heaney . Steven . 8 October 2022 . Ten dead, including young girl and two teenagers, as rescue operation continues in Creeslough . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221007224702/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40978667.html . 7 October 2022.
  9. News: Murray . Eavan . Maguire . Stephen . Mulgrew . Seoirse . Hyland . Paul . O'Neill . Ciaran . 8 October 2022 . Donegal explosion: Young girl and two teenagers among 10 confirmed dead in Creeslough tragedy . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012094043/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/our-worst-fears-heartbreak-as-teenage-girl-is-first-victim-of-donegal-explosion-to-be-named-42049887.html . 12 October 2022.
  10. News: 8 October 2022 . Ireland 'numb' as 10 die in gas station explosion . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008213125/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/death-toll-irish-petrol-station-explosion-rises-seven-2022-10-08/ . 8 October 2022.
  11. News: Maguire . Stephen . Pope . Conor . Lally . Conor . 8 October 2022 . Donegal explosion: Death toll rises to 10 including two teenagers and a young child . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008100822/https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/10/08/donegal-explosion-latest/ . 8 October 2022.
  12. News: Holpuch . Amanda . 8 October 2022 . 10 Dead in Gas Station Explosion in Ireland, Officials Say . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009010431/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/08/world/europe/ireland-gas-station-explosion.html . 9 October 2022.
  13. News: 9 October 2022 . Tributes paid as victims of Donegal explosion named . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009113116/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/1009/1328048-donegal-latest/ . 9 October 2022.
  14. News: 9 October 2022 . Creeslough: Victims of explosion named by police . en-GB . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009114702/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63192411 . 9 October 2022.
  15. News: 8 October 2022 . Ten dead, including children, after Creeslough blast . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008065136/https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/1008/1327902-creeslough-donegal/ . 8 October 2022.
  16. News: Michael . Neil . Loughlin . Elaine . 9 October 2022 . Tributes paid as names of 10 victims of Donegal explosion released . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008220549/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40979354.html . 8 October 2022.
  17. News: Maguire . Stephen . Kent . David . Channon . Max . McSorley . Anita . 8 October 2022 . Young girl among 10 dead in major explosion at Donegal Applegreen as horror details emerge . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221007232052/https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/live-major-explosion-donegal-applegreen-28182010 . 7 October 2022.
  18. News: 8 October 2022 . Nine confirmed dead following explosion at Donegal gas station . IrishCentral . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008112249/https://www.irishcentral.com/news/community/nine-dead-explosion-donegal-gas-station . 8 October 2022.
  19. News: 8 October 2022 . Ireland: Deadly explosion hits petrol station in County Donegal . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012094026/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/8/ireland-eight-people-killed-in-petrol-station-explosion . 12 October 2022.
  20. News: Kane . Robbie . Grennan . Dan . 7 October 2022 . Coast Guard waiting in Phoenix Park to receive injured after major Donegal explosion: It is understood some people remain trapped inside the building . DublinLive . live . 7 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221023180922/https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/coast-guard-waiting-phoenix-park-25209806 . 23 October 2022.
  21. News: 8 October 2022 . Micheál Martin speaks of 'deep sadness' at site of Donegal explosion . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008184330/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40979282.html . 8 October 2022.
  22. News: O'Neill . Ciaran . 8 October 2022 . Donegal explosion: 'Tsunami of grief' — local mass hears Creeslough is 'broken hearted' by tragedy . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008100922/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/donegal-explosion-tsunami-of-grief-local-mass-hears-creeslough-is-broken-hearted-by-tragedy-42050280.html . 8 October 2022.
  23. News: 8 October 2022 . Donegal explosion: First victim named locally, Taoiseach visits site of tragic blast . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012094027/https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/irish-premier-visits-site-of-petrol-station-explosion-that-killed-10-people-1374643.html . 12 October 2022.
  24. News: Michael . Neil . 8 October 2022 . 'Our community is bruised, broken' — Memorial mass held for Creeslough victims . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009085232/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40979372.html . 9 October 2022.
  25. News: 8 October 2022 . Strength of Creeslough hailed in service to remember victims . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008185518/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/1008/1327985-creeslough-service/ . 8 October 2022.
  26. News: Moloney . Eoghan . O'Loughlin . Ciara . 9 October 2022 . 'The whole of Donegal is in mourning', thousands gather for vigils for victims of Creeslough explosion . . live . 10 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009203702/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/the-whole-of-donegal-is-in-mourning-thousands-gather-for-vigils-for-victims-of-creeslough-explosion-42052630.html . 9 October 2022.
  27. News: 9 October 2022 . Hundreds gather for vigil for victims of Creeslough explosion . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009220837/https://www.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/hundreds-gather-for-vigil-for-victims-of-creeslough-explosion/156230005.html . 9 October 2022.
  28. News: 10 October 2022 . Books of Condolence now opened in Creeslough . . live . 10 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221010122306/https://donegalnews.com/2022/10/books-of-condolence-now-opened-in-creeslough/ . 10 October 2022.
  29. News: Drennan . John . 10 October 2022 . Josepha Madigan under fire over strange tweet following Creeslough tragedy . Extra.ie . live . 10 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221010110926/https://extra.ie/2022/10/10/news/irish-news/josepha-madigan-tweet . 10 October 2022.
  30. 'I was wrong' — Josepha Madigan apologises for Creeslough tweet . Wilson . James . en . Newstalk . 7m 50s to 8m 50s . 19 October 2022.
  31. News: O'Loughlin . Ciara . 18 October 2022 . Josepha Madigan 'sincerely apologises' for tweet on Creeslough tragedy . en . . 19 October 2022.
  32. News: Burns . Sarah . 8 November 2022 . Madigan's 'disgraceful' Creeslough tweet 'caused hurt' in Donegal . en . The Irish Times . 8 November 2022.
  33. News: Mulgrew . Seoirse . 8 October 2022 . Donegal explosion: President and Taoiseach leads tributes following 'terrible tragedy' . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012094030/https://www.independent.ie/news/donegal-explosion-president-michael-d-higgins-leads-tributes-following-terrible-tragedy-42050272.html . 12 October 2022.
  34. Web site: 8 October 2022 . Statement by President Michael D. Higgins following tragedy in Creeslough, Co Donegal . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008082047/https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-following-tragedy-in-creeslough-co-donegal . 8 October 2022 . 8 October 2022 . President of Ireland.
  35. Web site: 8 October 2022 . Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Creeslough Tragedy . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008103202/https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0a2b7-statement-by-taoiseach-micheal-martin-on-creeslough-tragedy/ . 8 October 2022 . 8 October 2022 . . Department of the Taoiseach.
  36. 1578732290879803394 . LeoVaradkar . On Friday the nation's collective heart stopped when the news broke. The sadness is incomprehensible. Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones, those recovering in hospital, the local community, and our emergency service personnel. . Leo Varadkar . 8 October 2022 . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008190613/https://twitter.com/LeoVaradkar/status/1578732290879803394 . 8 October 2022 . live.
  37. News: Magnier . Eileen . 9 October 2022 . People of Creeslough 'living through a nightmare of shock and horror' . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009011824/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/1009/1328009-creeslough-donegal-latest/ . 9 October 2022.
  38. News: McNally . Tadgh . Pepper . Diarmuid . Moreau . Emer . 8 October 2022 . Creeslough explosion death toll rises to nine as search and recovery operation continues . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008071044/https://www.thejournal.ie/donegal-explosion-creeslough-5887847-Oct2022/ . 8 October 2022.
  39. News: Campbell . Brett . 7 October 2022 . Michelle O'Neill extends prayers to all affected by fatal Donegal petrol station explosion . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009125625/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/michelle-oneill-extends-prayers-to-all-affected-by-fatal-donegal-petrol-station-explosion-42049548.html . 9 October 2022.
  40. News: 9 October 2022 . UK Prime Minister Liz Truss sends condolences to Donegal . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009090353/https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/10/09/uk-prime-minister-liz-truss-sends-condolences-to-donegal/ . 9 October 2022.
  41. 1578813077193379840 . trussliz . I am shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of life in Donegal. My deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends who have lost loved ones, and to the entire community of Creeslough as they come together in their moment of grief. . LizTruss . 8 October 2022 . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008200213/https://twitter.com/trussliz/status/1578813077193379840 . 8 October 2022 . live.
  42. News: Our 24 hours of hell: Dad of teen killed in Creeslough tragedy on his heartbreak . en-GB . . live . 2022-10-09 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008212806/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/our-24-hours-of-hell-dad-of-teen-killed-in-creeslough-tragedy-on-his-heartbreak-42051322.html . 8 October 2022 . 0307-1235.
  43. News: McNally . Tadgh . Moreau . Emer . Pepper . Diarmuid . 9 October 2022 . Pope Francis joins tributes to victims and community after Creeslough explosion . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009073555/https://www.thejournal.ie/creeslough-donegal-explosion-tributes-5888594-Oct2022/ . 9 October 2022.
  44. News: McNulty . Chris . 9 October 2022 . Pope Francis expresses sympathy over Creeslough tragedy . . live . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012094028/https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/933903/pope-francis-expresses-sympathy-over-creeslough-tragedy.html . 12 October 2022.
  45. 1579412947419684864 . RoyalFamily . The King's message to the President of Ireland following the recent explosion in Donegal. . The Royal Family . 10 October 2022 . 10 October 2022.
  46. News: 10 October 2022 . Creeslough: County Donegal village 'never the same again' after tragedy . . live . 10 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221010072003/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63194722 . 10 October 2022.
  47. News: 10 October 2022 . King Charles offers condolences to Ireland after petrol station explosion . . live . 10 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221010222839/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/king-charles-offers-condolences-ireland-after-petrol-station-explosion-2022-10-10/ . 10 October 2022.
  48. 1578759947806208000 . USAmbIreland . News of the explosion at Creeslough, Co. Donegal is tragic. Praying for all of the victims and their families. My thoughts too are with the brave first responders. . Claire D. Cronin . 8 October 2022 . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221020180500/https://twitter.com/USAmbIreland/status/1578759947806208000 . 20 October 2022 . live.
  49. News: McLaughlin . Rachel . 11 October 2022 . Flags fly at half mast around the world in sympathy for Creeslough . . live . 11 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221011151549/https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/10/11/flags-fly-at-half-mast-around-the-world-in-sympathy-for-creeslough/ . 11 October 2022.
  50. News: 17 October 2022 . Palestinian ambassador extends condolences to Creeslough families . . live . 17 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221017102018/https://highlandradio.com/2022/10/17/palestinian-ambassador-extends-condolences-to-creeslough-families/ . 17 October 2022.
  51. News: 7 October 2022 . Donegal Harvest Rally postponed . . 7 October 2022.
  52. News: 7 October 2022 . Donegal GAA fixtures postponed . . live . 7 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221007230500/https://highlandradio.com/2022/10/07/donegal-gaa-fixtures-postponed/ . 7 October 2022.
  53. News: 8 October 2022 . Donegal sport postponed . . live . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008103910/https://www.radiokerry.ie/sport/donegal-sport-postponed-300369 . 8 October 2022.
  54. News: McLaughlin . Rachel . 10 October 2022 . List: Events postponed in light of Creeslough tragedy . . live . 10 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221010114500/https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/10/10/list-events-postponed-light-creeslough-tragedy2/ . 10 October 2022.
  55. News: Breslin . Aoife . 11 October 2022 . Ireland and Everton captain Séamus Coleman pays tribute to victims of Creeslough tragedy in his native Donegal . . live . 11 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221011083059/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/ireland-and-everton-captain-seamus-coleman-pays-tribute-to-victims-of-creeslough-tragedy-in-his-native-donegal-42056615.html . 11 October 2022.
  56. News: Craig . Frank . 13 October 2022 . Creeslough remains in our prayers – Bonner . . live . 13 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221013135454/https://donegalnews.com/2022/10/creeslough-remains-in-our-prayers-bonner/ . 13 October 2022.
  57. News: Sands . Katie . 8 October 2022 . Ulster v Ospreys to hold minute's silence as nine killed in explosion that's rocked Ireland . Wales Online . 8 October 2022.
  58. News: Bolton . Michael . 11 October 2022 . Celtic Hold Hugely Poignant Minute's Silence For Creeslough Victims . . live . 12 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221011200614/https://www.balls.ie/football/celtic-hold-hugely-poignant-minutes-silence-for-creeslough-victims-528094 . 11 October 2022.
  59. News: 11 October 2022 . Tribute to Creeslough victims to be paid at Hampden . en . . live . 12 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012065451/https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2022/1011/1328548-tribute-to-creeslough-victims-to-be-paid-at-hampden/ . 12 October 2022.
  60. News: Clerkin . Malachy . 11 October 2022 . Amber Barrett sends Ireland to the World Cup and dedicates her goal to Creeslough . en . . live . 12 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221011220459/https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/10/11/amber-barrett-sends-ireland-to-the-world-cup-and-dedicates-her-goal-to-creeslough/ . 11 October 2022.
  61. News: Foley . Alan . 14 October 2022 . Dundalk see off Finn Harps on emotional night a week on from tragedy at Creeslough . . live . 14 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221014211539/https://www.the42.ie/dundalk-finn-harps-league-of-ireland-5893972-Oct2022/ . 14 October 2022.
  62. News: Mulgrew . Seoirse . Hyland . Paul . O'Loughlin . Ciara . 10 October 2022 . Creeslough tragedy: wife and son accompany James O'Flaherty's remains from chapel, as further funeral details announced . . live . 10 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221010143111/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/creeslough-tragedy-wife-and-son-accompany-james-oflahertys-remains-from-chapel-as-further-funeral-details-announced-42053671.html . 10 October 2022.
  63. News: Macauley . Conor . 11 October 2022 . 'Our hearts are heavy, but our spirits are strong' — mourners in Creeslough told . . live . 12 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221011231026/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/1011/1328406-cresslough/ . 11 October 2022.
  64. News: Macauley . Conor . 12 October 2022 . Cherish your family, son of Donegal blast victim tells mourners . . live . 12 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012053940/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/1011/1328628-creeslough-funerals/ . 12 October 2022. News: Families of Creeslough tragedy 'lost in a fog of grief'. RTÉ News. 13 October 2022. 13 October 2022.
  65. News: Kennedy . Jason . 15 October 2022 . More than €1m fundraised for Creeslough community . . 15 October 2022.
  66. News: 20 October 2022 . Distribution of Red Cross funds begin . . live . 20 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221020141223/https://donegalnews.com/2022/10/distribution-of-red-cross-funds-begin/ . 20 October 2022.
  67. News: 18 October 2022 . Creeslough Post Office to reopen at temporary location . . live . 18 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221018075444/https://highlandradio.com/2022/10/18/creeslough-post-office-to-reopen-at-temporary-location/ . 18 October 2022.
  68. News: 18 October 2022 . Creeslough post office reopens at temporary location . . live . 18 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221018085135/https://donegalnews.com/2022/10/creeslough-post-office-reopens-at-temporary-location/ . 18 October 2022.
  69. News: Magnier . Eileen . 30 January 2023 . Final preparations for Together for Creeslough concert . en . RTÉ News . 30 January 2023.
  70. Web site: 30 January 2023 . Brian McFadden pays tribute to Creeslough community following memorial concert . ITV News.
  71. News: TG4 confirms its documentary on Creeslough tragedy will air tonight as planned. TheJournal.ie. Diarmuid. Pepper. 8 February 2023. 22 February 2023.
  72. News: Creeslough explosion: Family of Creeslough victims ask TG4 not to broadcast documentary on explosion. Buzz.ie. Eithne. Dodd. 8 February 2023. 22 February 2023.
  73. News: Magnier . Eileen . 10 October 2022 . Creeslough village prepares for week of funerals as technical examinations continue . . live . 10 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221010062359/https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/1010/1328156-creeslough-latest/ . 10 October 2022.
  74. News: Mooney . John . 9 October 2022 . Gardai examine CCTV of Donegal blast that killed ten . . live . subscription . 9 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221009065826/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gardai-examine-cctv-of-donegal-blast-that-killed-ten-fr2vhldpr . 9 October 2022.
  75. News: 12 October 2022 . Drones temporarily prohibited from flying over Creeslough . . live . 12 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012100225/https://donegalnews.com/2022/10/drones-temporarily-prohibited-from-flying-over-creeslough/ . 12 October 2022.
  76. News: McLaughlin . Rachel . 13 October 2022 . Drone restriction over Creeslough extended . . live . 13 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221013160522/https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/10/13/drone-restriction-over-creeslough-extended/ . 13 October 2022.
  77. News: Gallagher . Conor . 16 October 2022 . Investigators to use advanced 3D modelling to recreate Creeslough explosion . . 18 October 2022.
  78. News: O'Connor . Niall . 17 November 2022 . Gardaí have concluded their examination of Creeslough blast site . . 17 November 2022.
  79. News: Magnier . Eileen . Two men arrested over fatal explosion in Creeslough . 22 March 2024 . RTÉ News . 22 March 2024.
  80. News: O'Toole . Michael . Maguire . Stephen . Creeslough: Gardai planning to make at least one more arrest . 23 March 2024 . Belfast Live . 23 March 2024.
  81. News: Fitzgerald . Cormac . Two men arrested in relation to fatal Creeslough explosion released without charge . 26 March 2024 . TheJournal.ie . 23 March 2024.
  82. News: Man and woman arrested in Creeslough explosion investigation . 27 May 2024 . RTÉ News . 27 May 2024.
  83. News: McAuley . Eimer . Man and woman arrested in connection with Creeslough explosion that killed 10 people . 27 May 2024 . The Journal . 27 May 2024.