Donegal Ceremony of Remembrance and Reflection of the COVID-19 Pandemic

23 May 2022

A remembrance event was held on Sunday 22nd May to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 in Donegal over  last two years.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Jack Murray led the ceremony of remembrance and reflection which took place at the Diamond in Lifford on Sunday. Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach, Jack Murray and CE, John McLaughlin acknowledged the massive effort of the frontline services who worked tirelessly to protect their communities during the pandemic and in particular, acknowledgement and thanks was given to Civil Defence and the many volunteers who worked alongside the frontline services during the Covid-19 response.

Some 256 people in Donegal have lost their lives to COVID-19 out of a total of more than 7,100 in the country.

Cllr Murray said “the event was an opportunity to pay tribute to those lost, their grieving families and all those still suffering from COVID-19 and its consequences. It was also a chance to thank the local individuals and organisations who stepped up to the challenges the pandemic has brought”. 

He expressed thanks to frontline workers, but in particular frontline health workers and volunteers, “who before even fully understanding the nature of the threat, ran towards the danger to care for the sick with dignity and compassion during the most devastating of times”. “We will remain forever indebted to them for their heroic work and sacrifice,” he said.

The event included the opening of an exhibition of submitted photographs of how the pandemic affected lives in the county and the launch of a commemorative paving stone.

It also included an ecumenical reflection by Canon David Crooks, the reading of poems, and the laying of a wreath. During the ceremony a remembrance candle was lit by Jackie McCrudden, Area Commander, Civil Defence to honour the work of the many volunteers.

Civil Defence were represented by Edel Flynn, CDO, Paidin Doherty, County Commander, Phonsie McAteer and Jackie McCrudden Area Commanders.

 

 

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