Hundreds of people gathered at the Holy Church Family in Derry last night for the month’s mind mass for the Buncrana Pier victims.
Louise James was chief mourner, while Kerrykeel man Davitt Walsh, who saved Louise’s daughter from the freezing waters of Lough Swilly, was also in attendance.
Fr Paddy O’Kane, who has provided spiritual support to the McGrotty and Daniels families for the past month, was joined at the alter by Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown.
In a touching and heartfelt homily, Fr O’Kane recalled “happy-go-lucky” children who loved Derry City Football Club – but not as much as their mum.
“Mark loved playing at school, or on the street with his friends,” the priest said.
“He would run inside and give Louise a hug and then re-join his friends – for Louise had told him and Evan to come and hug her as often as they wanted.”
Sean McGrotty, sons Evan and Mark, mother Ruth Daniels and sister Jodie Lee Daniels all died when their car slipped into Lough Swilly, while baby Rioghnac-Ann was rescued by Walsh.