Roma Downey cradles miracle baby Rioghnach-Ann who survived the Buncrana tragedy. She is pictured with Fr Paddy O’Kane and brave Louise James
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 Donegal hero 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.
The pries said Evan, who had Muscular Dystrophy, showed great determination in his short life.
Fr O’Kane told the congregation: “Once he was ill and was told he had to stay at home — but he rebelled and insisted he would go. You can see the certificate of merit he got for 100 per cent attendance that year.”
The priest also held up a religious statue Evan had admired for the congregation to see in the Ballymagroarty church — where the boy was due to have first Holy Communion in a few weeks.
He added: “He loved this little statue of Our Lady so much that he broke her hand with his hugs and kisses.”
The priest said Louise and her family had given him the “greatest privilege” by “accepting my shoulder on which to shed your tears”.
He said: “I have had letters and phone calls from good people from countries near and far, asking me to tell Louise and her family that they are thinking about them and praying for them.
“There have been Books of Condolences from people of many faiths.
“We have all been united in grief, and you, Louise, have told me to pass on your deep gratitude to all, and how it has helped in some little way to come to terms with all that has happened.”
Among the touching tributes was Derry born actress Roma Downey who came home Hollywood and called to see Louise and her baby daughter at her home.
Louise James and partner Sean McGrotty who had three children, including a four month old baby girl
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