Creeslough, County Donegal – A tragic explosion in County Donegal on October 7, 2022, claimed the lives of ten individuals, including 14-year-old Leona Harper. Leona, the youngest victim of the devastating incident, was the last victim to be recovered the following day. The heart-wrenching loss left Donna Harper, Leona’s mother, grappling with immense grief and sorrow.
Just days after two men were arrested and subsequently released in connection to the explosion investigation, a proposal to rebuild the commercial units on the site surfaced. Donna Harper was taken aback when approached about the redevelopment plan, feeling overwhelmed by emotions already running high in their home.
Expressing her anguish, Donna adamantly voiced her opposition to rebuilding on the very site where her daughter tragically lost her life, along with many others. She described the location as sacred and holy ground that should never be disturbed by new construction. Donna emphasized the need for a memorial at the site, a place for families and the community to pay their respects and remember their loved ones in peace.
Despite the devastating circumstances, Donna found solace in the overwhelming support she received from the community. Friends and locals rallied around her, offering comfort and assistance in various forms. Gemma Heaney, a close friend who had sung at Leona’s funeral, took proactive steps by initiating a petition to preserve the site as a memorial. The petition quickly garnered nearly 400 signatures, demonstrating the community’s solidarity with Donna’s cause.
The tragic explosion not only claimed the life of Leona Harper but also took the lives of nine other individuals, each leaving behind a void in the hearts of their loved ones. The community’s unwavering support and efforts to preserve the site as a memorial stand as a testament to the enduring impact of the tragedy and the collective resolve to honor the memories of those lost in the devastating incident.