THE father of one of
the young men killed in Ireland's worst road
accident has died tragically three years to the day
of the horrific crash in Inishowen.
John McLaughlin (46), from Ballinahone, Fahan, was
the father of 21-year old Mark McLaughlin, who died
along with seven other men in the two-car collision
at Glasmullen, between Buncrana and Clonmany, on
July 11, 2010.
His sudden death on Thursday has "deeply affected"
the entire community on the peninsula, say locals.
Relatives and friends are comforting Mr McLaughlin's
widow Roma and their son Damian (20) at a "very
sensitive and emotional time".
"John's sudden death has come as a complete shock to
everyone and especially the families affected by the
crash in July three years ago. The accident affected
so many people in five small communities throughout
the peninsula," said one local.
"The crash has got a lot of media coverage since it
happened but this is a highly sensitive and
emotional time and it would be helpful if the family
were allowed some privacy."
Mr McLaughlin, who was a lorry driver by trade, was
described as "the nicest fella".
"He was a very hard worker who was always smiling
and outgoing and full of life. But the circumstances
of Mark's death three years ago really took its
toll."
The friends who died along with Mark in the accident
were his second cousin, Damien McLaughlin (21),
Umricam, Buncrana; Paul Doherty (19), of Ardagh,
Ballyliffin; Ciaran Sweeney (19), of Ballyliffin; PJ
McLaughlin (21), of Rockstown, Burnfoot; James
McEleney (23), of Minaduff, Clonmany and Eamon
McDaid (22), of Ballymagan, Buncrana.
Pensioner Hughie Friel, 66, who was driving home
alone to Urris, Clonmany, from the parish bingo in
Buncrana was also killed. There was a large
attendance this morning at Mr McLaughlin’s funeral
mass in St Mura’s Church, Fahan. He was laid to rest
in the adjoining cemetery. |
