THE North West Migrants Forum wishes to put on record its sincere condolences to the families and community impacted by the weekend tragedy in Donegal.
Emmanuel Familola, who was 16 and originally from Nigeria and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda from Zimbabwe, lost their lives after getting into difficulty in the water near Buncrana. A third teenager managed to swim to the shoreline and is recovering at Letterkenny University Hospital.
North West Migrants Forum Interim Manager Paul Sceeny said, “There is palpable shock across the north west following this terrible tragedy and we as an organisation wish to send our deepest sympathies to the Familola and Sibanda families. Also to the family of the third boy who is no doubt very distressed at what has occurred on should have been a day of sunshine and laughter. We wish him a full recovery.
“From our point of view, if there is any assistance we can offer we are only too happy to help. The North West Migrants Forum was set up to support those coming to Ireland in search of sanctuary and in the hope of making a better life for themselves.
“Our thoughts will be with the families in the days and weeks ahead.”
Mr Sceeny added that the Migrants Forum also wishes to thank the Inishowen community for the way it has rallied around the families in the days since the tragedy.
“To see St Mary’s Convent packed with people who turned out to show solidarity with the families, it sent out a powerful message and highlighted how the area welcomes people from abroad to the local community.”
The vigil was led by Bishop Donal McKeown, a long-time friend and supporter of the North West Migrants Forum. He also commented on the numbers who gathered to offer their sympathies.
“They are strong looking inwards and supporting one and another, and strong looking outwards welcoming newcomers and that’s a real blessing on everybody,” said Bishop McKeown.