Buncrana Pier Tragedy 10th Anniversary Remembrance Walk

In March 2016, five members of one family tragically lost their lives when their car slipped into Lough Swilly off the pier in Buncrana. Miraculously, Rioghnach, who was five months old at the time survived. That little girl has recently turned ten.

Louise, the mother who lost her two sons, her sister, her mother, and her partner, wishes to express her heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded that night, particularly Lough Swilly RNLI, and helped bring her loved ones home, allowing them to be laid to rest with dignity. She remains forever grateful for the life of her daughter, whose survival has given her strength and purpose in the years since.

Supported by a dedicated team, Louise is marking the tenth anniversary by celebrating the lives of those she lost. A series of events will take place, beginning with a 5K walk in Buncrana on Sunday, 22nd March 2026 at 11am. The walk will start and end at the carpark on Buncrana shore front, walking to the start of Porthaw Beach and then return, a distance of approximately 5km. There will be a refreshment break on the return walk at Lough Swilly RNLI Station at Neds Point Buncrana.

The tenth anniversary will be a time of remembrance, gratitude, and celebration of lives that will never be forgotten and a number of other events are in the planning stages.