A vigil was held in Buncrana, County Donegal, Ireland, to honor the memory of two teenage boys who tragically drowned after getting into difficulty in the water over the weekend.

The boys were identified locally as 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola, originally from Nigeria, and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda, from Zimbabwe.

Hundreds gathered at St. Mary’s Oratory in Buncrana for a memorial service led by Bishop Donal McKeown of the Diocese of Derry. He opened the service by welcoming the families of Emmanuel and Matt and acknowledged the deep sadness felt throughout the town.

“There’s a heavy sense of sorrow hanging over everyone today,” Bishop McKeown said. Still, he expressed admiration for the turnout and the way the Buncrana community came together in support, emphasizing their compassion and openness to newcomers.

“They support one another during hard times and also open their hearts to those who’ve come from abroad. That’s a real blessing,” he added.

Charlie McConalogue, a local representative in the Irish government, also attended the service. “The entire community came together to show support and offer comfort,” he said. “It’s an absolute shock. This area has faced tragedies before, but it never gets easier.”

Local resident Miriam Killeney said the news shook the town. “It was such a beautiful day, and then suddenly this happened. Buncrana has experienced loss before, and this brought back many difficult memories.”

Tragic Events Unfolded Saturday Afternoon

On Saturday, the Irish Coast Guard received reports of several people in trouble in the water. That evening, the body of an 18-year-old was recovered. A younger teen, rescued from the water, was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he died early Sunday morning. A third teen managed to swim back to shore safely.

Evelyn McLoughlin, principal of Scoil Mhuire—where Emmanuel was a student—said the school community is devastated. “There are no words to fully capture the pain we’re feeling. Emmanuel was warm, funny, and thoughtful. He truly lived the values of our school and was loved by students and staff alike.”

She also mentioned that the school is offering support to Emmanuel’s brother, who is also a student there.

Kevin Cooley, principal of Crana College where Matt studied, echoed the sentiment. “Today may be sunny, but there’s a dark cloud over Buncrana. Matt joined our school in January 2024 and was immediately welcomed. He was preparing for final exams and was one of the most respectful and determined students you could meet.”

He also thanked emergency responders for their efforts.

A Heartbreaking Scene

Father Francis Bradley, a local priest, described the emotional pain experienced by the families. “It’s hard to watch, but deeply moving. Last night, a mother cradled her son—like a living image of the Pietà. Even in that grief, she called out his name, hoping he would hear.”

Fr. Bradley added, “In this community, we don’t see them as immigrants or outsiders. They are our own.”

Joe Joyce, with the Lough Swilly RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), said two lifeboats were launched immediately after the emergency call. One teen was able to get back to land. A former RNLI crew member in a private boat rescued another 16-year-old. Later, Coast Guard drones identified an object in the water—an 18-year-old boy—who was brought to shore and pronounced dead.

Loss Felt Across the Community

Jack Murray, mayor of the Inishowen region, said the community is devastated. “It was a beautiful day. Donegal had just won a big game, the sun was out—and then we heard the worst possible news. Two young lives lost. It’s horrific.”

He called Emmanuel and Matt “talented young men of African heritage” whose lives ended far too soon.

“This community has seen more than its share of tragedy,” he said. “We want their families to know we’re standing with them.”

Council member Joy Beard said the town is still in shock. “We’re absolutely heartbroken. But Buncrana is a strong town, and we will rally around the families.”

Foinán Bradley, another local council member, said the three boys involved in the incident had moved to Buncrana with their families several years ago and had become well-loved members of the community. “People here knew them, cared about them. The entire town feels the loss.”