'A tragedy that words cannot fully express': Donegal drowning victims remembered

Emmanuel Familola, one of the two teenagers to lose their lives in Saturday’s drowning tragedy off the Buncrana coast in Donegal, has been remembered as an ambitious young man.

The 16-year-old lost his life after encountering difficulty in Lough Swilly at around 4pm on Saturday, May 10. He was taken from the water and rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital but unfortunately died a short time later.

The body of his friend, an 18-year-old Crana College student by the name of Matt Sibanda was taken from the water at around 9pm in the evening. 

Emmanuel, originally from Nigeria, attended Scoil Mhuire and had only just completed work experience as part of his Transition Year curriculum. 

His school year had just come to a close and the young man was looking forward to starting the Leaving Cert cycle in the autumn. He completed work experience in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, which his school said was an experience that he “thoroughly enjoyed.”

Scoil Mhuire commented further: “He was ambitious and full of potential, always appreciative of the opportunities he was given and he never failed to show gratitude.

“Emmanuel embodied the true ethos of Scoil Mhuire. He was known for his warm personality, gentle humour, and thoughtful nature. He immersed himself fully in our school community and was highly regarded by staff and students alike,” they concluded. 

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Matt, whose family came to Buncrana from Zimbabwe, was due to begin his Leaving Certificate next month at Crana College.

“The entire community of Crana College, including students, staff, Board of Management, and parents, are heartbroken following the tragic events that occurred in Buncrana on Saturday,” the school said.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to Matt’s family, who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their cherished son and loved one.”

Upon learning of the tragedy, the schools immediately activated their critical incident plans. 

Principals Kevin Cooley (Crana College) and Evelyn McLoughlin (Scoil Mhuire) - who both attended a vigil on Sunday afternoon - issued a joint statement.

They said: "Our school communities are devastated by this heartbreaking loss. Emmanuel and Matt were deeply respected and valued members of our student bodies, and their passing has left us all in profound shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and with the wider Buncrana community. 

“This is a tragedy that words cannot fully express.”