Davitt Walsh has been hailed as a hero by all who heard of his actions during the Buncrana tragedy, and today grieving mum Louise James paid tribute to him, for saving the life of her four-month-old daughter.
An emotional Louise made the comments during the funeral for her beloved partner Sean, sons Mark and Evan, mother Ruth and sister Jodie-Lee, today.
Addressing the congregation in the Holy Family Church in Ballymagroarty, Co. Derry, devastated Louise choked back tears as she thanked Davitt for saving little Rioghnach-Ann.
“Without fear for his own life and safety, he entered Lough Swilly to save my Rioghnach-Ann, and I will be forever grateful to you. Thank you so, so much,” she said.
The church was reportedly packed to capacity, with a large crowd gathering outside, to pay their respects to Louise and her family at this most tragic time.
During the course of the ceremony, Fr. Paddy O’Kane revealed eight-year-old Evan’s last words to mum Louise, before the tragedy at Buncrana pier: “When his mother phoned him at five to seven on Sunday evening, as they sat on the pier to watch the sunset, he said, ‘Mammy, I miss you so much. I am going to give you the biggest, tightest hug you ever got, when I see you again.’”
Louise was away in Liverpool, attending a hen party, when the tragedy occurred.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.