Atrocities in the US - 11th September 2001

The terrible atrocities of the past week in New York, Washington and Pensylvania have affected every decent living citizen of the world and that includes the Beara Peninsula.  Huge numbers of Beara ex-patriots now reside in the USA and there isn't a home here in Beara that doesn't know somebody over there.  When the news started to dawn, we were helpless to do anything but pray and remember everyone involved.  People walked around dazed, shaking their heads and asking 'why?'.  Unfortunately we have no credible answers.  Thankfully, I know of no-one from Beara directly affected to date.  Hope this will remain the case.

Ireland observed a National Day of Mourning on Fri. last - 14th Sept. and businesses all over Beara closed - as a mark of respect to all the victims and their families.  Because of requests from visitors from the US and indeed people who have relocated here in Beara, the office at Beara Action Group was open on Friday last to allow people use the Internet Access facility to contact their loved ones - as it was difficult to get through by phone.  This service was given free of charge for the day and Student Ita McCarthy kindly manned the office.  Beara Action Group Chairman, Denis Regan, opened a Book of Condolonces for people to sign to show their sympathy. It was available there on Fri and Sat and was placed in the Sacred Heart Church, Castletownbere for all the masses held over the week-end.  It is available at the Beara Action Group office in the Square all week for anyone who haven't yet signed it and wish to do so.  It will be forwarded to the US Embassy to be sent on to the relevant people later on in the month.

Masses were held all over the peninsula during the day and evening and huge crowds attended to pray for everyone involved in the tragedy.  As the news rolls in, the stories of those who perished, survived, were injured continue to unfold.  Lets hope that our prayers and thoughts comfort them in some way as those who survived try to rebuild their lives.  We pray also for all the rescue workers for their trojan work and hope that they do not suffer too much from the trauma of it all.  May God Bless you all.