A Derry woman and her daughter have donated €49,000 to Lough Swilly RNLI and other emergency services, money raised during two events commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Buncrana pier tragedy.

Louise James and her daughter Rioghnach presented the funds at Lough Swilly Lifeboat Station on Monday evening. The presentation was attended by representatives of the RNLI, Greencastle Coast Guard, Marine Rescue Sub-Centre Malin Head, An Garda Síochána and Buncrana Fire Service.

The tragedy occurred in March 2016 when a car slipped off the pier into Lough Swilly. Five members of the James family died: Louise's partner Sean McGrotty, their sons Mark and Evan, her mother Ruth Daniels and her sister Jodie. Rioghnach, then a baby, was the only survivor.

Two events generated the donation total. A remembrance walk in March drew hundreds of people, many dressed in red and white, from Buncrana Shore Front to Ned's Point. A gala ball was later held at the Ebrington Hotel in Derry. Both events were sponsored and supported by local businesses and the public.

Lough Swilly RNLI received €45,000 of the total. Further amounts of €1,000 each were given to the Little Blue Heroes Foundation (via an Garda Síochána), Greencastle Coast Guard, Marine Rescue Sub-Centre Malin Head and Buncrana Fire Service. Buncrana Fire Service re-donated its gift to Lough Swilly RNLI, citing the close cooperation between the services.

Louise James thanked everyone who contributed, saying the total would not have been possible without their help. Lough Swilly RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Joe Joyce described the donation as humbling and said it supports the station's lifesaving work and water safety advice. RNLI Chairman John McCarter added that the €45,000 gift was overwhelming and vital to the charity, noting that James had previously raised funds for the station.