Hundreds Gather at Candlelit Vigil in Louth
Hundreds of people yesterday gathered at the Stonetown Community Walking Track in Drumgowna, Co Louth, for a candlelit vigil in memory of Mark O’Connor, 54, his wife Louise, 56, and their son Evan, 27, who were found dead at the family home earlier this week. The vigil was led by Fr Gerry Campbell, the Administrator for Louth Parish, and brought together members of the local community in a night of prayer and solidarity.
Fr Campbell conducted the service at the nearby Annaghminnon GAA Club, where the crowd of mourners, including gardaí and other emergency services personnel, stood in quiet reflection. In attendance were two senior church figures, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Eamon Martin, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, Michael Router, who participated in the prayers and offered words of comfort.
A Community of Grief and Support
Organisers chose a general theme for the vigil: “looking for the light.” Fr Campbell spoke of a community trying to grasp light in a time of profound difficulty, stressing that the loss of Mark, Louise and Evan has sent ripples of grief through the parish and beyond. He acknowledged that many attending had questions, disbelief and aching hearts, yet urged those present to rely on one another for support in the days and weeks ahead.
In his reflections, Fr Campbell said: “We know that no words can take away the pain, but our presence, our prayer and our care are a way of saying you are not alone. Many friends, neighbours and all who have gathered here, your grief too is real.” The gathering underscored a shared commitment to stand with the O’Connor family and to ensure no one in the community feels isolated in mourning.
Music, Prayers and a Last Walk Together
A local choir sang hymns as the vigil drew to a close, providing a musical thread of consolation amid the sorrow. The service culminated with all those present taking part in a lap of the walking track in memory of Mark, Louise and Evan, a act described by participants as a simple, communal gesture of remembrance and unity.
What Comes Next for the Community
Community leaders emphasised the importance of continued support in the wake of such tragic events. Fr Campbell noted that while grief is a deeply personal experience, shared rituals and presence can help to ease the sense of isolation that often accompanies loss. “In the face of such loss, faith may feel fragile, but even the smallest spark of faith reminds us that death does not have the final word,” he said during the service.
The O’Connor family—Mark, Louise, and Evan—are remembered not only for their roles within the family but also for their place within the wider Drumgowna community. As officials and residents alike come to terms with the tragedy, the vigil served as a public affirmation of support and a reminder that a community can carry one another through the hardest times.
About the O’Connor Family
The family resided in the Drumgowna area, and their deaths have prompted an outpouring of sympathy from neighbours, colleagues and local organisations. While questions remain and investigations continue, those at the vigil focused on the human toll and the importance of caring for one another in the wake of loss.
