Irish soldiers in Syria pull their weight for Creeslough fundraiser

Irish soldiers practising their pulling power ahead of their fundraiser for Creeslough. Picture: NWNewspix

A Donegal soldier serving overseas has come up with a unique idea to raise funds for those killed or injured in the Creeslough tragedy.

Corporal John Gallagher serves with the 66th Infantry Group Undof in Syria. A native of Downings/Carrigart, Cpl Gallagher often visits the village at the centre of the explosion which occurred on October 7 in which 10 people lost their lives.

Three of Cpl Gallagher's's colleagues serving with the Defence Forces lost relatives when an explosion ripped through the heart of the town's Applegreen service station.

The 43-year-old soldier said he and his colleagues wanted to come up with a unique way to raise funds to help the victims of the tragedy.

Now, Cpl Gallagher and his colleagues will literally put their shoulders to the wheel in a test of strength and endurance while remembering all those affected by the tragedy.

On January 17, three platoons will compete against each other by pulling an 18 tonne Mowag Piranha 3 Armoured Personnel Carrier over a distance of 100m.

The teams competing include the 1st and 2nd mechanised platoons and CSG/RECCE and the team with the fastest time will be crowned the strongest platoon.

Corporal John Gallagher: 'We want to help Creeslough to move forward but also to let them know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.'

However, Cpl Gallagher said the most important thing was that as much money could be raised as possible for the victims of the tragedy.

He said "It's our way of honouring all those affected by this awful tragedy but also our small way of giving something back to that community which many of us know very well.

Three of our comrades serving within the Defence Forces lost family members in this terrifying disaster.

"This really brought it home to me and this is why myself and the members of the 66th Infantry Group Undof would like to do something to offer our support and condolences to the people of Creeslough.

"We want to help Creeslough to move forward but also to let them know that they are in our thoughts and prayers."

The group has already surpassed its initial goal of €2,000 thanks to the kindness of people donating on their GoFundMe page and would like to raise as much money as possible before the event on January 17 next.

Cpl Gallagher stressed that every cent raised will go towards the Creeslough Fund to help the families in any way. Donations can be made here