The heartbroken woman who lost her husband and two children in a tragic car crash last week is to
reopen her husband’s garden centre in his honour.
John Mullan and his son Tomas, 14 and six-year-old daughter Amelia died when the family car plunged into Lough Foyle near Quigley’s Point.
Mum Geraldine managed to climb out of the car and was rescued a short time later after passers-by heard her screams for help.
Thousands of people from around the globe watched the heartbreaking scenes as she said a final farewell to her loved ones at their funerals at St Pius X Church in Moville last Monday.
Hundreds lined the Main Street in the seaside town as Geraldine spoke about the final moments of her family’s lives and the awful tragedy which struck them.
The cancer nurse at Letterkenny University Hospital has issued a public thank you to everyone on the Moville Garden Centre Facebook page, which her late husband owned.
She said: “I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each and everyone from my hometown of Moville and all the surrounding areas near and far.
“The love, compassion and support shown has been very much appreciated during this very difficult time.”
Geraldine told how John’s life revolved around his family and the garden centre.
In her heart-wrenching speech at her family’s funerals, she spoke of the pride which he took in the business and helping people pick the right flowers, especially for funerals.
Geraldine now plans to open the centre this weekend.
She said: “John’s first love was family and he displayed this to myself, Tomas and Amelia on a daily basis. John’s second love was the garden centre and he took great pride and joy in his business and to all his customers.
“In John’s honour, and in wanting to keep the spirit of his hard work alive and in line with Covid-19 regulations, I will be opening the garden centre.
“All support would be very much appreciated at this time.”
Mrs Mullan’s gesture prompted a wave of good-wishes on social media.
Clare Gilroy wrote: “John was always so helpful whenever I visited the garden centre.
“He help me pick out a memorial rose for my granny. My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time xx.”
Aisling Cunningham posted: “Thinking of you Geraldine. John was such a gentleman and always so helpful.
“We look at the trees in our garden as they grow and think of you and your family, as I’m sure many others will.
Meanwhile, gardai are continuing their investigations into the cause of the crash which claimed the lives of the Mullan family.
