Diocesan News10 Feb 11

Statement by Bishop Paul Colton following the Airplane Crash at Cork International Airport

As an immediate and interim response to the plane crash this morning at Cork Airport, the Bishop of Cork, the Rt Revd Paul Colton made the following statement:

‘All of us in Cork, and from throughout this region, are shocked and hugely saddened by the news of the crash at Cork Airport this morning of a Manx Airlines flight from Belfast to Cork.

‘The solidarity, love and prayers of us all in the Church of Ireland community go out to all who are caught up in this tragedy: those on the plane and their families and friends; all those in the emergency services who are bringing their professional caring to assist in whatever way they can; those working for the airline; workers at Belfast City and Cork airports and the communities which they serve. In particular our sympathy and prayers are with the loved ones of those who have died.

‘This is a time when our whole community feels vulnerable also. Cork Airport is one of our principal domestic and routine links, for business and pleasure, to other places. I’m sure that like me and my family, many others have used this particular Belfast to Cork route on occasion also. This sense of closeness to home and human vulnerability channels our prayers and concerns as we show our solidarity to those who most need our support at this time.’