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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Kieran Cunningham & Jon Brady & Keiran Fleming

Glasgow man is one of 10 people killed in Irish petrol station explosion

A Glasgow man is one of the 10 people who died after a horrific petrol station explosion in Ireland.

Martin McGill, 49, was killed by the blast in Creeslough, a village in County Donegal, on Friday afternoon.

The Celtic fan moved to the area a few years to care for his parents, Joseph and Mary according to local media.

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Known locally as 'Scotch Martin', Buzz.ie reports, he was among the victims whose names were released by Irish police at the weekend.

The Hoops supporter is survived by Mary, sisters Marie Louise and Caroline, brothers in law, Mathew and Iain, nieces and nephews and extended family and friends, the Daily Record reports. His father Joseph died earlier this year.

Martin's funeral is due to take place on Tuesday, October 11.

It has been reported that he stopped by the petrol station to use the cash machine when the explosion occurred. Local pharmacist Fergus Brennan told the BBC: "[He] was such a special, lovable and friendly young man, very well known and liked around Creeslough."

Mr Brennan added that Martin's mother, Mary, had called the pharmacy to ask if he was there after the explosion. The pharmacist said: "Tragically one of our team went up to [the petrol station] and Martin's car was on the forecourt."

Local businessman Fintan Coll said: "He would be a fella that, if he saw you in trouble, he couldn't pass you. If he was driving along and saw somebody with a flat wheel, Martin would have to stop."

Tributes have been paid to Martin by friends on social media. A pal who grew up near him wrote on Facebook: "Martin, one of the good guys, taken far too soon in this tragic incident on Friday.

Authorities are currently treating the incident as a "tragic accident" (REUTERS/ Trevor McBride)

"Can't stop thinking about Mary and the rest of the family as I grew up just a few doors away from the McGill's, and was good friends with his sisters.

"I'll always have such fond memories of his cheeky character, such a lovely, friendly guy. Rest in peace, Martin."

Another friend added: "Heartbreaking...so many great memories, an absolute gem of a guy - a gentle giant with a heart of gold. RIP Marty. Thoughts and prayers with all the family."

The explosion has also brought in tributes from other Scots who spent time in the village.

Lawrence Donegan, a Glaswegian native who lived in Creeslough for some time, tweeted: "Heartbreaking to read about the explosion in Cresslough, Donegal. It's such a special place. Please pray to your God for all the families involved."

The nine other people who died alongside Martin were: Catherine O'Donnell, 39, and her 14-year-old son James Monaghan; Robert Garwe, 50, and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe; 14-year-old Leona Harper; Jessica Gallagher, 24; James O’Flaherty, 48; Martina Martin, 49, and 59-year-old Hugh Kelly.

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