Shock has been expressed in Clare, and throughout the world, in the aftermath of the Manchester terror attack.
Islamic State is claiming that one of its members detonated the improvised device which killed 22 people, and injured dozens more, some of them critically.
Police have have confirmed the attacker was killed, and have arrested a man as they try to piece together what happened.
Clare FM’s Gavin Grace reports:
Earlier, Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre was evacuated amid reports of a loud bang, which is thought to be a controlled explosion.
A man was arrested, but police don’t believe it’s linked with last night’s attack at the nearby Arena.
Here, a book of condolance has been opened at Áras Contae an Cháir, in solidarity with the victims of the attacks.
Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill was there:
A “Senseless, Callous and Barbaric attack” on the people of Manchester and the UK.
The words of the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council as he opened a book of condolance at Áras Contae and Chláir today.
Councillor Bill Chambers is expressing his deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured in what he’s described as an incident that is nothing short of unbelievable.
Newmarket on Fergus Councillor Pat McMahon’s son is living in Manchester with his wife and newborn baby.
Pat says like many others, he spent the night awake, and in fear, that something may have happened to his family.
Karen Fennessey, is orignally from Newcastle in the UK but has been living in Clare for almost two decades.
She’s urging other parents not to let incidents like this dictate how they live their lives.
The book of condolance will be open at Áras Contae and Chláir from 9am to 5pm each week day and once closed will be delivered to the Office of the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.
Carol Hands, who is originally from Birmingham says it was important for her to sign the book to show a united front against terrorism.
