¡Viva Espana! Spain are world champions, wasn’t it great to see the euphoria and celebrations for the winning team. It’s amazing that sport can reduce grown men to tears of joy and sorrow.

Earlier on Sunday I watched the Leinster football final. I must admit, it was all very unfair how little Louth had the cup snatched from them. They say that the referee is always right, mind you in fairness the ref later admitted he had made a mistake with that controversial goal.

At the time of writing it looks like Louth will have to wait another year to have a crack at a Leinster title, unless the Meath county board behave like good sports and agree to a replay.

Hopefully Louth will come back all the more determined to lift the cup next year. Besides that I thought Spain deserved their World Cup win. It would be a good year to have a holiday there as the Spanish will celebrate from now to Christmas.

Tragically we woke on Monday morning to learn the sad news that eight Donegal men were killed in an horrific car crash on their way to Buncrana. The dead were a man of 65 travelling home alone after a bingo session and seven young men, all under the age of 25 years, who were just after watching the World Cup final and all crammed into the one care to avoid drinking and driving.

Inishowen has lost more than enough sons and daughters to road deaths in recent years and my heart goes out to their families at a time of such grief and loss.

I know these roads well. Buncrana is just 13 miles from Derry and was our seaside resort. As children we used to go there on holidays. It’s a typical small town where everyone is on first name terms with the local shop keeper, it is a tight-knit community, very friendly and really lovely people.

Inishowen is one of the most scenic and unspoilt places in the country. But it is a place in mourning now. My heart is sore for a community that Derry people know so well.

Words could not begin to ease the grief of those whose families have been torn asunder. Parents should not have to bury their children.

Sunday 11th July 2010 will be remembered throughout the world by many people. Some will have happy memories but the good people of Inishowen will reflect on their loss.

You might just take a bit of time to think of all the lives that are lost on our roads. We should all take a little more care with our driving. Meanwhile our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Inishowen as they prepare to bury their dead.