Irish Mail on Sunday apologises for Buncrana pier ‘interview’

Newspaper claimed it had secured an exclusive interview with Louise James

The Irish Mail on Sunday has issued an apology over an "interview" with Louise James, who lost five family members in the Buncrana pier tragedy in March.

Ms James complained to the paper that she never consented to an interview.

Her partner Seán McGrotty, sons Mark (12) and Evan (8), mother Ruth Daniels and sister Jodi-Lee (14) drowned when the family's Audi jeep slid on algae on the slipway at Buncrana pier last month.

Ms James' four-month-old baby Rioghnach-Ann was rescued from the sinking vehicle by Donegal man Davitt Walsh.

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Last weekend the Irish Mail on Sunday claimed it had secured an exclusive interview with Ms James.

However, on page two of today’s Irish edition, the newspaper apologised: “Last Sunday, we published an article quoting from Louise James, who had lost her partner, mother, sister and two sons in the Buncrana tragedy.

“We wish to make it clear that Louise understood that she was speaking to our reporter in a purely private capacity and had not consented to being interviewed. She did not wish to give interviews to any media outlets.

“We are happy to make this clear and to apologise to Louise and her family for the upset caused.”

Damian Cullen

Damian Cullen

Damian Cullen is Health & Family Editor of The Irish Times