Video: Vigil held in Ballyclare for victims of Paris attacks

Paddy Kelly (left) and Jordan Greer (right) with Miya, Faye and Alex McCalmont at the 'Prayers for Paris' vigil in Ballyclare. INNT 47-504-SO

The people of Ballyclare have come together to remember those killed in last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris.

More than 120 people died and dozens more were injured when Islamic extremists carried out bomb and gun attacks at seven locations across the French capital on Friday night.

Around 100 people gathered in The Square on Monday evening (November 16) for the Prayers for Paris event, which was led by Rev Robert Bell from Ballyclare Presbyterian Church and representatives of several other local churches.

“We are glad that so many people gathered here in Ballyclare. There is not a lot we can do to help the people in Paris, but we can express our sympathy and our concern. We are able to stand together and show our abhorrence of violence and our desire that people would live together in God’s world in peace and harmony,” Rev Bell said.

Event organiser, Councillor David Arthurs was pleased with how the event had been received by the local community.

“The event has been attended really well and I am pleased that the people of Ballyclare came out to show their support for the people who have been affected in Paris. There is clear anger and disgust at what has happened in Paris, and tonight shows that as a community we are behind Paris,” Cllr Arthurs explained.

On Tuesday evening (November 17), dozens of people braved the wet weather to attend a candlelit vigil at The Diamond in Rathcoole.