TEARS FOR A BRIGHT HAPPY MOTHER
Tears for a 'bright happy' mother
By Rosie Cowan
THE Omagh bomb unleashed a "fierce determination" for people to stand together as a community, mourners at the funeral of Ann McCombe were told.
The mother-of-two, whom husband Stanley described as his "best friend". The couple had celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary in June.
Mr McCombe and his sons, Colan( 18) and 22-year-old Clive led hundreds of mourners at today's funeral.
Mrs McCombe (48) and colleagues, Veda Short and Geraldine Breslin, died in Watterson's Drapery Store, where they worked. Another member of staff lost a leg and is still seriously ill in Altnagelvin Hospital.
Mrs McCombe the last of the Omagh bomb's 28 victims, was laid to rest beside the quiet country church where she sang in the choir.
A private service was held at the family home in Summerhill Park, Omagh, before the cortege travelled several miles to Mountjoy Presbyterian Church on Castletown Road.
The Rev Ian Mairs said the bomb was an offence against the community which had evoked a powerful response from the community.
"'Undoubtedly designed to drive a wedge through this community, I believe time alone will show this was the decisive act in unleashing a fierce determination from the people of Omagh to stand together as a community," said Mr Mains.
"I believe, as never before that there exists a corporate will to work together to build community under the mantle of the new political structures, which the vast majority of the decent, God-fearing, peace loving people of this island of Ireland have voted for.
"We must commit ourselves to resist, and actively pray against, the activities of the demonic minority who are hell bent on destroying us, our loved ones, our community, our island, and our future".
He paid tribute to Mrs McCombe as "a genuinely friendly and caring person" and a "bright, positive, happy character" with a "radiant beauty of spirit" who was always there to help those in trouble.
The minister also praised the work of hospital staff, military personnel, the RUC, the local community and all those who had tried to help and bring comfort in the aftermath of the bomb.
By Rosie Cowan
THE Omagh bomb unleashed a "fierce determination" for people to stand together as a community, mourners at the funeral of Ann McCombe were told.
The mother-of-two, whom husband Stanley described as his "best friend". The couple had celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary in June.
Mr McCombe and his sons, Colan( 18) and 22-year-old Clive led hundreds of mourners at today's funeral.
Mrs McCombe (48) and colleagues, Veda Short and Geraldine Breslin, died in Watterson's Drapery Store, where they worked. Another member of staff lost a leg and is still seriously ill in Altnagelvin Hospital.
Mrs McCombe the last of the Omagh bomb's 28 victims, was laid to rest beside the quiet country church where she sang in the choir.
A private service was held at the family home in Summerhill Park, Omagh, before the cortege travelled several miles to Mountjoy Presbyterian Church on Castletown Road.
The Rev Ian Mairs said the bomb was an offence against the community which had evoked a powerful response from the community.
"'Undoubtedly designed to drive a wedge through this community, I believe time alone will show this was the decisive act in unleashing a fierce determination from the people of Omagh to stand together as a community," said Mr Mains.
"I believe, as never before that there exists a corporate will to work together to build community under the mantle of the new political structures, which the vast majority of the decent, God-fearing, peace loving people of this island of Ireland have voted for.
"We must commit ourselves to resist, and actively pray against, the activities of the demonic minority who are hell bent on destroying us, our loved ones, our community, our island, and our future".
He paid tribute to Mrs McCombe as "a genuinely friendly and caring person" and a "bright, positive, happy character" with a "radiant beauty of spirit" who was always there to help those in trouble.
The minister also praised the work of hospital staff, military personnel, the RUC, the local community and all those who had tried to help and bring comfort in the aftermath of the bomb.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0154
Published Date: 21-Aug-98
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.