OMAGH APPEAL
Omagh appeal
POLICE INQUIRY: A picture to ponder
DESPITE close cross-border cooperation and countless man-hours of detective work, nobody has so far been made amenable for Northern Ireland's worst ever terrorist atrocity - the Omagh bomb of August 15. Exhaustive inquiries have been made on both sides of the border, and police now have a detailed picture of how the bomb was put together and transported to its target. But in spite of considerable help from the public, and a series of arrests both north and south, the culprits have regrettably managed to evade capture.
Today the RUC is launching a fresh appeal for assistance from the public. A dramatic photograph of the scene in Omagh's High Street moments before the bomb exploded has been issued to the media. The hope is that it will jog people's memories and provide that vital clue which will lead detectives towards the Real IRA gang.
The reality is that the police cannot solve this crime on their own. Someone, somewhere must know precisely who the bombers are. Others are evidently prepared to harbour those who carried out this dastardly crime. The public must come forward with any scrap of information which may help the detectives to bring those responsible to justice. Those who can help the security forces, but choose to remain silent, must examine their consciences.
This fresh focus on Omagh will inevitably revive memories for those who were caught up in the atrocity. As Christmas approaches, the pain will return for those who were injured, and for the families of those who were killed, Time can never completely heal the wounds, and the physical and emotional pain inflicted on so many people must never be forgotten. Yet the common bond of suffering which unites the victims must surely be a source of strength.
The community spirit in Omagh has set an example for people throughout Northern Ireland. Religious labels were forgotten as the town united in grief in the immediate aftermath of the bomb attack. Now that determination to show the bombers that they will not succeed in dividing the town has been translated into a widespread desire to produce some good out of the most evil of acts.
The Omagh appeal fund has been generously supported, throughout Northern Ireland and further afield. The visit to the town this week by boxers Frank Bruno and Barry McGuigan, among others, was just the latest example of a willingness by so many people to lend their support to efforts by the local community to rebuild itself.
But it is not just the great and the good who can make a contribution. The "Give a day to Omagh" campaign is designed to encourage ordinary people to spend a day in the market town in the run-up to Christmas. Choose to make the trip to Omagh and do your weekly shopping there. By supporting local traders, and having lunch in one of the restaurants, people can show tangible solidarity with a beleaguered town.
The passage of time should not be allowed to diminish the horror of what happened on that summer Saturday, but every support must be given to the town as it seeks to face the future. Omagh has shown itself to be a remarkable town, and many people have displayed incredible fortitude - as well as a remarkable capacity for forgiveness.
The best tribute to the victims will be if Omagh truly is the last car bomb attack in Northern Ireland. The peace process remains fragile, and many obstacles have yet to be overcome, not least of all decommissioning and police reform. Yet there is still a determination to turn a page in history, and for the people of the province, like those in Omagh, to work for the common good.
While nothing will bring back those who were killed, it will be of some recompense to the bereaved families if those responsible for their heartbreak are brought to justice. The RUC and Garda have toiled long and hard on behalf of this community - now they must be given every assistance from the public to bring their inquiries to a satisfactory conclusion.
POLICE INQUIRY: A picture to ponder
DESPITE close cross-border cooperation and countless man-hours of detective work, nobody has so far been made amenable for Northern Ireland's worst ever terrorist atrocity - the Omagh bomb of August 15. Exhaustive inquiries have been made on both sides of the border, and police now have a detailed picture of how the bomb was put together and transported to its target. But in spite of considerable help from the public, and a series of arrests both north and south, the culprits have regrettably managed to evade capture.
Today the RUC is launching a fresh appeal for assistance from the public. A dramatic photograph of the scene in Omagh's High Street moments before the bomb exploded has been issued to the media. The hope is that it will jog people's memories and provide that vital clue which will lead detectives towards the Real IRA gang.
The reality is that the police cannot solve this crime on their own. Someone, somewhere must know precisely who the bombers are. Others are evidently prepared to harbour those who carried out this dastardly crime. The public must come forward with any scrap of information which may help the detectives to bring those responsible to justice. Those who can help the security forces, but choose to remain silent, must examine their consciences.
This fresh focus on Omagh will inevitably revive memories for those who were caught up in the atrocity. As Christmas approaches, the pain will return for those who were injured, and for the families of those who were killed, Time can never completely heal the wounds, and the physical and emotional pain inflicted on so many people must never be forgotten. Yet the common bond of suffering which unites the victims must surely be a source of strength.
The community spirit in Omagh has set an example for people throughout Northern Ireland. Religious labels were forgotten as the town united in grief in the immediate aftermath of the bomb attack. Now that determination to show the bombers that they will not succeed in dividing the town has been translated into a widespread desire to produce some good out of the most evil of acts.
The Omagh appeal fund has been generously supported, throughout Northern Ireland and further afield. The visit to the town this week by boxers Frank Bruno and Barry McGuigan, among others, was just the latest example of a willingness by so many people to lend their support to efforts by the local community to rebuild itself.
But it is not just the great and the good who can make a contribution. The "Give a day to Omagh" campaign is designed to encourage ordinary people to spend a day in the market town in the run-up to Christmas. Choose to make the trip to Omagh and do your weekly shopping there. By supporting local traders, and having lunch in one of the restaurants, people can show tangible solidarity with a beleaguered town.
The passage of time should not be allowed to diminish the horror of what happened on that summer Saturday, but every support must be given to the town as it seeks to face the future. Omagh has shown itself to be a remarkable town, and many people have displayed incredible fortitude - as well as a remarkable capacity for forgiveness.
The best tribute to the victims will be if Omagh truly is the last car bomb attack in Northern Ireland. The peace process remains fragile, and many obstacles have yet to be overcome, not least of all decommissioning and police reform. Yet there is still a determination to turn a page in history, and for the people of the province, like those in Omagh, to work for the common good.
While nothing will bring back those who were killed, it will be of some recompense to the bereaved families if those responsible for their heartbreak are brought to justice. The RUC and Garda have toiled long and hard on behalf of this community - now they must be given every assistance from the public to bring their inquiries to a satisfactory conclusion.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0514
Published Date: 20-Nov-98
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