DRUMBEAT SIGNALS TIME FOR REFLECTION
Drumbeat signals time for reflection
By Enda McClafferty
WITH the single beat of a bodhran, life in Buncrana ground to a halt.
For the next minute a wall of silence fell over the seaside resort as thousands gathered to reflect on what was the darkest chapter in the town's history.
The moment - 12 months ago to the day - when a single bang brought life to a sudden stop for three local schoolchildren and two visiting Spanish students.
It was a fitting act of remembrance for the moment nobody in the town will forget.
Throughout the silence school friends of the victims, who had been performing a mime, froze in position.
It was a further visual reminder, if any was needed, of how the lives of their young pals were frozen in time.
At 3.11pm the minute's silence ended and the service to remember the five victims - James Barker (12), Sean McLaughlin (12), Oran Doherty (8), Fernando Blasco Baselga (12), Rocio Abad Ramos (23) - resumed.
The young mime actors and actresses also resumed their roles in the short production entitled Requerdos - Spanish for remembrance.
Watched by a crowd of up to 3,000 people, the group - many of whom had been in Omagh on the day of the bomb - gave their performance in Spanish and English.
The mime set the tone for what was to follow - a mixture of music and prayer interlaced with moving tributes to all five victims.
Many people wept openly as each of the three bereaved local families took it in turn to read out treasured memories of their loved ones.
First up was Amanda Doherty, sister of Oran Doherty.
Choking back tears, she described her little brother as their "brief rainbow".
"You entered our lives Oran and stayed for just a short precious time, she said.
"Nonetheless the memories of those moments when you blessed us with delight and joy, beauty and gentleness, happiness and sunlight, are treasured memories of us."
Gerry Toye, uncle of Sean McLaughlin, was next to address the crowd.
Reading a tribute written by neighbours and friends of his young nephew, he said: "Shaun's name and smile will leave us never while those who killed him may have to perish forever. He is gone from our lives but not our hearts."
James Barker's father Victor also read out a short prayer he wrote for his son.
In it he thanked God for the joy and happiness that James brought in to their lives. He also thanked God for the year of "happiness and fulfilment" that James, enjoyed living in Buncrana.
"For our memories of him which will never fade, until we see him again safe in your arms, we praise and thank your name O Lord," he said.
There was also an emotional message read out by Paula Mahon, the leader of the Spanish exchange students.
With tears in her eyes and her voice breaking, she thanked the people of Buncrana for their "kindness, love and care."
"We are back in Ireland a year after with hope in our hearts for peace in this land and in our own country. We pray that links between Buncrana and Spain will remain as strong and never to be broken, she said.
A friend of one of the Spanish victims, Femado Blasco, also took part in the service.
She, along with other friends of the bereaved held aloft dove-shaped candles, which were then lit on stage.
Local priest Fr Shane Bradley, who is originally from Omagh and who played a key role in the recovery process in Buncrana, reflected on the past year.
He recalled the pain and anguish endured by the victims' families in the hours after the bombing.
And he also spoke of the heartache felt by the Spanish families.
"They were here to learn the English language and instead their families have been forced to learn the language of the Irish troubles"
He added;"We all have memories we would rather forget but some have no choice as they face an empty chair and unused bed and as others live with the scars, physical and emotional.
"There have been too many days like a year ago today forgotten or ignored, overshadowed by the next brutal tragedy."
The service concluded with a special message to the people of Omagh.
It ended: "life can be found after death, however brutal. We remember you always. Please remember us".
By Enda McClafferty
WITH the single beat of a bodhran, life in Buncrana ground to a halt.
For the next minute a wall of silence fell over the seaside resort as thousands gathered to reflect on what was the darkest chapter in the town's history.
The moment - 12 months ago to the day - when a single bang brought life to a sudden stop for three local schoolchildren and two visiting Spanish students.
It was a fitting act of remembrance for the moment nobody in the town will forget.
Throughout the silence school friends of the victims, who had been performing a mime, froze in position.
It was a further visual reminder, if any was needed, of how the lives of their young pals were frozen in time.
At 3.11pm the minute's silence ended and the service to remember the five victims - James Barker (12), Sean McLaughlin (12), Oran Doherty (8), Fernando Blasco Baselga (12), Rocio Abad Ramos (23) - resumed.
The young mime actors and actresses also resumed their roles in the short production entitled Requerdos - Spanish for remembrance.
Watched by a crowd of up to 3,000 people, the group - many of whom had been in Omagh on the day of the bomb - gave their performance in Spanish and English.
The mime set the tone for what was to follow - a mixture of music and prayer interlaced with moving tributes to all five victims.
Many people wept openly as each of the three bereaved local families took it in turn to read out treasured memories of their loved ones.
First up was Amanda Doherty, sister of Oran Doherty.
Choking back tears, she described her little brother as their "brief rainbow".
"You entered our lives Oran and stayed for just a short precious time, she said.
"Nonetheless the memories of those moments when you blessed us with delight and joy, beauty and gentleness, happiness and sunlight, are treasured memories of us."
Gerry Toye, uncle of Sean McLaughlin, was next to address the crowd.
Reading a tribute written by neighbours and friends of his young nephew, he said: "Shaun's name and smile will leave us never while those who killed him may have to perish forever. He is gone from our lives but not our hearts."
James Barker's father Victor also read out a short prayer he wrote for his son.
In it he thanked God for the joy and happiness that James brought in to their lives. He also thanked God for the year of "happiness and fulfilment" that James, enjoyed living in Buncrana.
"For our memories of him which will never fade, until we see him again safe in your arms, we praise and thank your name O Lord," he said.
There was also an emotional message read out by Paula Mahon, the leader of the Spanish exchange students.
With tears in her eyes and her voice breaking, she thanked the people of Buncrana for their "kindness, love and care."
"We are back in Ireland a year after with hope in our hearts for peace in this land and in our own country. We pray that links between Buncrana and Spain will remain as strong and never to be broken, she said.
A friend of one of the Spanish victims, Femado Blasco, also took part in the service.
She, along with other friends of the bereaved held aloft dove-shaped candles, which were then lit on stage.
Local priest Fr Shane Bradley, who is originally from Omagh and who played a key role in the recovery process in Buncrana, reflected on the past year.
He recalled the pain and anguish endured by the victims' families in the hours after the bombing.
And he also spoke of the heartache felt by the Spanish families.
"They were here to learn the English language and instead their families have been forced to learn the language of the Irish troubles"
He added;"We all have memories we would rather forget but some have no choice as they face an empty chair and unused bed and as others live with the scars, physical and emotional.
"There have been too many days like a year ago today forgotten or ignored, overshadowed by the next brutal tragedy."
The service concluded with a special message to the people of Omagh.
It ended: "life can be found after death, however brutal. We remember you always. Please remember us".
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0600
Published Date: 16-Aug-99
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