COMMUNITY SHOCKED BY OMAGH BOMB
Community is shocked by Omagh bomb
By Suzanne Rodgers
Messages of sympathy have been pouring in for the victims of the Omagh bomb atrocity.
Yesterday hundreds of people stood for two minutes silence at the Guildhall square in a united expression of grief.
And organisers of the Feile an Chreagain festival are considering curtailing its August events.
In his address to the crowd gathered on the field, Feile an Chreagain chairman Gerry McLaughlin said: "Everyone is still coming to terms with the enormity of the situation as we continue to hear reports coming in.
"A book of condolences will be made available in Creggan for those wishing to add their names in sympathy to those killed and bereaved."
As well as the minutes silence, concert events were curtailed as a mark of respect.
Feile director Mary Crumley said: "Our committee had a difficult decision to make regarding whether to go ahead with our concert or not. We decided to proceed but with limitations in an attempt to express our heartfelt sympathy for those suffering.
"Feile an Chraigain's August programme is currently under review by our committee. An announcement will be made as soon as possible regarding events scheduled for this week in light of the current terrible situation."
Omagh district branch of Almalgamated Transport and General Workers Union issued a statement expressing shock and horror at the deaths.
It added: " In tribute to those dead and injured we must redouble our efforts at building peace. The extremists who promise nothing but more misery and death must not be allowed to use this massacre to destroy hope in our community at this sad time for all of us."
The Derry City Hungerstrikers Commemoration Committee postponed its planned commemoration for Mickey Devine on Sunday.
In a statement a spokesman said: "We felt that by going ahead with a commemoration, so soon after the reckless bombing, would be inappropriate and insensitive. We send our condolences to all those who have been injured and to the families of those who were killed.
By Suzanne Rodgers
Messages of sympathy have been pouring in for the victims of the Omagh bomb atrocity.
Yesterday hundreds of people stood for two minutes silence at the Guildhall square in a united expression of grief.
And organisers of the Feile an Chreagain festival are considering curtailing its August events.
In his address to the crowd gathered on the field, Feile an Chreagain chairman Gerry McLaughlin said: "Everyone is still coming to terms with the enormity of the situation as we continue to hear reports coming in.
"A book of condolences will be made available in Creggan for those wishing to add their names in sympathy to those killed and bereaved."
As well as the minutes silence, concert events were curtailed as a mark of respect.
Feile director Mary Crumley said: "Our committee had a difficult decision to make regarding whether to go ahead with our concert or not. We decided to proceed but with limitations in an attempt to express our heartfelt sympathy for those suffering.
"Feile an Chraigain's August programme is currently under review by our committee. An announcement will be made as soon as possible regarding events scheduled for this week in light of the current terrible situation."
Omagh district branch of Almalgamated Transport and General Workers Union issued a statement expressing shock and horror at the deaths.
It added: " In tribute to those dead and injured we must redouble our efforts at building peace. The extremists who promise nothing but more misery and death must not be allowed to use this massacre to destroy hope in our community at this sad time for all of us."
The Derry City Hungerstrikers Commemoration Committee postponed its planned commemoration for Mickey Devine on Sunday.
In a statement a spokesman said: "We felt that by going ahead with a commemoration, so soon after the reckless bombing, would be inappropriate and insensitive. We send our condolences to all those who have been injured and to the families of those who were killed.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0616
Published Date: 18-Aug-98
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