US ATTACK 'WAS PAINFUL REMINDER OF OMAGH'
US attack 'was painful reminder of Omagh'
By Kevin Hurley
THE a father of an Omagh bombing victim spoke today of the "total horror" he felt as he witnessed the double terrorist strike on the Twin Towers in New York. Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Adrian in the horrific bombing of August 15, 1998, said the double terrorist attack on the buildings brought back memories of the day the bomb exploded, killing 29 people.
"When I saw attack on the two buildings, it brought memories flooding back of the day my son died and I was filled of a feeling of immense sadness," he said. "As I saw the ball of flames rise from the towers, I recalled seeing the ball of smoke rising after the bomb went off and realised it was Adrian's last breath. "And as the two planes crashed, I felt - as I had that day - that numerous people had lost their lives in one single act." The Omagh man welcomed the US government's backlash - now taking place - against terrorism and hoped it would also involve a clampdown on Ulster's terror groups.
Since the horrific tragedy of 1998, he said, evidence shows the Real IRA and other groups have "worryingly" grown in strength and continued to add weapons to their arsenal. Evidence exists showing the Real IRA, who planted the Omagh bomb, has continued to import arms.
And a US State Department report last year also highlighted suspicions the group's membership may have doubled since the Omagh tragedy.
Mr Gallagher said such evidence underlined the need for the measures expected from the US.
"I truly welcome this move and support the American government's response to Irish and Arab, Christian and Muslim terrorism," he said.
"There is no difference between them, as the ones who suffer are usually innocent people.
"It's a worrying development that we have seen terrorist groups in Northern Ireland continue to train their staff in the art of murder, fund-raise abroad and import their weaponry."
He added: "There is no doubt all international terrorist groups have links, so I welcome the fact the US government is to clamp down on all groups, including those still operating in Ulster.
"It illustrates the importance of preventing these groups from developing and offering each other support even though they are poles apart across the world."
The Support Justice for Omagh Group have begun proceedings against those suspected of planting the Omagh bomb and are accepting donations in any branch of the Bank of Ireland: sort code 905002; account number 30790971.
By Kevin Hurley
THE a father of an Omagh bombing victim spoke today of the "total horror" he felt as he witnessed the double terrorist strike on the Twin Towers in New York. Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Adrian in the horrific bombing of August 15, 1998, said the double terrorist attack on the buildings brought back memories of the day the bomb exploded, killing 29 people.
"When I saw attack on the two buildings, it brought memories flooding back of the day my son died and I was filled of a feeling of immense sadness," he said. "As I saw the ball of flames rise from the towers, I recalled seeing the ball of smoke rising after the bomb went off and realised it was Adrian's last breath. "And as the two planes crashed, I felt - as I had that day - that numerous people had lost their lives in one single act." The Omagh man welcomed the US government's backlash - now taking place - against terrorism and hoped it would also involve a clampdown on Ulster's terror groups.
Since the horrific tragedy of 1998, he said, evidence shows the Real IRA and other groups have "worryingly" grown in strength and continued to add weapons to their arsenal. Evidence exists showing the Real IRA, who planted the Omagh bomb, has continued to import arms.
And a US State Department report last year also highlighted suspicions the group's membership may have doubled since the Omagh tragedy.
Mr Gallagher said such evidence underlined the need for the measures expected from the US.
"I truly welcome this move and support the American government's response to Irish and Arab, Christian and Muslim terrorism," he said.
"There is no difference between them, as the ones who suffer are usually innocent people.
"It's a worrying development that we have seen terrorist groups in Northern Ireland continue to train their staff in the art of murder, fund-raise abroad and import their weaponry."
He added: "There is no doubt all international terrorist groups have links, so I welcome the fact the US government is to clamp down on all groups, including those still operating in Ulster.
"It illustrates the importance of preventing these groups from developing and offering each other support even though they are poles apart across the world."
The Support Justice for Omagh Group have begun proceedings against those suspected of planting the Omagh bomb and are accepting donations in any branch of the Bank of Ireland: sort code 905002; account number 30790971.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0784
Published Date: 21-Sep-01
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