I NEVER GO PAST THE SPOT WHERE THE BOMB WAS
I never go past the spot where the bomb was'
Mick Grimes lost three generations of his family
BY VICTORIA O'HARA
MICK Grimes, who lost three generations of his family in the Omagh bomb, said he may not be able to bring himself to attend today's memorial service.
Ten years ago his wife Mary, daughter Avril who was pregnant with twins, and granddaughter Maura were killed in the 5001b Real IRA blast.
They were among the 29 people and Avril's two unborn babies, named Evelyn and Eimear,
who died that day in 1998.
A coroner at an inquest into their deaths said he could not remember any family suffering such a loss in the history of the Troubles.
Since the bomb, Mick has not been able to walk past the spot of the explosion. Today a commemorative service will be held in the town centre which will officially open a memorial garden. But the date also marks the birthday of his wife.
"Some of the other family I think will go to the memorial on the 15th but I can't guarantee I will go," he said. "I have to see how I feel on the day," he said. "I was never past the spot where the bomb was. I ignore that part of the town.
"The whole thing just changed in a day. One minute everything is right, then the next everything is in turmoil. Memories are vague at that."
Mick was at home when the 500lb car bomb exploded in the heart of the town.
"I was in the house when I heard a bang, it sounded like a bomb."
He waited for news from his wife but the car never drove back to the house.
"No words could describe the feeling of helplessness that set in as we watched and waited for the car to return," he said.
However Mick said he has wonderful memories of his wife.
"Mary was an exceptionally good person with children. She loved children and she only saw good in any child. I think Avril had the same touch with children."
Mick also remains reluctant to hold onto bitterness for the horrific tragedy he experienced.
"Nothing will change the situation. There is no point in dwelling. I just have to get on with my life and carry on."
Memories of his life with Mary are part of a book Mick wrote to commemorate the 10th anniversary and what would have been her 75th birthday.
Mick Grimes lost three generations of his family
BY VICTORIA O'HARA
MICK Grimes, who lost three generations of his family in the Omagh bomb, said he may not be able to bring himself to attend today's memorial service.
Ten years ago his wife Mary, daughter Avril who was pregnant with twins, and granddaughter Maura were killed in the 5001b Real IRA blast.
They were among the 29 people and Avril's two unborn babies, named Evelyn and Eimear,
who died that day in 1998.
A coroner at an inquest into their deaths said he could not remember any family suffering such a loss in the history of the Troubles.
Since the bomb, Mick has not been able to walk past the spot of the explosion. Today a commemorative service will be held in the town centre which will officially open a memorial garden. But the date also marks the birthday of his wife.
"Some of the other family I think will go to the memorial on the 15th but I can't guarantee I will go," he said. "I have to see how I feel on the day," he said. "I was never past the spot where the bomb was. I ignore that part of the town.
"The whole thing just changed in a day. One minute everything is right, then the next everything is in turmoil. Memories are vague at that."
Mick was at home when the 500lb car bomb exploded in the heart of the town.
"I was in the house when I heard a bang, it sounded like a bomb."
He waited for news from his wife but the car never drove back to the house.
"No words could describe the feeling of helplessness that set in as we watched and waited for the car to return," he said.
However Mick said he has wonderful memories of his wife.
"Mary was an exceptionally good person with children. She loved children and she only saw good in any child. I think Avril had the same touch with children."
Mick also remains reluctant to hold onto bitterness for the horrific tragedy he experienced.
"Nothing will change the situation. There is no point in dwelling. I just have to get on with my life and carry on."
Memories of his life with Mary are part of a book Mick wrote to commemorate the 10th anniversary and what would have been her 75th birthday.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT10An/28
Published Date: 15-Aug-08
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