RESOLUTION OF SPANISH STUDENTS INSPIRES AHERN
Resolution of Spanish students inspires Ahern
By Ciaran McGuigan
TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern said yesterday Saturday's atrocity in Omagh was the darkest day of his term, but added he was determined the peace process would not be derailed.
Mr Ahern was speaking after visiting the homes of the three young Buncrana boys who were among the 28 killed in the 500lb car bomb blast.
Mr Ahern also visited the local school which two of the boys, Shaun McLaughlin and Oran Doherty, attended and spoke to visiting Spanish students who are to complete their course despite losing one of their classmates and their teacher.
Speaking after first visiting the home of James Barker's parents, Victor and Donna-Marie, Mr Ahern, who prayed beside the 12-year- old's coffin, said he was extremely shocked and saddened.
He said: "Mr Barker was explaining to me why they had moved here. He was talking to me about the Good Friday agreement and how they were so happy that that seemed as if it was the end of it all.
"They are devastated but he is very grateful to all the local people here. The family is really appreciative of the support they have got from the entire neighbourhood here.
"I gave my sympathies on behalf of the Irish government and assured them that we were doing all that we could to try and bring all of this to an end - but respecting that the terrible tragedy for them, and the price that they have paid, that nothing will ever correct that for them."
The students from Madrid told Mr Ahern they will not be deterred by Saturday's tragedy and will remain in Buncrana until the end of next week.
The taoiseach echoed their determined attitude by saying that the peace process would not be derailed by the attack.
After comforting the students he said: "It is horrendous but funny in a strange way that each one of them said that they did not want to give up on their study programme and would see it through.
"In much the same way, we cannot allow ourselves to be put off by what has happened and must continue to ensure that the peace process succeeds."
Rocio Abad Ramos (24) died along with one of her pupils, Fernando Blasco Baselga (12) when they were caught in the blast.
Yesterday, the students received counselling at the Scoil Iosagain where they are being taught.
Head of the group, Paule Helguew said that all but one of her pupils was determined to stay and the group would try to restart their lessons after today's funerals.
"We are going to complete the course as best we can, within the limits of what has happened.
"All of the students want to stay - only the injured have gone home and one other boy who went home with his injured cousin.
"It was a very tremendous shock - it has been overwhelming. But the students are all receiving counselling and the support from the families and the school here has been great."
This is the tenth year of the exchange programme but the organisers are determined it will not be the last.
Ms Helguew continued: "I understand the devastating effects of what has happened but I will always come back to Donegal and will continue with the exchange programme."
The principal of Scoil Iosagain, Sinead McLaughlin, revealed how the trip to Omagh had been the highlight of the previous years' exchanges.
"The students always loved the folk park and each year they looked forward to visiting it and then going on into Omagh to shop.
"Omagh was always a lovely small town and no-one could ever have expected something like this to happen."
The exchange students will join pupils from Scoil Iosagain in a guard of honour at today's funerals.
By Ciaran McGuigan
TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern said yesterday Saturday's atrocity in Omagh was the darkest day of his term, but added he was determined the peace process would not be derailed.
Mr Ahern was speaking after visiting the homes of the three young Buncrana boys who were among the 28 killed in the 500lb car bomb blast.
Mr Ahern also visited the local school which two of the boys, Shaun McLaughlin and Oran Doherty, attended and spoke to visiting Spanish students who are to complete their course despite losing one of their classmates and their teacher.
Speaking after first visiting the home of James Barker's parents, Victor and Donna-Marie, Mr Ahern, who prayed beside the 12-year- old's coffin, said he was extremely shocked and saddened.
He said: "Mr Barker was explaining to me why they had moved here. He was talking to me about the Good Friday agreement and how they were so happy that that seemed as if it was the end of it all.
"They are devastated but he is very grateful to all the local people here. The family is really appreciative of the support they have got from the entire neighbourhood here.
"I gave my sympathies on behalf of the Irish government and assured them that we were doing all that we could to try and bring all of this to an end - but respecting that the terrible tragedy for them, and the price that they have paid, that nothing will ever correct that for them."
The students from Madrid told Mr Ahern they will not be deterred by Saturday's tragedy and will remain in Buncrana until the end of next week.
The taoiseach echoed their determined attitude by saying that the peace process would not be derailed by the attack.
After comforting the students he said: "It is horrendous but funny in a strange way that each one of them said that they did not want to give up on their study programme and would see it through.
"In much the same way, we cannot allow ourselves to be put off by what has happened and must continue to ensure that the peace process succeeds."
Rocio Abad Ramos (24) died along with one of her pupils, Fernando Blasco Baselga (12) when they were caught in the blast.
Yesterday, the students received counselling at the Scoil Iosagain where they are being taught.
Head of the group, Paule Helguew said that all but one of her pupils was determined to stay and the group would try to restart their lessons after today's funerals.
"We are going to complete the course as best we can, within the limits of what has happened.
"All of the students want to stay - only the injured have gone home and one other boy who went home with his injured cousin.
"It was a very tremendous shock - it has been overwhelming. But the students are all receiving counselling and the support from the families and the school here has been great."
This is the tenth year of the exchange programme but the organisers are determined it will not be the last.
Ms Helguew continued: "I understand the devastating effects of what has happened but I will always come back to Donegal and will continue with the exchange programme."
The principal of Scoil Iosagain, Sinead McLaughlin, revealed how the trip to Omagh had been the highlight of the previous years' exchanges.
"The students always loved the folk park and each year they looked forward to visiting it and then going on into Omagh to shop.
"Omagh was always a lovely small town and no-one could ever have expected something like this to happen."
The exchange students will join pupils from Scoil Iosagain in a guard of honour at today's funerals.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0075
Published Date: 19-Aug-98
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