MOURNERS TOLD OF SEA OF GRIEF
Mourners told of 'sea of grief'
By Jonathan Turner
in Sixmilecross
OMAGH has been hurled into a "sea of grief by the bomb which blew the heart out of the town, mourners at the funeral of one of Saturday's victims heard yesterday.
Sunday school teacher Esther Gibson (36) was laid to rest at Sixmilecross Free Presbyterian Church, a few miles outside the town where she died.
Free Presbyterian moderator and DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley told mourners the government had failed in its duty to the public.
"They have forfeited under God their rights to government by their actions," he said.
"Into a great sea of grief Omagh and its people have been cruelly hurled.
"The waves and billows of extreme agony have overwhelmed this town and further afield.
"Many today weep but they do not weep for themselves, they weep for others."
Mr Paisley said there was no difference between those who died or were injured, no matter what their religion or political views.
"Their tears are the same tears," he said.
"There is no difference between a broken mother's heart when she is a Roman Catholic than when she is a Protestant or a Mormon."
Mr Paisley paid tribute to Miss Gibson, her parents William and Nora, her brothers and sisters and fiancee Kenneth Hawkes.
Earlier Rev William Leonard had said there was "only one Esther Gibson.
"I am sure that is the sentiment of her family, of Kenneth and her friends.
"You can be sure that is the sentiment of this congregation here today," he said.
Rev Leonard described Esther's work with the church's Sunday school, praising her for her organisational skills and positive attitude.
He said her Sunday school work for the next few weeks had been ready in her room when she had died.
"Books and tokens of appreciation and encouragement which she gave to the children were laid out for them," he said.
He added about her: "What you saw of Esther, what you heard of Esther, was what she was.
"She shared her feelings and her faith. She was one who was straightforward and had a heart of gold."
Hundreds of mourners stood outside the small church in the rain, listening to the service through a loudspeaker.
Afterwards Ms Gibson was buried in the adjoining churchyard.
By Jonathan Turner
in Sixmilecross
OMAGH has been hurled into a "sea of grief by the bomb which blew the heart out of the town, mourners at the funeral of one of Saturday's victims heard yesterday.
Sunday school teacher Esther Gibson (36) was laid to rest at Sixmilecross Free Presbyterian Church, a few miles outside the town where she died.
Free Presbyterian moderator and DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley told mourners the government had failed in its duty to the public.
"They have forfeited under God their rights to government by their actions," he said.
"Into a great sea of grief Omagh and its people have been cruelly hurled.
"The waves and billows of extreme agony have overwhelmed this town and further afield.
"Many today weep but they do not weep for themselves, they weep for others."
Mr Paisley said there was no difference between those who died or were injured, no matter what their religion or political views.
"Their tears are the same tears," he said.
"There is no difference between a broken mother's heart when she is a Roman Catholic than when she is a Protestant or a Mormon."
Mr Paisley paid tribute to Miss Gibson, her parents William and Nora, her brothers and sisters and fiancee Kenneth Hawkes.
Earlier Rev William Leonard had said there was "only one Esther Gibson.
"I am sure that is the sentiment of her family, of Kenneth and her friends.
"You can be sure that is the sentiment of this congregation here today," he said.
Rev Leonard described Esther's work with the church's Sunday school, praising her for her organisational skills and positive attitude.
He said her Sunday school work for the next few weeks had been ready in her room when she had died.
"Books and tokens of appreciation and encouragement which she gave to the children were laid out for them," he said.
He added about her: "What you saw of Esther, what you heard of Esther, was what she was.
"She shared her feelings and her faith. She was one who was straightforward and had a heart of gold."
Hundreds of mourners stood outside the small church in the rain, listening to the service through a loudspeaker.
Afterwards Ms Gibson was buried in the adjoining churchyard.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0143
Published Date: 21-Aug-98
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